By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
While some sports have to wait until spring, things are looking up for the NRHEG High School cross country teams this fall.
“I think we have a strong team that has the chance to be competitive in our conference,” said third-year head coach Miles Otstot. “In addition to the returning runners that are returning, we have picked up a few athletes from volleyball and football, since they do not have seasons. I am hoping that they can help contribute to a strong team this year and are excited for this chance to be four-sport athletes.”
Returning on the boys’ side are seniors Daniel Nydegger, Gavin Anderson and Caden Riewer, junior Tyler Malkowsky and sophomore Conner Nelson. Nydegger was named most valuable runner and received first team all-conference honors. He finished second in the conference last year and will be looking for a conference championship this fall. Malakowsky was second team all-conference and most improved, Riewer honorable mention.
For the girls, junior Torri Vaale, sophomore Olivia Kofstad and freshman Annabelle Petsinger are back. Valle was most improved and made second team all-conference. Petsinger was also second team all-conference. The big loss on the girls’ squad is Mecaela Vaale, the fastest runner last year and also second team all-conference.
“There are a lot of unknowns going into the season,” said Otstot, who will be assisted by Larry Nydegger. “I am hoping that the boys and girls can continue to push the other teams for placing in the top two or three in the conference. I expect Daniel Nydegger to be pushing to win the conference as well. We have a team that has the potential to compete with most other teams in the conference, and I expect them to do so.
The key to success for the Panthers?
“It will be dependent on the mentality of the team,” said Otstot. “We have a lot of runners who are on the brink of being solid contributors and helping us elevate to competing for the top of the conference. If they come in the determination and work ethic to grow and improve throughout the season. We have the potential to have a great year. A lot depends on how the middle of our group progresses and what they can contribute to the team this year.”
As for conference favorites, Otstot said it’s extremely difficult to judge at this point.
“I expect the JWP/WEM girls to be competing for conference and are likely the favorite,” said the coach. “I believe the boys’ side is very wide open and I think both boys and girls could be potentially swung by the addition of new athletes this year that may not have normally participated.”