The BC Boys Cross Country team had a solid season this year. Last year, more than half the team graduated, meaning new opportunities for other runners to step up. This presented a few challenges at the beginning of the season. The team did not place in the top five overall for the first half of the season. But after hard work at practice and their top runner, Ben Olson (‘16), returning to the team, BC began improving tremendously.

Not only were the varsity runners progressing, but almost every member of the team ran personal records as the season continued. Logan Menke (‘18) exemplified this through his performance this season. At the beginning of the year he was running in the junior varsity races, but eventually, he became a varsity runner for BC Cross Country. “I never saw myself getting to this point,” said Menke, “Being in cross country made me realize there is no being tired, there is no pain, and most importantly, there is no giving up.”

This dedication along with the culmination of hard work was shown at sectionals as Central placed fourth out of ten teams. This was a vast improvement considering Central placed fourteenth in one the first official races of the season. “I am proud to have finished my high school career with these dedicated teammates and coaches,” Olson reflected about his experience as a Central cross country runner, “I have learned so much about running and have connected with many great people because of this team.”

The Girls Cross Country team had a season full of many ups and downs throughout this season. The varsity team won every meet except one throughout the season clearly pushing themselves past their limits. “Despite our rankings, none of the other teams respected us,” said Emma Kumer (‘16). When discussing the victory at GMC Conference at Rotary Park, Kumer added, “No one expected us to win, but we knew as a team that we had it in us the entire season,” says Kumer.  Brookfield Central was able to send four runners to state this year: Kumer, Abby Mauermann (‘18), Leah Neustedter (‘18), and Michelle Hirsch (‘18), who all performed well despite the harsh weather conditions.

The JV team kept consistent with this success, achieving either second or third place in every race. There were many notable personal records on the JV team, some cutting over a minute off their times. The team also had the addition of four new freshman runners. Unfortunately, the team experienced many injuries during the season. More than six runners experienced injuries or illnesses, causing them to take a break from running; this affected the team’s number of runners drastically of an already small team.

Despite these misfortunes, the performances of both teams were above expectations. Coach Lewis kept the team on their toes and aided them in keeping the team’s morale high and its goals in sight while also providing the girls with effective workouts throughout the season. Overall, the Lady Lancers had a memorable season that they will surely learn from.