Team includes mix of newcomers, returning runners

By Greg Seubert

It didn’t take Manawa cross country coach Jackie Gast long to realize one of the strengths of her team.

“I am very excited that our runners came into this season well-conditioned and ready to start the season,” coach Jackie Gast said. “They clearly took our advice to run and stay healthy during the summer.”

The Wolves opened the season Aug. 27 at the Standing Rocks Invitational near Amherst and will again compete in the Central Wisconsin Conference.

The team includes a mix of returning runners and new faces.

“We have many returners and some new faces this year,” Gast said. “Our newcomers – sophomores Johnathon Lubahn and Ethan Michalowski and freshman Scott Schneider – seem quite strong. We are excited to see what they can add to the team. Our eighth-grade runners last year – Thompson Moser, Sebastian Wagner and Devin Loughrin – also are looking solid as freshmen.

“Our top two boy runners are both seniors, Andrew Scheller and Jared Zielke,” she added. “Both look ready to set some PRs this season. Andrew came in 11th place at our first meet, missing a medal and a finish in the top 10 by just over a second.”

On the girls’ side, the roster includes Lexi Smiles, Jody Wentworth, Brianna Severson, Megan Hetzel and Josie Claussen.

“We are off to a solid start,” Gast said. “I am excited to see what great things we can do this season.”

Manawa Cross Country 2015 Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 27 – at Standing Rocks Invitational, Amherst, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 – Iola-Scandinavia Invitational, Iola Winter Sports Club, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood Invitational, 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 – at Bonduel Invitational, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – at New London Invitational, Hatten Park, 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26 – at Pacelli Invitational, Iverson Park, Stevens Point, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1 – at Rosholt Invitational, 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 5 – at Marion Invitational, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8 – at Weyauwega-Fremont Invitational, 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 – at Wolf River Lutheran Invitational, Cecil, 11 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15 – Central Wisconsin Conference meet at Amherst, 4 p.m.