Tomahawk runners host 47th annual Hatchet Invitational

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.”