Pack running packs a punch for Warriors

Ozaukee High School’s cross country teams achieved two three-peats to start the season.

Both squads notched their third straight victory in the small school division of the Poynette Invitational, last Thursday.

“I think they’re off to a decent start because mentally they are locked in on the season,” coach Andrew Pfeuffer said. “We have a lot of athletes that are passionate about running and competing, which is starting to translate to placing well at meets.”

The boys scored 39 points, edging Big East Conference rival Sheboygan Lutheran’s 51, in the eight-team meet.

The Crusaders had the first two spots, but the Warriors went 3-4-7-11-16 to win.

State qualifier Nick Schubert finished the 5,000-meter course third in 17 minutes, 46 seconds. Fellow state qualifier Wyatt Borchardt was fourth in18:08.

Sterling Schanen was seventh in 18:19, winning the third medal for the team.

Fritz Hoffmann was 11th in 1853. Hugh Steffen was 16th in 19:16. Carsen Isselman was 48th in 20:41 and Evan Caswell was 49th in 10:41.8.

“Sterling, Fritz and Hugh were the X-factors in this race. All three did a great job moving up throughout the race and getting our three-through-five runners to place as high as they could, which made a big difference in the team standings,” Pfeuffer said.

Ozaukee’s two fastest speedsters also chalk the early success up to teamwork.

“Everyone has been putting in the work and pushing each other, and Nick has been leading the way, racing strategically rather than just chasing times,” Borchardt said.

“I agree with Wyatt,” Schubert said. “It’s awesome knowing I can count on every single one of our guys to execute every single race.”

Girls also top Big East foe

Ozaukee’s girls scored 57 points to beat Sheboygan Lutheran’s 75 in the nine-team meet.

Brooklyn Lauters was seventh in 22:32.5. Jillian Knehans was eighth in 22:32.5. Madison Glaeser was ninth in 22:34 and Ashlyn Schubert rounded out the Warriors’ medals by placing 15th in 23:22. Eva VanMinsel was 18th in 24:14. Olivia Schmitz was 23rd in 24:31 and Lilia Steinert was 33rd in 25:49.

“Our girls’ team is gaining a lot of experience over their first three meets and they are learning how to use their packs to their advantage in the team scoring,” Pfeuffer said. “They have been fun to watch as they continue to improve and push each other.”

Ozaukee won the Standing Rocks Invite in Stevens Point and the Lancer Invite in Sturgeon Bay in its first two meets.

The Warriors were to run at Sheboygan Lutheran on Tuesday, Sept. 15.