Hatchet runners compete in GNC championship meet in Medford

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For the Tomahawk Leader

MEDFORD – On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Tomahawk Hatchet cross country team traveled west to Medford High School for the Great Northern Conference (GNC) Cross Country Championships.

The girls finished second to Medford (six-time defending champions), placing six runners in the top half of the field and two Hatchets on the All-Conference squad.

The boys placed third, behind Lakeland and Medford.

The Hatchet boys JV squad ended the meet with a 1st-place finish, placing seven runners in the top ten.

“A very lightly attended junior varsity race was almost a Tomahawk showcase for our junior varsity runners, who ended their seasons with first place and second place team finishes,” said coach Connor Ahrens. “It’s encouraging to see our larger numbers compared to other schools, ensuring Tomahawk cross country will continue to be competitive in years to come, as both boys and girls JV runners have done an excellent job hitting their training, running quality miles with genuine efforts on our workout days.”

Rachael Reilly earned All-Conference 1st Team for the third year in a row, as she placed 4th overall in a time of 20:54.

Alli Palmer earned All-Conference 2nd Team for the second year in a row, as she took 11th overall in a time of 21:28.

Presley Gutbrod also earned All-Conference 2nd Team for the second year in a row, as he took 9th overall in a time of 18:08.

Sam Zastrow and Owen Dickrell earned All-Conference 2nd Team for the first time, placing 12th and 13th with times of 18:15 and 18:50.

Attaining All-Conference Honorable Mention were Morgan Hansmann taking 16th place (21:39), Halle Derleth taking 21st place (22:08) and Brett Borchardt taking 20th place (19:26).

Completing the Hatchet varsity competitors were Serena Reinke (22:12), Robin Schmidt (22:35), Marie Gorell (23:47), Ty Anthes (19:41), Taje Casey (20:03) and Jacob Riemer (20:20).

Girls varsity results: Medford-41, Tomahawk-74, Lakeland-77, Rhinelander-118, Mosinee-122, Antigo-139, Northland Pines-156.

Boys varsity results: Lakeland-40, Medford-56, Tomahawk-72, Rhinelander-72, Northland Pines-95, Antigo-Inc., Mosinee-Inc.

“Though we didn’t walk away with a team victory at the varsity levels, we’re ecstatic to see what the kids will run at Sectionals,” said coach Steph Ahrens. “The conditions were not ideal but both varsity squads competed and raced with purpose.”

Winning the junior varsity girls race was Kambyl Mattke with an exceptional JV time of 22:44.

The junior varsity boys were led by Jeremiah Johnson, who placed 2nd with a time of 21:13.

The rest of the junior varsity Hatchets included Faith Derleth (23:40), Izzy Lee (23:46), Abi Micke (24:32), Lydia Shaney (25:34), Summer Gaedtke (27:26), Jennie Frederickson (36:53), Kailynn Hanse (DNC), Nathan Rosenmeier (21:26), Elliot O’Connor (22:00), Masen Towle (22:04), Bruce Peetz (22:35), Gerard Gorell (22:43), Eli Albrent (22:56), Jacob Towle (23:05) and Cayden Shepler (24:00).

“Lone senior Jacob Towle in the junior varsity race quietly and dutifully ended his four year high school running career saying that he was happy with how both teams performed and that he was happy to be there for the younger core of boys to help them make their final mile push,” said coach Connor Ahrens. “The coaching staff will greatly miss his dedicated leadership.”

Girls JV results: Medford-32, Tomahawk-35, Rhinelander-53, Lakeland-Inc.

Boys JV results: Tomahawk-15, Medford-Inc., Lakeland-Inc.

“Leaving Medford with eight Great Northern Conference awards is a great feeling,” said coach Kurt Reinke. “Even better knowing the majority of our team is healthy and showed they are ready for the coming sectional meet.”

The next race for the Hatchets is Saturday, Oct. 22, when they will make the journey to Black River Falls to compete in the WIAA Sectional meet. The top two teams and the top five non-qualifying team members advance to the state meet the following weekend in Wisconsin Rapids.

“Eight seasonal best times and some shaking up of our typical finishing orders is a positive sign that our teams have plenty of fight left in them,” said coach Connor Ahrens. “You can never rule out our Hatchet runners, and the coaching staff and I are banking on a determined effort at the upcoming sectional meet.”

Photos by Bridgette Reilly.

Athletes of the Week

Rachael Reilly – “Cold temperatures and a longer course than expected had some runners racing out of their element and focus; not Rachael. Confidently starting the race in a great position, passing the first mile in 6th place, Rachael would strongly finish her final mile, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors for the third time in a row, running the course in a time of 20:54, an impressive accomplishment already putting her in elite company with some of the past’s finest Hatchet cross country girls. Rachael knows how important her role is on the team and came through, helping the girls to finish behind powerhouse Medford. The coaching staff will be looking for Rachael to spread this confidence and grit to the rest of her teammates if the girls want to have a shot at the WIAA State Meet.”
Jeremiah Johnson – “Getting a taste of leading the entire junior varsity race for a short time, freshman Jeremiah Johnson found his stride and his way onto the boys sectional squad. Jeremiah ran the course in a time of 21:13 to place 2nd overall; a bona fide element to the future of the boys’ team who has openly expressed his desire to race at the varsity level. That burning desire is something the coaching staff loves to hear. We look for Jeremiah to continue pushing himself, leading the young boys’ core to new heights for years to come.” Photos courtesy of Connor Ahrens.
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