Kisting, Fischer returning for Thunderbirds
By Holly Neumann
Four returning top runners – including two state qualifiers – from last year have the Iola-Scandinavia cross country team looking forward to a successful season.
“I am optimistic we will have a strong season,” first-year coach Asherrie Opperman. “We have a hard-working team with strong leadership and we are returning two state qualifiers in Leighten Fischer and Erika Kisting.”
Kisting, a junior, and Fischer, a senior, placed third and 15th, respectively, in the girls’ Division 3 race at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet.
“They are two of the hardest workers and they are both great leaders on this team,” Opperman said. “It is enjoyable to coach these two young ladies because you know they are going to give you all they can.”
Jada Beacom and Erick Kriewaldt, who received second team all-conference honors last season, are also back for the Thunderbirds.
The T-Birds they have added a few new faces this season, including Joe Makovec, a state qualifier in the boys’ 3,200-meter run in June at the WIAA State Track & Field Meet.
“Joe is coming off of a very successful track season,” Opperman said. “It is his first year in cross country and we are excited to see what he can do.”
The team’s roster also includes Natalie Rustad, Brynn Rasmussen, Haley Ullom, MaKenna Brown, Jasmine Davids, Jessica Schafer, Trenton Niemi and Jordan Fuhs.
The goals for the season are simple, according to Opperman.
“We just want to get the best out of each of our runners,” she said. “We are a very talented team. If they are able to run the way we know they can, it will be a very successful season.”
Opperman, entering her second year of coaching in the program, said the team is like a family.
“Each of these kids works so hard,” she said. “They celebrate each other’s success and help one another in the areas that might need some work.”
Sara Karolus is on board as the team’s assistant coach.
“We work well as a team and we both have the same goals and coaching style,” Opperman said. “I am lucky to have her.”
The T-Birds opened the season Aug. 25 at the Standing Rocks Invitational near Amherst and also hosted the Iola-Scandinavia Invitational Aug. 30 at the Iola Winter Sports Club grounds. Teams from Waupaca, Weyauwega-Fremont, Manawa, Amherst, Bonduel, Clintonville, Freedom, Gillett, Laona/Wabeno, Lomira, Marion, Menominee Indian, Oconto, Pacelli, Seymour, Shiocton, St. Mary Catholic, Wausau East, Winneconne and Wittenberg-Birnamwood also competed.
Iola-Scandinavia 2016 Cross Country Schedule
Varsity
Thursday, Aug. 25 – at Standing Rocks Invitational, Standing Rocks County Park, Amherst, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Iola-Scandinavia Invitational, Iola Winter Sports Club grounds, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood Invitational, 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10 – at Amherst Invitational, Standing Rocks County Park, 9 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17 – at Smiley Invitational, American Legion Golf Course, Wausau, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 – at Winneconne Invitational, Lake Breeze Golf Club, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24 – at Pacelli Invitational, Iverson Park, Stevens Point 9 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 29 – at Waupaca Invitational, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – at Marion Invitational, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 6 – at Weyauwega-Fremont Invitational, 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 13 – Central Wisconsin Conference meet, Bonduel, 4 p.m.
Middle school
Thursday, Aug. 25 – at Standing Rocks Invitational, Standing Rocks County Park, Amherst, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Iola-Scandinavia Invitational, Iola Winter Sports Club grounds, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood Invitational, 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10 – at Amherst Invitational, Standing Rocks County Park, 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 – at Winneconne Invitational, Lake Breeze Golf Club, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24 – at Pacelli Invitational, Iverson Park, Stevens Point 9 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 29 – at Waupaca Invitational, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – at Marion Invitational, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 6 – at Weyauwega-Fremont Invitational, 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 13 – Central Wisconsin Conference meet, Bonduel, 4 p.m.