Racing to Victory

Student Reporter: Jordan Dykstra

History is in the making as Cedar Grove-Belgium cross country kicks off another season. This year’s team is made up of eleven girls and ten boys, which is the largest team that the school has had in a long time. Returning runners from last season include seniors Jordan Dykstra and Jackie Sopko, juniors Jessica Meinen, Liz Pritzl, Taylor Ansay, and Kelly DelPonte, and sophomores Joel Merritt, Erika Meinen, Marina Paul, Mary Asma, Joe Sopko and Richard Beabout. With many runners returning from last season, there are also many cross country newcomers. Joining the squad this year is senior Joe Bednarek, junior Josh Mulloy, sophomores Al Murphy and freshmen Kiera Depies, Alex Holle, Montana Zajac, Connor Novack, Joe Schuller and Brandon Krauska.

Already just a few meets into the season, both the girls and boys team have brought home hardware. At Kiel, the girls team finished first out of 14 teams. For the boys varsity race, Josh Mulloy took first place while Joel Merritt followed in second. Next at the Rocket Invite, the girls finished second and the boys took home the gold. At Sheboygan Lutheran Invite the boys team made a surprise attack and was second place out of 25 teams. The girls finished fourth at Lutheran. At Valders both the girls and boys team took home first place trophies. This was the first time in 31 years that both boys and girls teams took first at Valders. With only a few meets in and many more to go, Cedar Grove-Belgium Cross Country is improving every week, and their future looks promising.

When asked about the season, Jackie Sopko answered, “I don’t think there ever was a closer team than our cross country team is this year. I am truly enjoying this season and have a blast with the team.” Coach Wood added to this by saying, “Great cast of characters doing a great job of capitalizing on their talent. From famine to feast for the guys. Maintaining prominence for the gals.” This year’s race to state should be interesting with very talented boys and girls teams, so get out to a race this year to cheer on your Cedar Grove-Belgium Rockets Cross Country Team!