We had set some high goals for this year, worked hard, and came a long way, but in the end things didn’t quite work out for us. Our women’s team ended up 11^th, but were only about 50 points from qualifying. Our men’s team finished 9^th against a very tough field. It was a tough day for several of our seniors. Lynda Wourms, who had renewed confidence and was ready for a great race, woke up with a touch of the flu. She ran a very gutsy race and was delirious at the finish – not what she had hoped and planned for. Leighann Kramer ran a good race to end up 16^th in the Southwest Regional, but missed qualifying for state by 1 point – a very disappointing spot. Rachel Phillips again put forth a gutsy effort, but was limited by the back pain that plagued her all season. Derrick Himmelberg was running very well, but had to struggle the last mile with heat exhaustion. It was great guts to finish the race, but he lost about 40 places and was delirious at the finish. Again a rough way for a senior to end the season. Mike LaSelle ran a decent race to finish 30^th, but knew deep down that he could have been a state qualifier. Dave Bereda came a long way in just his first season of running, but was unable to overcome a hip injury he received in a race three weeks prior. All great seniors who deserved happier endings. Luckily, the same traits that make each of them great individuals will allow them to accept things and move on to new, greater challenges with renewed intensity!

Our underclassmen have more opportunities in high school cross country to come and they will attack those with even greater hunger. The future of Carroll Cross Country looks bright with these great runners returning. Katie Flaute is an incredible talent and she will challenge everyone in the state next year. Maggie LaSelle ran great as a freshman and has unlimited potential. Molly Holbrook really came along at the end of the year and she is going to improve to well under 20 minutes next year. Katie Ballman improved tremendously from last year and she is still nowhere near her potential. Seth Chaney is a special talent. He is going to dominate in track and challenge anyone next year in cross. James Borchers ran strong at Regionals and knows he will be a front runner next year. Casey Miller made huge improvements from last year and he is going to jump to the next level soon. Paul Carter did a great job as a freshman in his first season of running. He has tremendous potential to become a superstar. These great athletes will be joined by all our reserve runners to make very tough teams next year.