Squad hoping to be solid across the board and in the water
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - SECTION C - PAGE 15
by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – There are some new faces on the Unity/Luck cross-country squad this year, as the cooperative program has moved to new heights under fourth-year head coach Lori Anderson. They have a solid contingency of senior boys, while their girls are generally younger this season. But they also have plenty to look forward to in a sport that is known for having strong runners at younger grade levels. “The start of a new year is something I
regularly look forward to," Anderson said. “Things are fresh and everyone starts over with a clean slate.” That clean slate also means the possibility of some surprises this season, and Anderson said Lori Anderson the team worked hard in the off-season, although most distance runners
know there is no “off season.” “I appreciate the growth the athletes exhibit from the previous season,” she said. “Of course, I also eagerly look forward to what the seniors will choose to do in their final year of this program.” Unity’s exceptional swimming pool is back up and running more efficiently than ever this season, and Anderson has been stressing it as a wonderful training tool that few teams have as an option. “It will be exciting to spend some workout sessions in the pool,” she said, noting that she was very involved in var-
k c u L / y t i Un
ious clinics and training regimens to help develop her runners the best ways possible. “Additionally, I again attended the WCCCA Convention in Milwaukee last January, so plan to implement some of the valuable ideas obtained from the clinic during the season,” she said. Anderson is not one to rule any opponent out, and thinks this season will be proof positive of that. “Every opponent is key,” she said. “I believe all athletes are in the sport to give it their best effort and compete to their highest ability so we go into each meet expecting peak performances from all schools.”
UNITY/LUCK CROSS COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER
SENIORS: Aaron Cousins, Mitchell Johnston, Steven Krueger, Alec Larson, Matt Schultz. JUNIORS: Scott Bever, Colton Sorensen. SOPHOMORES: Austin Baker, Neil Kline.
GIRLS ROSTER
The Unity/Luck cross-country team sould have a solid year under fourth-year head coach Lori Anderson. – Photo by Greg Marsten
JUNIORS: Emily Bethke, Anna Luepke, Megan Volgren. SOPHOMORES: Olivia Coen, Ella Luepke, Jade Rau. FRESHMEN: Tatum Kline, Jes Petersen.
COACHES
HEAD COACH: Lori Anderson ASSISTANT: Yvonne Sorenson
Joey Erickson should lead boys, girls could surprise
by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – Despite losing a handful of quality runners, including state champion Jack Taylor to graduation, the Webster boys and girls cross-country teams should WEBSTER TIGERS CROSS COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER
SENIORS: Joey Erickson, Cody Isaacson. JUNIORS: Matt Smith, Cortland Summer. FRESHMAN: Dan Formanek, Nathan Gatten, Alec Gustafson, Scott Hursh, Andrew Schrooten.
GIRLS ROSTER
SENIORS: Olivia Kopecky, Melissa Gustavson. JUNIORS: Emma Kelby, Kally Schiller, Molly Brown, Roselinn Takvan, Chelsie McIntyre, Becca Saraceno. FRESHMEN: Emilie Pope.
COACHES
HEAD COACH: Jim Muus ASSISTANT: Rachel Derosier VOLUNTEERS: Jodi Elmgren, Roy Ward, Kendra Avery
still be competitive this fall. Last season the girls had only four girls competing, but this year there are several more. Emma Kelby and Kally Schiller should help lead the team and had great seasons last year, but a foreign exchange Jim Muus student from Norway, Roselinn Takvam, could fill that third spot along with junior Molly Brown. There’s also Melissa Gustavson, who has never run in cross country before, but is a talented sprinter in track. Senior Olivia Kopecky and a
handful of other girls will also add a lot of depth to a promising girls team. “The nice thing is that they’re all working hard and doing what they can,” said Tigers coach Jim Muus, who sees a shift in the number of girls, to the number of boys competing, but the boys should still be solid with senior Joey Erickson leading the way. Erickson was never far behind Taylor last season and has made great strides to get even better over the summer. “He has gone to camps and is excited to get going,” Muus said. Senior Cody Isaacson and junior Matt Smith have also had success with the Tigers but for many, it’s all new. “I would say that they’ll probably be OK, but right now it's kind of a learning situation. A few are freshmen and haven’t
Webster
run that far before. It’ll be a little interesting how that goes,” Muus said.
Despite losing several quality distance runners, the Webster Tigers have the numbers, and a legendary coach who knows what it takes to be successful. – Photo by Marty Seeger