The Lennox High School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are gearing up for an exciting season with high expectations after a successful previous year under the direction of head coach Mike Oltmanns. Oltmanns, who begins his 37th year of coaching, will be assisted by Paul McVey.
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualified for the State meet last season, with the girls finishing as runners-up and the boys securing third place at Regions.
This season, the teams are led by a strong group of returning varsity runners and hope to continue on last year’s successes.
The girls’ team will see the return of standout athletes Kelsey Schmidt, Adie McVey and Josephine Plucker. Also looking to make a splash will be Allison Loewe, Kamille Schmidt, and Natalie Aesoph. On the boys’ side, key returning runners include Noah Sayler, Maverick Horst, Chett Jibben, Cade Sherard, Cloy McVey, and Landon Strasser.
The team’s strength lies in its experienced seniors and juniors, who are expected to lead the way toward achieving the goal of qualifying both teams for State and aiming for a top-six finish. Additionally, a promising group of younger runners is emerging, adding depth and excitement to the junior varsity and junior high levels.
“With our seniors and juniors this year we have veteran team which is our strength and we are looking forward to a great season,” said Oltmanns. “Our goal is to qualify both teams for State and give them a chance to place in the Top Six as a team. We have an outstanding group of upcoming runners fighting for spots on varsity. Our young runners will make our team very deep and exciting to watch at the Junior Varsity and Junior High levels as well.”
The team bid farewell to last season’s graduates: Callie Hammerstrom, Landon Atkins, and Noah Werner. Despite these losses, the team is confident in its depth and the potential of its up-and-coming athletes.
Looking ahead, the teams anticipate tough competition from regional and conference rivals such as Vermillion, Canton, Dakota Valley, Ethan Parkston, Sioux Falls Christian, and West Central. With their eyes set on success, the LHS cross country team is ready to take on the challenge.
The full roster of team members, from seventh graders to seniors, include:
Girls—Seventh graders: Jaezerii Deverney, Ashley Dummer, Kensi Holland, Sophia Johnson, Lily Kuiken, Adalynn Nielson; Eighth graders: Natalie Aesoph, Ava Elk Boy, Allison Loewe, Adie McVey, Kamille Schmidt, Harper Walsh; Freshmen: Kaydence Gerry; Sophomore: Madison Eden, Maddyn Hossle; Juniors: Josephine Plucker; Seniors: Jenna Duncan, and Kelsey Schmidt.
Boys— Seventh graders: Greyson Seeman, Triston Sturm; Eighth graders; Lance Aasheim, Landon Strasser; Freshmen: Leo Aesoph, Isaak Booker, Jackson Schmidt; Sophomores: Cade Aasheim, Duncan Johnson, Isaiah Sayler, Andrew Stensaas; Juniors: Karson Iken, Cloy McVey; Seniors: Jack Aasheim, Caleb Ellwein, Maverick Horst, Chett Jibben, Noah Sayler, and Cade Sherard.
The LHS cross country team begins their season on Friday, Aug. 30 when they travel to Beresford. On Friday, Sept. 6 the team will compete at Yankton Trails Park in the Augustana Twilight Meet.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17 the team competes in the Charger Invite and on Sept. 26 they compete in the Sioux Center Invite.
The team’s first home meet is scheduled for Oct. 3. Lennox will also host the Dak XII Meet on Oct. 10. The Region Meet is scheduled for Oct. 17 in Canton.
The State Meet will be held sat Hart Ranch Camping Resort in Rapid City on Oct. 26.
Comments