On October 24, the Lomira girls cross country won the WIAA Division 3 Pardeeville Sectional, advancing to their fourth straight state cross country meet.
The Lions dominated the field, with four runners in the top ten and 39 points, and beat second-place Dodgeland by 37 points for the Sectional Championship.
“Four straight years at state is an incredible accomplishment, and I don't want these girls to ever lose sight of how special that is,” said Lomira Head Coach Tyler Witkowski. “It takes a lot more than talent. It takes showing up, putting in the miles, supporting your teammates, and trusting the work you've done. These girls have done all of that. They have earned every bit of this, and I couldn't be happier for them.
Whitney Witkowski led the way with a fourth-place finish in 20:03 and Elinorah Langjahr followed closely in fifth at 20:16 At the same time, freshman Carter Knoop with a seventh-place finish in 20:24.
Junior Josie Christian finished ninth in 21:01. Kennedy Goebel placed 14th in 21:30, and senior Hanna Faber crossed the line 15th in 21:33. Tori Thomas rounded out the Lomira lineup with a 32nd-place finish in 22:59.
“I am incredibly proud of this team. We wanted to come here, compete and finish strong, and these girls did that in a big way,” said Witkowski. “Whitney, Elinorah and Carter got us off to a tremendous start, and Josie, Kennedy, Hanna and Tori gave us a huge effort right behind them. Every girl had a job to do, and they came together when it mattered most. To see them run like that at a sectional is something special.”
“I’m very grateful to have a team that is so dedicated to achieving something like this because the team has meant so much and I have made so many memories from all these seasons,” said Lomira Junior Kennedy Goebel. “The state cross country meet is very special to experience; everything that happens there seems so magical.”
“This is my third year making it to state, and it never gets old,” said Lomira Junior Whitney Witkowski. “I’m proud of the hard work everyone has put in throughout the season and the way we have continued to push each other to get better.”
“Making it to state for the fourth year shows the team’s hard work and commitment to the program,” said Lomira Junior Josie Christian. “It also shows that advancing to state isn't just one-year success, but a standard that the team has continued to uphold.”
“The state meet is a very loud and busy environment, with tons of teams, runners, coaches, and spectators all in one place,” said Whitney Witkowski. “The atmosphere can be overwhelming at first, but the energy from the crowd and all the excitement make it a really fun experience.”
“What makes it especially meaningful is the work that goes on behind the scenes with the tough workouts, support from teammates, and determination to keep improving throughout the season,” said Christian. “The state meet is an opportunity to compete against the best teams and individual runners in the state, represent your school, and see all the hard work from the season come together.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to compete against the best,” said Witkowski. “This is a great group of girls, and I'm proud of what they have accomplished together. We'll take some time to appreciate what we did today and then get ready to compete one more time.”
The Lomira boys cross country team finished in tenth place with 262 points at the Pardeeville Sectional.
Brantly Rhoads led Lomira with a 35th-place finish in 19:17, setting a personal record. William Stuewer followed in 48th at 19:42, also recording a personal best. Jordan Lisiecki crossed the line 66th in 20:21, establishing another personal record, while Luke Unruh placed 69th in 20:32.
“We really wanted to come here, compete and finish strong, and I thought the guys did a great job of that,” said Witkowski. “Brantly ran a great race and got a PR, William did the same, and Jordan had a huge personal best. Luke, Liam, and Jesse kept working and competing, and Liam and Jesse getting PRs at a sectional is something to be proud of. Kilyan kept battling, too. I was excited watching these guys compete because they did not back down from the challenge.”
“I am really proud of this group and the direction we are heading,” said Witkowski. “This team has shown that it is willing to work, compete, and get better. When you have guys like Brantly, William, Jordan, Luke, Liam, Jesse and Kilyan all contributing and pushing themselves, you start to see what is possible. We have a lot to build on, and I am excited about what the future could hold for these boys.”
The Lomira girls cross country team will compete at the WIAA Division 3 State Cross Country meet on October 31 in Wisconsin Rapids at noon.
Meet Summary
Saturday, October 24
WIAA Sectional
Pardeeville Sectional
Girls Results
4. Whitney Witkowski, 20:03
5. Elinorah Langjahr, 20:16
7. Carter Knoop, 20:24
Boys Results
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