Lomira Girls Cross Country Finishes Sixth in Division Three

On November 1, the Lomira girls’ cross country team finished in sixth place with 180 points at the Division 3 state cross country meet at the Wisconsin Rapids Ridges Golf Course.
The Lions were paced by Whitney Witkowski (44th place) and Josie Christian (47th place) in their third straight state appearance.
“The Ridges course is famous for testing every runner’s toughness: a flat, fast first mile that lulls you in before sharp downhills and relentless climbs close out miles two and three,” said Witkowski. “Lomira embraced the challenge, racing with patience early and finishing strong when it mattered most.”
“It’s incredibly exciting and such an honor just to run at state,” said Witkowski. “To not only get here but to finish sixth out of almost 190 teams says everything about this group’s dedication.”
“ Every season is unique, and while all seven of these runners return next year, they should really cherish what they accomplished today,” said Witkowski. “It is an unbelievable experience with over 10,000 fans lining the entire course.”

“These girls buy in every day with long runs in the heat, early morning workouts, and a ton of teamwork,” said Witkowski. “Cross country is all about being consistent and believing in your pack.”
How does it feel to reach the state cross country meet for three straight years for the first time in school history?
“It feels incredible to know that all the hard work, early mornings, and tough practices paid off, making it so worth it,” said Hanna Faber.
“I didn’t realize how great this team would be, and to be part of a team that went to state again feels really special,” said Elinorah Langjahr.
“It’s really exciting knowing we are making history along with having the opportunity and the coaches that push us to be our best to get to state for three years in a row,” said Izzy Westphal.
“It feels great to reach state for the third time in a row, and it’s a big accomplishment to be the first in our school’s history,” said Kennedy Goebel.
“It feels amazing because we all worked very hard at practice, and it is also important when we have coaches that work very hard to tell us what we need to do,” said Josie Christian.
“It’s a testament to all the hard work, consistency, and teamwork that’s gone into our program,” said Whitney Witkowski. “Every year has brought new challenges, but we’ve kept pushing each other to get better.”
“My first time running country, this is an amazing feeling and team, and I’m glad I got to contribute to the team’s success,” said Tori Thomas.
Thoughts on winning the Flyway Conference in back-to-back years for the first time in school history:
“...being able to win back-to-back is amazing. With it being the first time in school history, it’s even more special,” said Westphal.
“Winning a conference championship is something that you will remember forever, but when you win in a row for the first time in girls’ cross country, that’s an amazing accomplishment,” said Goebel.
“It feels amazing because it shows all the hard work that we put in, dedication, and teamwork,” said Christian. “When we made school history, it made us want to work even harder.”
“I think we’re setting a new standard for cross country here in Lomira, and that’s something we can all be proud of,” said Witkowski.
“Winning the conference was such a cool experience because you could tell how much pride the team had, and it was awesome to celebrate together,” said Langjahr.
“Winning it once was exciting, but defending that title proved how much we’ve grown as a team with our consistency, discipline, and teamwork,” said Faber.
Describe your cross country team:
“Everyone shows up for one another, whether it’s cheering on a teammate or pushing through the toughest workouts together,” said Faber.
“It’s a really positive group to be around and they are all really motivated,” said Langjahr.
“Competitive but at the same time supportive,” said Westphal.
“Our team is dedicated because every person who ran at sectionals put in the work to get better so that we could punch another ticket to state,” said Goebel.
“We are like a family, we lift each other up, we are very competitive, and no matter what, we help each other,” said Christian.
“We push each other to be our best every day, and the combination of support and drive is what makes our team special, plus we all love each other,” said Witkowski.
“Hardworking and entertaining,” said Thomas.
Favorite moments for your cross country team:
“Winning conference, but also loved the team dinners and the long runs when I got to talk to people,” said Langjahr.
“Winning the conference championship because it proved how far we’ve come as a team,” said Faber.
“Going to Mt. Olympus, winning conference, and being runner-ups at sectionals,” said Westphal.
“Winning a conference championship for the second time in a row,” said Goebel.
“We went to Mt. Olympus as a team and also when we won the conference because nobody has won it twice,” said Christian.
“To win back-to-back conference titles and make school history really means a lot, along with going back to state,” said Witkowski.
Why should someone join the cross country team?
“It teaches you discipline, resilience, and how to believe in yourself,” said Faber.
“It’s more than just running but about being part of a group that supports you and helps your grow,” said Langjahr.
“Why someone should join cross country is because you are always able to compete at your own pace/level, and there are so many amazing people in the sport, which makes it always enjoyable to do,” said Westphal.
“You make so many memories that you will remember forever,” said Goebel.
“It helps you grow as an athlete and as a person because you will support each other and also challenge yourself,” said Christian.
“It’s a great group that works hard, has fun, and supports each other,” said Witkwoski. “You’ll get in great shape, make amazing friends, and be part of a team that truly feels like family,”
“There’s always that great feeling of accomplishment, and even when it gets hard, the team always finds a way to make it fun,” said Thomas.

Meet Summary
State Cross Country-Division 3
Saturday, November 1
44. Whitney Witkowski, 20:35
47. Josie Christian, 20:46
77. Kennedy Goebel, 21:32
83. Izzy Westphal, 21:45
95. Hanna Faber, 22:05
100. Tori Thomas, 22:22
101. Elinorah Langjahr, 22:25