September 14, 2022 at 11:38 a.m.
Hodag harriers take 2nd at Gartzke
Hodag harriers take 2nd at Gartzke
Known for having some of the biggest and steepest elevation changes in the Great Northern Conference, the Gartzke Flowage course lived up to its reputation. Times were roughly 90 seconds to 2 minutes slower across the board compared to a typical five-kilometer meet.
"It's a real difficult course," Hodag coach M.J. Laggis said. "It was a good hill workout and that's how we approached it. It's a great day to run hills and work there and try to get ready to compete on Saturday (at the Bill Smiley Invitational) the best that you can."
The Hodag boys placed four runners in the top 10 overall, led by senior Cody Ruetz who came across the line third overall, covering the course in 19:30.1. Greyson Gremban was fifth (20:05.2) followed by Gavin Denis in eighth (21:34.2) and freshman Olin Slette in ninth (22:15.1).
"Those four really had a good run," Laggis said. "Cody Ruetz was outstanding, so was Greyson. I'm really proud of Gavin and Ollie, where they fit in there. They had great runs."
Brody Kowieski (23:11.1) and Bryan Glover (26:12.3) rounded out a thin Hodag unit in 15th and 24th, respectively. Rhinelander was without sophomore Shawn Denis, who aggravated a knee during a race the previous Tuesday in Minocqua.
"Shawn Denis being hurt really was a big difference tonight between where we were with Medford, but Bryan Glover's continuing to improve and Brody Kowieski ran hard," Laggis noted. "We've just got to keep getting better."
Sophomore Sophie Miljevich was Rhinelander's top finisher on the girls' side for the first time this season, coming home ninth overall (24:37.9). Leah Jamison (25:35.5) was 13th and senior Juliana Smith, who had been Rhinelander's top finishers in each of the first three races, took 14th (26:40.6).
Luna Grage (16th, 27:11.8), Brynn Teter (20th, 27:41.5), Maria Hubler (22nd, 28:02.5) and Kyleah Hartman (23rd, 28:29.6) rounded out the Hodag varsity.
"Sophie Miljevich had a really nice race, getting in the top 10. Leah, who didn't feel really good, ran hard and then you had Juliana in that third spot," Laggis said. "Then it was that smattering of Luna, Maria and Brynn. There's some good stuff going on there. Those girls are working hard. They've got great camaraderie and they're getting better. That's what we have to keep focusing on, is trying to get better and closing the gaps."
Medford edged Rhinelander 27-34 on the boys' side for the title in the five-team meet. Antigo's Logan Higgins won the race in a time of 19:09.6. The Raiders had six of the top eight finishers on the girls' side, including race winner Meredith Richter (22:26.4), as they beat Rhinelander by 40 points for the team title.
The Smiley Invitational is next on the docket for Rhinelander. Saturday's meet at Wausau East High School represents one of the largest regular season races in the state. Sixty schools will be in attedance, including 26 in the Division 1 Large/Small race, in which Rhinelander will participate.
"On the boys' side, I'd really like to have Shawn healthy and see where we stack up with everyone," Laggis said, noting that the hope is to have Denis back in the lineup for the Three Lakes Invite Sept. 22. "We really think we need him in the mix, but we'll have a chance to go our there and see where we're at. The same with the girls, they've just got take another step and keep getting stronger as group."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.