Overview of the 2023 cross country season

By Evan V.

The Cross Country season ran to an end recently, crossing the finish line of a successful year. Both the Girls’ and the Boys’ Teams did very well, with many personal bests for the runners.

The Girls' Team placed first in their conference. Five runners made All-Conference: Juniors Claire Truesdell and Brooke Thompson, and Seniors Lauryn Kilstofte, Elizabeth Ihle, and Makenna Carlson. Freshman Kara Patterson and, visiting from Italy, Matilde Motta held down sixth and seventh on varsity. At the state qualifying meet, the Girls' Team placed fifth, with runners Lauryn Kilstofte and Claire Truesdell placing 14th and 15th respectively, and qualifying for state. At state, Lauryn placed 50th with a time of 20:36.8 and Claire placed 81st with a time of 21:21.3.

When asked about her thoughts on the season, Coach Ashlee Hovel said, “I’m insanely proud of our team! It obviously was a big change having a new coach, a new way of running the program, and just a lot of new to them things. Each and every one of them crushed their times this year, and as a coach that is truly the most amazing thing to see.”

The Boys' Team worked extra hard this year to give their coach, Brad Dedic, a satisfying goodbye. They placed third in their conference, with two runners—Junior Evan Voga and Freshman Corben Lucchesi—making All-Conference. At the state qualifier meet, the Boys' Team placed 7th, with Evan placing 13th, and qualifying for state. In addition, the entire team—consisting of Evan Voga, Corben Lucchesi, Senior Lucas Wuebker, Junior Luccas Hart, Freshman Henry Dahlsten, Junior Caleb Danielson, Senior Cole Lucchesi—set new personal bests. At state, Evan placed 80th with a time of 17:40.8. 

When asked about his thoughts on the season, Coach Dedic said, “I had a great season, a lot of fun, and the effort and attitude of my runners was outstanding!”

Both the Boys’ and Girls’ Teams had amazing seasons, and are looking forward to next season. The Boys' Team is thankful for Coach Dedic’s many years of coaching and is sad to see him leave, but look forward to the future seasons with Coach Hovel!

Location: Story City, IA 50248, USA

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