Linn cross country coach Suann Bower said she is happy with Saturday’s effort at the Fatima Invitational as the Lady Wildcats finished fifth as a
team.

“Overall I was pleased with the girls’ effort,” she said. “It was cool and wet
but they didn’t seem to get hung up on that. They stayed pretty focused and
ran well. Annaliese loves the cold weather and had her best time of the season! Kudos to her! We had some great teamwork!”

Myra Baker maintained her position well throughout the course, and medaled in seventh place in a time of 22:44. “She lost a little ground on the second hill
but recovered well by the finish line,” said Bower.

“We will have to work on that finishing kick.”

Ellie Monnette (32, 25:20) and Erika Platt (43, 26:38) had strong races.

“The first loop was a little stronger than their second, which hurt their times some, but I love the effort these ladies give each time out,” Bower noted.

“Annaliese Bower (50, 28:49) and Marissa Gehlert (52, 29:56) are such an important part of our team and both have improved so much throughout the season.

It’s great to see that Wildcat Pride!”

In the varsity boys race, Linn fielded a young squad with two sophomores and
four freshmen running Saturday as the team finished sixth.

“They have come such a long way in a short amount of time,” said Bower. “I see great things for them in the future if they continue to work hard. I believe we faced some bigger schools today and placed sixth out of 14 so it was a good day.”

Bryer Baker (28, 19:58) had a super race. “He wasn’t loving the conditions but showed some leadership and ran a respectable time,” said Bower. “His time was much better than last year. He is peaking at the right time.”

Rhett Robinson (34, 20:34) and Gibson

Tschappler (38, 20:47) ran a solid race as well. “Both of them are capable of getting under the 20-minute mark and will,” said Bower.

“It’s a matter of staying positive, focused and not letting up during any section of the race. These two have different strengths when it comes to running so they need to push each other throughout the race.”

John Schmidt (45, 21:12) seems to always run a better second loop, Bower observed. “It takes a few minutes to get warmed up and get all engines fired,” she added. “He’s a determined young man and is getting stronger.”

Zach Dodson (55, 21:59) and Jason Powers (61, 22:16) traded spots back and forth a few times during the race. “They have a friendly competition going,” said Bower. “They too have different strengths when running. Jason is better on the hills where Zach has the power on the straightaways. They don’t get the medals when running at the varsity level but I’m really proud of them thinking of the team first!”

In the JV boys race, three runners suited up for Linn.

“JD Kruger (15, 25:48) just never got relaxed and in a good pace,” said Bower. “I hope being on our home course next week will help him. Brendan Ely was cold. He didn’t get warmed up before the race properly and struggled.”

Ely finished 17th in 26:48, while Chris Kmiec was 22nd in 40:29.

“Chris made his goal of beating his time from last year,” said Bower. “He has had a good season overall.”