Boys, girls take 17th in season’s final event
By Dan Truttschel
Sports Correspondent
No matter how you slice it, the Westosha Central boys and girls cross country teams enjoyed hugely successful 2014 campaigns.
When you finish up at the state meet, there’s no other way to evaluate things.
Both squads finished 17th overall Saturday at the Ridges Golf Course, Wisconsin Rapids. Central’s boys had a score of 361, while the girls finished with a 418.
The story of the day was Central senior Melissa Capra, who capped a stellar career with an eighth-place overall finish in 18:45.73.
“(That was) very impressive,” Central coach Keith Olsen said. “She’s the first runner in our proud history to finish in the top 10. I’m very proud of her and what she accomplished that day.”
Following Capra to the finish line were Meghan Capra, 100th (20:14.74); Maria Sabourin, 162nd (21:15.23); Maddie Murphy, 164th (21:21.05); Mackenzie Maccaux 167th (21:35.01); Amanda Sabourin, 183rd (22:42.49); and Julia Alberth, 184th (22:45.25).
Olsen was pleased with the girls’ effort, but added both he and they knew their overall finish could have been even better with a few breaks.
“The girls performed well,” he said. “I don’t feel their performance was as strong as the boys, but felt having to wait so long before they finally were able to race drained them of some of their energy.
“The strategy was the same (as other races). Race big and finish the season with a big performance. I think the heart and mind were willing, but by the time the gun went off, the body wasn’t.”
The race ended the Central running careers of Maria Sabourin, Murphy, Alberth and Melissa Capra – and all four played huge roles the past four years, Olsen said.
“Tremendous careers came to an end Saturday,” he said. “I am blessed to work with such great kids. They always give their best, are humble and are so sincere. It’s always hard to lose seniors like these, and they will be tough to replace for sure.”
Eau Claire Memorial won the team title with 118 points, followed by Stevens Point with 127, Sun Prairie with 132, Whitefish Bay with 160 and Hartland Arrowhead with 168.
River Falls’ Annie Frisbie claimed the individual state title in 17:59.14.
Hebior leads boys
The top Central boys’ effort came from Jacob Hebior, who was 16th overall in 16:15.43.
“Jacob had a great race,” Olsen said. “He was striving for the top 10, (but) he beat people that he had lost to earlier in the year.”
Finishing behind Hebior were Shane McNealy, 32nd (16:36.35); Lucas Leydens, 144th (17:44.63); Michael Yule, 157th (17:53.63); Sheel Patel, 169th (18:08.20); Matthew Holloway, 177th (18:15.10); and Mason Hedrick, 181st (18:26.26).
The boys landed right about where Olsen hoped they would.
“I felt our boys ran well,” he said. We finished right behind Bradford, who was state ranked all year when we were not.
“We just really focused on racing tough from start to finish and wanting to end with a great race. Wherever that would put us team and time-wise, so be it.”
Finishing their high school careers were McNealy, Leydens and Yule.
“All three had great races to end their career and were excited to have the opportunity to race at state,” he said.
Madison West won the team title with 77 points, followed by Stevens Point with 157, Arrowhead with 178, Madison LaFollette with 179 and Kimberly with 193.
Olin Hacker, Madison West, won the individual state title in 14:59.1.
Even with several key losses to graduation this year, the expectations won’t change when the teams begin practicing next August.
“While we lose a lot going forward, this group did well at demonstrating what it means to run Central cross country,” Olsen said.
“Thus, we will be OK next year and continue to be competitive. Each team wants to make my story list and to do so, they have to do well. Next year’s team will do everything they can to do that, and in the process, likely will have a pretty good season them