August 24, 2018 at 12:46 p.m.
Flory, freshmen lead the way in Hodag Invite
Flory, freshmen lead the way in Hodag Invite
Flory, who missed much of last season with a lower leg injury, turned in a strong showing on his home course, finishing eighth overall in a field of 130 runners.
Behind Flory, a number of freshmen factored into the scoring as the Hodags placed sixth in the larger Senior division of the meet in both the boys' and girls' classes.
"I think we learned who some of our early season strong runners are," said RHS assistant cross country coach Melissa Krueger, who guided the Hodags Thursday with head coach M.J. Laggis absent to attend to a family obligation. "There were a few surprises today for sure, especially having such a young team. We went into it with a question mark but some of those younger runners really showed up today."
Flory hung with the leaders early in the boys' 5-kilometer race, running in or near the top five over the first 2,000 meters. He faded slightly during the second half of the race but still turned in a strong time of 18 minutes, 39.2 seconds.
"He's feeling strong and good and healthy," Krueger said. "He's been looking strong in practice and has been a great leader with the boys, having a younger team. It's been a really fun week and a half of practice watching him come back. I know he's got goals this year. We're going to help him achieve those goals."
Behind Flory, it was a slew of underclassmen for the Hodag boys. Jaden Beske was the second Hodag across the line in 32nd place overall (20:48.5), followed by sophomore Jacob Weddle in 35th (21:00.5).
"To see Jaden Beske come in second place (for the team), I'll tell you what that kid is an athlete," Krueger said. "He's playing football, too. To watch him on the course looking so strong coming out, it very exciting. It's going to be fun to see what he can do this season for sure.
"Jacob Weddle, we know he's a strong runner but he's still young, so that was great to see him doing so well."
Sophomore JC Adams (45th, 21:41.7), freshman Cal Laggis (62nd, 22:13.3), junior Levi Smith (74th, 23:00.1) and sophomore Daniel Goldsworthy (81st, 23:24.2) rounded out Rhinelander's top seven.
The Hodags had a youthful top seven on the girls' side as well. Sophomore Abigale Henrichs, who developed into Rhinelander's No. 3 runner last year behind since-graduated seniors Alayna Franson and Anna Sturzl, led the Hodag pack. She placed 35th with a time of 25:17.0. Freshman Sage Flory - Bridger's sister - wasn't far behind, placing 38th at 25:27.1.
"Abigale Henrichs, who came in first for us, she's a sophomore but she's strong and Sage Flory right behind her as a freshman was very impressive," Krueger said. "That was a strong start for them. Those girls have been working really hard in practice and it showed today."
Sage Flory was one of four freshmen in Rhinelander's top seven. Emma Germain was 39th (25:55.6), Liana Teter finished 54th (26:44.5) and Audrey Schiek was 55th overall (26:49.1).
Sophomore Alison DeNamur was fourth-fastest for the Hodags, in 40th at 25:59.6. Junior Jenna Younker rounded out Rhinelander's top seven in 56th (26:49.6).
Krueger said she was happy with the team's times while noting that warm running conditions with sunny skies and a temperature near 80 degrees played a factor in the race.
"It was a little bit warmer than we expected, but that's the way it goes with cross country," she said. "The course and the weather, they just become another opponent. That's all part of the sport. That's why we love it."
The Hodags return to action this coming Tuesday in a invitational hosted by Mosinee High School at Nine Mile Forest in Rib Mountain.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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