By Ben Priesgen
Journalist
On November 1, the Campbellport boys’ cross country team finished in ninth place with 210 points in Division 2 at the state cross country meet at the Wisconsin Rapids Ridges Golf Course.
Garrett Pickering finished on the podium for the Cougars with a seventh-place finish, clocking in at 16:06, and Caleb Siebauer came in 24th place with a time of 16:39, helping pace Campbellsport to a ninth-place team finish in their third straight state appearance.
“The boys were ranked tenth going into the meet and ended up finishing in ninth place,” said Head Coach Mike Kulibert.
How does it feel to reach the state cross country meet for the third straight year?
“It’s very rewarding to make it because of how hard the team works,” said Noah Bobb. “It’s very cool to have made it every season since my sophomore year.”
“This is my first year competing at state, and I am very proud of myself for making it,” said Lincoln St. Louis.
“It is my first year, and it is exciting to go [and be] able to tell everyone I made it to state,” said Kyle Allickson.
“I’m excited since I’ve never competed at state, but it’s been great to see the team make it three years in a row,” said Mason Dirmeier.
“Getting back to state again shows how much work that we have all put in, and it’s always such a cool experience competing against the best teams in the state,” said Garrett Pickering.
“It’s a great feeling considering that we almost didn’t make it this year because of injuries, but we blew it away at sectionals when everyone ran through their injuries,” said Gavin Pickering.
Thoughts on winning conference for the fourth straight season:
“Being a four-time conference champion is just as gratifying as making it to state because it’s hard enough...to win conference continually,” said Bobb. “For me, it is also quite rewarding because I have made all-conference multiple times in the four years we’ve won.”
“We [stayed] consistent throughout the years with our training and hard work showing at conference,” said Dirmeier.
“Everyone step[ped up] this season, and it’s awesome to keep the streak going,” said Garrett Pickering.
“It feels great to be a part of a special team,” said Gavin Pickering.
Describe your cross-country team:
“The team is driven because nobody ever complains about running, and everyone shows up to practice and meets ready to go,” said Bobb.
“This year we did a great job of keeping everyone motivated,” said St. Louis.
“We all have fun and simply have a great time while running together,” said Dirmeier.
“We are a tight-knit group that just happens to do very well together,” said Gavin Pickering.
Favorite moments of the season:
“When we went to the Ripon meet, it started pouring as we were touring the course, with the course turning to mud, and it was extremely difficult to climb the hills, but our sixth man (Kyle) took the opportunity to make a snow angel in the mud, which made the rain seem better,” said Bobb.
“Doing the state walk in the hallways at the school,” said Allickson.
“When it rained so hard that we could slide into puddles during a recovery run,” said Dirmeier.
“Qualifying for state and winning conference,” said Garrett Pickering.
“Winning races as a team with my brother,” said Gavin Pickering.
Why should someone join the cross country team?
“If you are looking to become mentally tough because the toughest part about the sport is telling your body to keep pushing when it feels like you have nothing left,” said Bobb. “Along with this, the community tends to be quite welcoming and nice; no matter who you’re racing for, everyone will cheer you on.”
“Cross country is so much more than running, and you can have fun and friends for life,” said Dirmeier.
“Cross country rewards hard work, and whatever you put into it you will get out of it,” said Garrett Pickering.
“It is great conditioning, especially if you are in a winter sport,” said Gavin Pickering.
Meet Summary
State Cross Country-Division 2
Saturday, November 1
7. Garrett Pickering, 16:06
24. Caleb Siebauer, 16:39
65. Mason Dirmeier, 17:20
117. Gavin Pickering, 18:29
123. Noah Bobb, 18:49
147. Kyle Allickson, 20:36
149. Lincoln St. Louis, 21:46
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