On October 31, the Lomira girls cross country team finished in third place at the WIAA Division Three State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids.
Southwestern won the state championship with 112 points, followed by Phillips with 120. Lomira finished third with 126, ahead of fourth-place Dodgeland's 149 points.
Leading the way for Lomira was junior Whitney Witkowski, who finished 21st overall in 19:53.
“Whitney not only earned an outstanding individual finish against the state's top competition but also recorded the fastest state meet time ever run by a Lomira cross country athlete,” said Lomira Head Coach Tyler Witkowski. “Her performance capped another tremendous season and demonstrated how much she has continued to improve throughout her high school career.”
Freshman Carter Knoop, who finished 42nd overall in 20:38, Junior Elinorah Langjahr was next across the line, finishing 47th in 20:46, followed closely by junior Josie Christian in 55th with a time of 20:52.
“Carter showed tremendous toughness after losing a shoe during the race and continuing to compete through part of the course with only one shoe. Rather than letting the setback derail her race, she battled through it and delivered an outstanding performance,” said Witkowski. “For a freshman competing at her first state meet, it was an incredible display of determination and competitive spirit.”
Junior Kennedy Goebel finished 78th in 21:38, senior Hanna Faber placed 85th in 21:53, and sophomore Tori Thomas rounded out the Lomira lineup in 105th with a time of 22:44.
"What makes this group so special is how they have continued to climb throughout the season. They didn't settle for where they were in August or September,” said Witkowski. “They kept working, believing in one another and finding ways to get better. To see that growth carry all the way to a third-place finish at state is something I am extremely proud of.”
"We wanted that trophy, and being six points away is tough. That's the competitive side of sports. You work toward something, you give everything you have, and sometimes you come up just short. But I don't want that six-point difference to define this season,” said Witkowski. “I want these girls to remember the work they put in, the teammates they competed alongside, and the fact that they finished third in the entire state. That is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Beyond the results, the coaching staff wanted to recognize the incredible support the team received throughout the season. Parents, families, friends, students, and Lomira community members made the trip to Wisconsin Rapids to cheer on the Lions, providing encouragement along the course and making the state experience even more memorable.
"To everyone who supported us this season and especially those who made the trip to state, thank you. We could hear you along the course, and it meant a lot to the girls and our coaching staff,” said Witkowski. “The time, travel, and commitment you put into supporting these athletes never go unnoticed. Having that kind of community behind us makes this experience even more special.”
“The 2026 season will be remembered for much more than a third-place finish. It was a season of growth, perseverance, teamwork, and a group of athletes who continued to raise their expectations and compete for one another,” said Witkowski. “The Lions may have left Wisconsin Rapids six points short of a trophy, but they left with an accomplishment that will be remembered for a long time.”
Meet Summary
Saturday, October 31
WIAA State Meet
21. Whitney Witkowski, 19:53
42. Carter Knoop, 20:38
47. Elinorah Langjahr, 20:46
55. Josie Christian, 20:52
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