On October 23, the Kewaskum Cross Country Team hosted the WIAA Sectional Meet at Hon-E-Kor Golf Course.
The girls' team earned an outstanding second-place finish out of 14 teams to qualify for the state cross country meet for the first time since 2022.
Leading the girls' team was senior Taylor Kulick, who ran a (PR) of 20:25, Gracelyn Beimhorn 20:28, and Evalyn Dourn. 20:36, Olivia Gerhartz; at 20:56, Olivia Dourn (PR) of 21:15 followed closely behind, contributing strong performances to help secure the team’s state qualification. Sydney Bayer 2:40 and Cailyn Beres 23:33 also played important roles in the team’s success.
Coach Scott Bicknell reflected on the Sectional Meet, saying, “ All season long, we challenged them to focus on what they could control, believe in each other, and embrace the difficult moments. At sectionals, everything came together. When it mattered most, these girls stepped up, competed with heart, and showed just how tough and determined they really are.”
The girls battled through a challenging season that included teammate injuries, but their determination, hard work, and commitment to one another never wavered.
Coach Scott Bicknell said, “This season has been anything but easy for these girls. They’ve faced injuries, setbacks, and challenges that could have easily derailed their season. But instead of making excuses, they continued to show up, work hard, and push each other to become the toughest versions of themselves they could be.”
Through it all, they continued to work together, support each other, and push toward their goals. Their second-place finish is a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
Coach Eugene Peterson said, “Each group of athletes I have had the chance to coach to a state meet has been uniquely different, but each team has one quality that they have displayed throughout the whole season: a belief in themselves and a goal to make an accomplishment as a team, instead of individually. This team is no different than any of the 3 prior teams I have been fortunate enough to take to this meet. They set a goal, pushed through the hard parts, came together as a team, and persevered, all while believing in what they were building.”
Junior Captain Olivia Gerhartz is looking forward to displaying the team’s hard work at state, “I feel that our team has had this goal in mind since the beginning of the season, and we have never taken our eyes off of it! It drives our daily training, and having this goal has helped our team stay on the same page!”
The boys' team also competed hard at Sectionals, finishing sixth out of 13 teams. Wyatt Luedtke recorded a personal-best time of 17:18, while Leo Kohlwey also achieved a PR with a time of 17:52. The boys showed determination and effort throughout the season, gaining valuable experience as they look ahead to next year.
The Kewaskum girls cross country team will compete at the WIAA Division Two state cross country meet on October 31 in Wisconsin Rapids at 12:40 p.m.
Meet Summary
Friday, October 23
WIAA Division 2
Kewaskum Sectional
Girls Results
14. Taylor Kulick, 20:25
16. Gracelyn Beimhorn, 20:28
Boys Results
14. Wyatt Luedtke, 17:18
25. Leo Kohlwey, 17:52
34. Sullivan Marquardt, 18:17
39. Layton Dexter, 18:34
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