Cross country: Boys take first place, girls second at Blue Jay Invitational

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For the Tomahawk Leader

THREE LAKES – On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Tomahawk Hatchet cross country team ran at Big Stone Golf Course for the annual Three Lakes Blue Jay Invitational.

Coming away with more seasonal-best performances, the Hatchets nearly swept the field, bringing home the boys’ champion trophy and girls’ second-place trophy.

The high school boys started the evening with a close victory by winning the meet by a margin of 10 points. The boys were led by senior Presley Gutbrod, who got 5th place in a time of 18:26. Closely behind was newcomer Dominic Boos, taking 7th in a time of 18:41.

The rest of the solid boys’ race finishers were Sam Zastrow (11th-19:11), Owen Dickrell (17th-19:42), Nathan Rosenmeier (19th-19:58), Trey Morrison (23rd-20:08), Jeremiah Johnson (26th-20:20), Bruce Peetz (51st-22:54), Ryan Montag (52nd-22:57), Elliot O’Connor (54th-23:02), Will Boneck (57th-23:30), Gerard Gorell (61st-24:11) and Elias Albrent (66th-24:40).

Boys’ team scores: Tomahawk-51, Marathon-61, Rhinelander-62, Crandon-115, Three Lakes-138, Lakeland-139, Northland Pines-140, Goodman-Pembine-218, Laona-Wabeno-Inc., Antigo-Inc.

“It was great to witness the boys win the meet, beating out the likes of Marathon and fellow Great Northern Conference competitor Rhinelander,” said coach Kurt Reinke. “This should boost morale and give our boys the confidence they need to continue pushing forward.”

Again being down multiple runners, the Hatchet girls ran a determined race to take second place behind Rhinelander. Freshman Elise Gibeault attained a complete race, holding 4th place and running the course in a time of 21:33. The other traditional varsity runner was junior Alli Palmer, who took 6th in a time of 21:58.

Encapsulating the girls’ attack were Lydia Shaney (16th-23:54), Abi Micke (19th-24:22), Norah Mann (22nd-24:29), Abbie Rosenmeier (32nd-25:39), Kambyl Mattke (35th-25:58), Kailynn Hanse (44th-28:24) and Jennie Frederickson (48th-29:16).

Girls’ team scores: Rhinelander-39, Tomahawk-53, Marathon-54, Goodman-Pembine-102, Northland Pines-140, Three Lakes-154, Antigo-Inc., Crandon-Inc., and Northwoods Storm-Inc.

“The girls’ race was a sneak peak of what to expect for next year, as we were missing five of our six seniors,” said coach Connor Ahrens. “The underclassmen performed valiantly, and with another year under their belts will again be a competitive team.”

“A lot of runners showed great races through the first and second miles, but will need to put together a better third mile at the next race,” noted coach Steph Ahrens.

The Hatchet boys took first place at the Blue Jay Invitational in Three Lakes last week.
The Lady Hatchets took home the second-place trophy. Photos courtesy of Connor Ahrens.

This week’s action

The Tomahawk runners are slated to take part in an invitational in Medford on Thursday, Sept. 28.

Athletes of the Week

Elise Gibeault – “Teams always hope for at least one immediate impact freshman, but we think it’s easy to see that the Lady Hatchets have cashed in on a great incoming freshman in Elise Gibeault. Elise has led our girls’ team at every single race, including the Alumni Scrimmage, where historically freshmen have yet to find their racing legs at the 5k distance. Elise has made the transition from middle school standout to high school varsity look effortless. This couldn’t be farther from the truth though, as Elise continues to work hard and puts in the workouts at the necessary speeds. If this girls’ team is to attain another State appearance, it will require Elise to keep pushing her limits.”
Nathan Rosenmeier – “The team comedian, who knows how to keep things loose, has had an up and down 2023 season thus far. We think it’s fair to say though, that Rosey has found his stride again. Running nearly a personal record time at the Three Lakes Invite, he finished 5th for the team, indicating he’s headed in the right direction. He is a talented and vital piece of the boys’ team mentally and physically. When Rosey is on, so is the entire boys’ team. With only one more invite before the conference meet, Rosey’s positive influence is the boost this team needs.”
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