Tomahawk runners host 47th annual Hatchet Invitational

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For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Hatchet cross country team hosted eight teams for the 47th annual Hatchet Invitational at Inshalla Country Club on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The temperature was cooler than usual, but when the frost lifted, the beautiful golf course was ready for the races to begin.

The boys’ race was first, resulting in the Hatchets taking second place both at the varsity and junior varsity levels, only losing to Lakeland. The girls followed up the boys’ race with two swift victories at the varsity and junior varsity categories.

“This was an excellent morale boosting race for our kids, being able to race in front of the home crowd and win the meet for the girls and take second for the boys was well deserved. Both teams ran with heart and their efforts paid off,” said coach Connor Ahrens.

The boys were led by four medaling performances by senior Presley Gutbrod (7th-18:21), junior Sam Zastrow (8th-18:24), junior Dominic Boos (12th-18:43) and senior Owen Dickrell (15th-19:03). Varsity teammates included Nathan Rosenmeier (21st-19:46), Trey Morrison (27th-20:44) and Jeremiah Johnson (29th-20:51).

The junior varsity medalists were sophomore Beau Stromberg (2nd-19:54) and freshman Drew Voermans (4th-20:34). The junior varsity squad included Bruce Peetz (12th-22:05), Will Boneck (13th-22:13), Ryan Montag (14th-22:19), Elliot O’Connor (15th-22:32), Elias Albrent (16th-23:01) and Gerard Gorell (17th-23:03).

Boys’ varsity team scores: Lakeland-27, Tomahawk-56, Rhinelander-76, Northland Pines-99, Mosinee-122, Crandon-123, Antigo-Inc.

Boys’ junior varsity scores: Lakeland-22, Tomahawk-39, Crandon-Inc., Northland Pines-Inc., Rhinelander-Inc., Antigo-Inc.

The girls handily won the meet with a whopping six medalists that included freshman Elise Gibeault (3rd-20:53), junior Alli Palmer (4th-21:01), senior Rachael Reilly (8th-22:10), senior Halle Derleth (10th-22:24), sophomore Lydia Shaney (11th-22:30) and senior Robin Schmidt (14th-22:37). To round out the varsity team, freshman Faith Derleth ran the course in 23:38 for 21st place.

The junior varsity girls did similarly well, being led by the first place junior varsity finisher senior Kambyl Mattke in a time of 23:53. Other junior varsity medalists included senior Izzy Lee (2nd-24:06), sophomore Abi Micke 3rd-24:07), freshman Norah Mann (5th-24:37), freshman Abbie Rosenmeier (6th-24:37) and junior Reese Molitor (9th-27:17). The additional junior varsity Lady Hatchets included Jennie Frederickson (11th-27:52), Summer Gaedtke (12th-27:55) and Kailynn Hanse (13th-27:56).

Girls’ varsity team scores: Tomahawk-26, Lakeland-55, Rhinelander-59, Mosinee-93, Northland Pines-Inc., Crandon-Inc., Butternut-Inc., Antigo-Inc.

Girls’ junior varsity scores: Tomahawk-15, Lakeland-Inc., Northland Pines-Inc., and Rhinelander-Inc.

“Despite the poor weather late in the week, race day was an excellent temperature for a brisk weekend race,” said coach Bill Turgeon. “Many of the girls had seasonal best times, along with our junior varsity boys.”

“The team had some great starts to the races, but again we found ourselves lacking speed in the final mile of the race,” said coach Steph Ahrens. “Finishing times were good, but can still be better if our team goes into the conference race in the right mindset.”

After the awards ceremony, Hatchet cross country parents and seniors were recognized for their service and commitment to the program.

“Without their help, the Tomahawk cross country program would not be what it is today,” said coach Connor Ahrens. “Once again, the coaching staff thanks all past and present cross country parents and alumni who have made their mark on Hatchet cross country. We also would like to thank the owners and managers of the Inshalla Country Club for allowing us to race on their excellent golf course.”

The varsity Lady Hatchets took first place at the Hatchet Invite earlier this month.
The girls’ JV squad also earned a first-place finish at Inshalla Country Club. Photos courtesy of Connor Ahrens.

Recent action

On Saturday, Oct. 14, the Hatchet runners were scheduled to travel to Nine Mile Forest in Wausau for the Great Northern Conference (GNC) meet.

Athletes of the Week

Kambyl Mattke – “Despite starting the season with higher times than she is accustomed to and battling through illness, senior Kambyl Mattke has never complained. A definite leader within the girls’ team, she always looks out for the best interest of the team and seems to always have a great attitude. She has given her all every practice and meet and finally has been rewarded on the race course with a first-place overall finish in the junior varsity Hatchet Invitational race in a time of 23:53. As the team comes down the stretch and into the postseason, the girls will need Kambyl both mentally and physically more than ever.”
Presley Gutbrod – “Coaches look for athletes to start showing signs of eager competitiveness late in the season, and one does not have to look far to find it in senior Presley Gutbrod. Coming off of several great practices, Presley had a solid home invite race, claiming the 7th-place medal and taking the top spot for the boys’ team in a time of 18:21. Presley has set his sights high for his final season. High aspirations typically lead to great results, and thus far Presley has earned these great results by attaining the most varsity letter points and having the fastest personal record of all the Hatchet boys with last season’s time of 17:55. Now it’s a matter of how much can be accomplished with only a few meets left of his high school cross country career – the coaching staff believes it could be a lot.”
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