(Avoca) AHSTW graduated just two seniors off of last season’s 3rd place team at the girls state cross country meet.
The Lady Vikes are in store for a very successful campaign. Coach Jenny Hamilton says, “We are coming off a lot of positives and momentum from last season. What’s awesome is we do have a lot of returners coming back. A really solid senior class filled with really good leaders both as athletes and people.”
Coach Hamilton lists seniors Chloe Falkena, Julia Kock, Holly Hoepner, and Jade Draman among the core of her team. “They are all seniors this year and have been really consistent in the summer runs that we’ve had. They organized some things on their own and got themselves in really good shape for the season.”
The senior class has been a part of two state qualifying teams already while Falkena and Kock have been to state either as a team or individually for three straight years. “I’ve been able to watch them grow and develop. I think it’s going to be a really special season for them.”
Claire Denning, Jordan Blotzer, and Kailey Jones are others that could help the cause for a program that’s still abuzz from their experience at state last year. “Trophies aren’t everything, but is sure fun to walk past it in the hallways. It’s fun to compete at a high level and feel good about what you are doing. That’s definitely bringing a lot of energy for this season.”
AHSTW missed out on what likely would have been an extremely successful track season last spring, so it’s safe to say they are eager to put a good foot forward this fall. “I think the athletes are ready to utilize the opportunity that they have to compete and get the most out of every day.”
The boys roster will consist of just a pair runners and both are underclassmen. Caleb Hatch and Bryce Mourick are the two boys out for cross country.
Official practice starts on Monday, August 10th. The Lady Vikes took part in a five day camp during the first week of August in which they toured each community that makes up the school…Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant-Walnut.
