Boys XC works towards sectionals

Morgan Hughes

The ALHS boys cross country team’s season has been excellent thus far, earning second place in SWCs and 4th in their district meet. They also have their Sectionals meet this coming Saturday. The team has had a lot of success over this season thus far, and this started with the level of commitment of the team members.

“I believe our team has been successful this year because we have had a strong group of really committed guys since the start of the summer,” senior Nick Shultz said. “That energy has always been present.”

However, dedication is a great foundation, but there is more that makes up a team. Senior Jordan Matuszak believes that the team has their coaches, particularly Rob Juergens, to thank for their success.

“I worked with Juergens through the season and he has been a very key part to our success, he provides many years of knowledge as a coach and runner himself who still holds records in some events,” Matuszak said. “He knows how to create and coach a successful team year after year and knows how to make his runners better and faster through many variations of training.”

There is always room for improvement, and empowering the next age group of runners is very important for the future success of the team.

“I think one thing the team can do to improve is motivate the younger runners who aren’t on varsity to train and not be discouraged when they don’t make it,” Matuszak said. “This way, later on in their next seasons they’re already prepared to run the bigger varsity races.”

As the Cross Country seniors say their goodbyes, they are optimistic about the future of the team as a whole in the future.

“While I am a senior and unfortunately won’t be on the team next year, I know the remaining boys will do great things,” Shultz said. “Our team has been blessed with depth so that when this year’s seniors are gone more guys will fill those places, and guys that stick around are only going to get better.”