Cross Country squads smash records in fall

The men’s and women’s cross country teams had record-breaking seasons. Individuals set personal bests while others also set school records.
Leading the way for the women’s cross country team was Kacie Niemann. Niemann consistently finished first for the Bears in every race she competed in. Not only did she have an outstanding season for her team, but individually she also set many school records. After stellar performances from Niemann, when she wants to set records, she has one person to beat: herself.  She owns the top times for all of the women’s cross country team. Her performances this year proved she will only get better with time.
The highest finish for the women’s team was second place at their own Mercer Runfit Invitational. The women’s cross country team was not only led to success by individuals though. Consistent performances had to come from many different members of the team in order to progress throughout the season. Sammy Woller, Lena Hamvas, Christina Kivi and Kylen Hughes all gave consistent efforts throughout the season in order to help the team achieve its goals.
When men’s cross country was brought up, only two words should have come to mind. Sony Prosper. Prosper had an amazing season for the Bears. It was obvious that Prosper did not rest on his laurels over the summer break, because he came out firing on all cylinders. The sophomore sensation consistently came in first in every race he competed in as well.
The highest finish for the men’s team was first at the Mercer Runfit Invitational. Once again this was not an effort of one, but of an entire team. Jacob Law, Marc Kushinka, Chris Svidesskis Geremy Skeen, Kasib Abdullah and Andrew Weems all earned points for the team at some point to help the team to get where they were.
Overall, the season was successful for both men’s and women’s cross country. Almost every individual on both teams set a personal record, and they will be looking to take that momentum into next season in order to further build upon what is an already established foundation.
Unfortunately for the women’s team, they are losing several key runners and point earners going into next season. With this happening, there are obviously key roles that need to be filled when the team comes back next fall to compete. Junior captain Kacie Niemann has positive hopes for next year. “We are very strongly recruiting several girls that already have ties to other athletes on the team and seem very attracted to the school and our cross country program. The team will hopefully be much bigger next year, which will motivate everyone to work harder since we will all have to compete for a traveling spot.”