John Lovik and Megan Snow were named most valuable runners for the boys and girls cross country teams.
Lovik earned a spot racing in the state meet. Snow led the girls at the district meet and set a PR.
Andrea Martin was named the most inspirational runner, and freshman Sam Crain was named most improved.
Coach Wayne Spinney recounted season highlights and each runner recently at the team’s awards dessert.
“I’d say one highlight was Megan ran a PR at the district meet, particularly the way she ran,” Coach Spinney said. “I just was impressed with how Megan ran.”
Crain’s improvement over the season was tremendous, Coach Spinney said. When he started, he would walk a minute, run a minute then walk a minute. He shaved five to six minutes off of his PR, and by the end of the season was running the 5,000-meter in under 30 minutes.
“I think probably the biggest highlight of the year is John ran so well as a sophomore,” Coach Spinney said.
This team is young, starting the year with only a handful of returning runners, Coach Spinney said. It loses only Keegan Burnett next year. If the team can draw some new runners, particularly a couple of incoming freshmen, the boys will be in the hunt for a spot at the state meet.
“I’m hoping we get more people out,” Coach Spinney said. On the boys side, a solid group of guys can lead the way to state. On the girls side, if Anne Helfrich can stay healthy and the team can add numbers, the Huskies could send individuals to state.
“I think the parents indicate there is some strong support on the homefront,” Coach Spinney said. He thanked volunteers and parents Dave Martin, Billy Snow and Kevin Tarpenning for their help throughout the season.
“I personally think I made a lot of rookie mistakes as a first year coach,” Coach Spinney said, but as he and the team got to know each other this season, he is looking forward to next year.
Earning their second-year letters were John Lovik, Richard Westvik, Megan Snow and Andrea Martin. Earning their first letters were Aaron Lovik, Chris Burford, Chris Lovely, Robert McGarry, Keegan Burnett, Anne Helfrich, Raelynn Wirth and Angie Henderson.