By David Paulsen
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
At one of the largest invitational cross country meets in the state, the Union Grove High School cross country squads faced some tough competition.
“Many of the Bronco runners got their first chance at varsity level competition during this meet and will certainly benefit from the experience,” noted head coach Kyle Patoka.
Overall, the Bronco girls placed 16th among 21 teams at the Racine Horlick Rebel Invitational held at UW-Parkside Saturday. The boys were 18th among 20 teams.
Juniors Madelyn Schwartz and Bailey Davis led the two squads, with each running significantly lower than they ran at this event one year ago.
Schwartz medaled for the Bronco girls by placing 25th in a time of 16 minutes 12 seconds over the 4,000-meter course.
Bailey was 58th for the Bronco boys, completing the 5,000-meter course in 18:20.
Other finishes for the Bronco girls included McKenna Chriske in 97th (18:05), Sara Sorensen 103rd (18:33), Savannah Patzen 107th (18:39), Brianna DeBrabander 113th (19:03), Lexi Marsh 114th (19:10), Ashley Paulick 116th (19:20). Ashtyn Butler also ran, but did not place, completing the course in 19:29.
Just over one-half minute behind Davis was Luke Johnson in 78th place (18:53). He was followed by Logan Kohlhagen in 90th (19:11), Tommy Ruge 114th (20:46), Ben Rossman 119th (21:21), Jordan McBryde 123rd (22:07) and Karsten Acker 124th (22:12).
“The coaching staff and the runners are both excited to see where this team can go with more training and race experience under their belt,” Patoka said.
Next up for the Bronco runners is the Southern Lakes Conference relays held at Lutherdale Camp School on Saturday near Elkhorn.
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