Local runners impress at state

The third straight Division 1 Boys WIAA cross country state championship for Stevens Point was the highlight of an outstanding weekend for local teams in Wisconsin Rapids on Nov.2.

The Panthers were led by senior Ethan Olds who posted a time of 15:25.8, junior Cooper Erickson (15:48.1), senior Graham Ballard (15:57.9), sophomore John Jazdzewski (16:24.7), freshman Garrett Strong (16:42.3), senior Andrew Dziak (16:53.9), and junior Donald Voetberg (16:56.4). As a team the Panthers finished with a time of 80:18.8.

In the Girls Division 1 race, Hortonville junior Hannah Huza finished 11th with a time of 18:51.9, Steven’s Points duo of sophomore Tessa Bruckhart finished 21st with a time of 19:11.3 and senior Jalyssa Groskreutz finished 78th 20:05.2.

In Boys Division 2, the New London Bulldogs finished 15th as a team, with senior Chase Osborn clocking in (17:22.5), freshman Braden Clarke at (17:44.8), senior Nick Ploederl at (18:04.0), senior Jonah Stone at (18:18.1) junior Leiam Burton (18:20.3), junior Joseph Daly (18:58.1), junior Treston Kaepernick (19:33.0).

Boys Division 2 individuals had impressive showings, Waupaca senior Owen Lencki finished second with a 15:51.6 time and Pacelli junior Luke Eiden finished 13th  with a time of 16:21.5.

Waupaca senior Sienna Timm finished 42nd in the Girls Division 2 race clocking a time of 20:18.6

In the Boys Division 3 race Iola-Scandinavia junior Ben Beck placed 12th with a time of 16:34.9 and Weyeauwega-Fremont freshman Marcus Benjamin finished 32nd with a mark of 17:14.2.