By Ben Priesgen
Journalist
On October 25, the Lomira girls’ cross country team advanced to the Division 3 WIAA State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids for the third consecutive season, with a runner-up finish to first-ranked Kohler, scoring 89 points in a loaded field with five ranked teams in the top 20 Wisconsin Cross Country Association Coaches Poll (Lomira ranked seventh) at the Sheboygan Lutheran Sectional.
“Today was one of those races you dream about as a coach, with every runner showing up and running for each other,” said Head Coach Tyler Witkowski. “You could feel the energy with the girls, who trusted the process and raced like a true team.”
The Lions were led by Whitney Witkowski’s eighth-place finish of 20:17 and Josie Christian finishing in 15th place with a time of 20:46 at the sectional meet.
It is the third state appearance for Hanna Faber, with second state appearances for Witkowski, Christian, and Kennedy Goebel for the Lomira girls’ cross country team.
Throughout the season, Lomira’s identity has been built around its depth, with the Lions not relying on one star but on seven dedicated athletes who understand their roles and push each other to be better every day.
“Inside of our three groups, the leaders have changed from meet to meet,” Witkowski said. “That’s what makes this group special, with different runners stepping up every week, and they’ve learned to race for the team first.”
Coach Witkowski explained his own team’s language:
“We have three gunners — Hanna, Josie, and Whitney — who get us out front and set the tone early,” said Witkowski. “Our stoppers, Izzy and Kennedy, close the gap and hold the scoring line, then our two adders, Tori and Nora, add points to other teams by finishing in front of their scoring runners. Every role matters, and every one of these girls is vital to our success.”
“Whitney ran with so much confidence today,” said Witkowski. “She’s learned how to race smart and close strong; that’s what leaders do.”
“Josie has been a steady force for us all season,” said Witkowski. “She’s competitive, composed, and finds a way to move up when it matters most.”
“Hanna is the quiet competitor, and she doesn’t say much, but when the gun goes off, she gives everything,” said Witkowski. “She’s been such a consistent third runner for us.”
“Kennedy ran one of her best races of the year,” said Witkowski. “She’s a grinder, always right where we need her, and fighting for every spot.”
“Izzy has been huge for us,” said Witkowski. “She’s fearless and has learned how to stay locked in mentally, which makes her a great closer.”
“Tori’s race was massive, giving us a huge lift today,” said Witkowski. “For a freshman to PR at sectionals shows maturity and toughness.”
“Nora has been solid all year, being dependable, and she battles and knows her role,” said Witkowski.
“To qualify for state once is extremely special, but to do it three years in a row says everything about the quality of runners we have had over the last three years (17 total runners in the last three years) with their consistency, belief, and heart,” said Witkowski. “They’re not just fast; they’re fearless, but these runners have shown it’s anything but an individual sport.”
“Every second, every stride, every teammate matters, and it’s what Lomira cross country stands for, and that’s what got us back to state,” said Witkowski.
The Lomira boys’ cross country team finished in 19th place with 485 points at the Sheboygan Lutheran Sectional.
“We return a young group that’s hungry and experienced,” said Witkowski. “The seniors set a great foundation, and the rest of the guys are ready to build on it. That’s how lasting programs are made.”
The Lomira girls’ cross country team will run at the Division 3 WIAA State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids at the Ridges Golf Course with a scheduled start time of 1:45 p.m.
Meet Summary
Saturday, October 25
Sheboygan Lutheran Sectional
Girls Results
8. Whitney Witkowski, 20:17
15. Josie Christian, 20:46
18. Hanna Faber, 21:00
23. Kennedy Goebel, 21:29
31. Izzy Westphal, 21:42
40. Tori Thomas, 22:15
42. Elinorah Langjahr, 22:19
Boys Results
72. Luke Unruh, 19:55
77. Clearly Twohig, 20:02
113. William Stuewer, 21:18
116. Matthew Freitag, 21:44
130. Jesse Schaumburg, 23:45
133. Max Monroe, 24:35
138. Michael Banaszynski, 28;48
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