A decade under their belts and still running strong!
The THS girls wrapped up their 10th consecutive conference title-and fourth straight in the GNC-by a landslide in Saturday’s GNC meet at Rhinelander.
The girls collected just 28 points-51 fewer than Antigo-while placing all five scorers in the first nine overall, and inflated other teams’ scores with their next two beating all their foes’ fourth and fifth runners.
“To keep our streak of ten straight conference titles intact was especially sweet for our senior girls,” THS coach John Zuelsdorf said. “They have been an integral part in this record-setting streak.
“We expected more of a challenge from Antigo, but it really never materialized.
“At the conference level to see the depth of our girls squad with the near sweep on the JV level was also satisfying and lays the foundation for hopefully a chance at keeping the streak alive next year!”
Rachel Sudbury (2nd, 15:20), Stephanie Welke (4th, 16:14), Rachael Miller (5th, 16:20) earned First Team honors, Kelsey Renn (8th, 16:54) and Amanda Koshak (9th, 16:57) reached the Second Team. Audrey Dichson (HM, 15th, 17:20) and Jessie Harmon (19th, 17:28) capped the accomplishment.
“For Sudbury, Miller and Renn to earn All-Conference honors for their fourth time puts them in an elite group at THS as well,” Zuelsdorf said.
The Hatchet boys scored 84 to rank a solid third, trailing Lakeland (45) and Rhinelander (66).
First Teamer Bryan Tomek (2nd, 17:01) and HM picks Connor Ahrens (11th, 18:04) and Ryan Kuehn (13th, 18:14) paced the boys. Dylan Dahl (21st, 18:45) and Ben Bartz (37th, 20:01) capped the scoring, and Vic Ierulli (39th, 20:09) and Thomas Miller (45th, 21:03) competed.
“Lakeland ran a super race, especially in their 2-3-4 positions to make it nearly impossible for anyone to touch them,” Zuelsdorf said. “We took too big of numbers at #4-5 positions to be much of a threat. However, it was nice to see Bryan, Connor, and especially Ryan earn All-Conference status.
“Bryan went out just behind (Antigo’s Cody) Artymiuk and they pulled away from the pack early. Bryan looked strong all the way through and had his best race of the season from that standpoint. Connor was in the main lead pack with about 8-10 athletes and worked hard all the way through to the finish. Ryan was able to finish strong fighting for the last couple of All-Conference spots passing a couple of Rhinelander scorers.”
Saturday’s Freedom Sectional awaits.
“It’s going to take a super race for our teams or individuals to advance out of the Freedom Sectional,” Zuelsdorf said. “The girls race features four state-ranked teams (Clintonville #3, Freedom #5, Notre Dame #12, and Tomahawk #14) and only two will advance to Rapids.”
Team scores-Girls-Tomahawk 28, Antigo 79, Rhinelander 84, Mosinee 93, Lakeland 97, N. Pines 138, Medford inc……..Boys-Lakeland 45, Rhinelander 66, Tomahawk 84, Antigo 99, Medford 107, Mosinee 138, N. Pines 148.