As the school day came to a close, students scurried to their cars.                                                      Behind school, on the football teams’ practice field, a few students                                                        stayed behind; the cross country team. With the grass beneath their                                                    feet and the breeze in the air, the athletes started their run                                                                      throughout Kenosha. Every step they took was one step closer to the                                                    race that would decide their fate. 
                                                      The season started in August, with training starting long before in                                                    June. The runners and their coaches spent their summer mornings at                                                  the school or in Petrifying Springs. The season did not come without                                                    struggles, especially towards the end. 
    “I was kind of getting worn out, so I kind of wanted to be done mentally,” Jessica Helmke (11) said.
    While sectionals and a chance at state swiftly approached, practices became more focused. Mindsets shifted as runners prepared for the race with consistent running and more in depth planning.
    “We would accomplish our goal of trying to make it to state and analyzing other teams that have beaten us throughout the year and seeing the best way to beat them,” Head Coach Brian Vanerhoef said. 
    Going into the meet, the statistics were close. The girls team was neck and neck with runners at Case High School, having gone back and forth throughout the season, though Oak Creek also imposed a threat. The boys had a bit more competition with four other teams close enough to fight for a spot. As only the top two teams would qualify for state, a lot was on the line. 
    “Every place matters,” Zackery Taylor (12) said. “Even one placement would make a huge difference, especially with how close it was.”
    On Oct. 26, 2024, the boys team landed in third place at the sectional, with two runners qualifying individually. The girls team landed on top, becoming sectional champions and state qualifiers. 
    “I was really excited and surprised to hear that we had qualified for state, I couldn’t believe it,” Jill Herrmann (10) said. “Especially since our team is a lot younger than years past.”