By Kevin Cunningham
Sports Correspondent
For the first time ever in the state of Wisconsin, a cross country race – the Nightfall Cross Country Classic – took place under the lights in Wisconsin Dells. The race consisted of 27 teams and took place on Sept. 30.
Whitewater High School’s head coach Chad Carstens talked about the unique environment.
“Large constructions lights were strategically placed to light the way along with special effect lighting and sounds from a DJ,” Carstens said. “White lights lit up the sweeping turns and trees the racers passed through. It truly was a one-of-a-kind scene. Respecting the golf courses facility, the race course had to altered slightly to not damage it thus creating a course that was a little shorter than 5000 meters.
“However, the beauty of cross country is in the fact that all you need to do is show us the start line and finish line and we will do everything we can to get there before you can. The course was very spectator-friendly and the crowd was very supportive. This new race was a huge hit with the athletes, reinforcing how much fun cross country running and racing can be.”
Out of 14 scoring boys teams at the event, the Whippets placed 10th. Jacob Korf led the team with his 15th-place finish, earning himself a medal in the process of running his 16:10.38.
Carstens also talked about how Justin Brantmeier asserted himself as the team’s No. 2 runner with Connor Laue out of the lineup and said freshman Aidan Coburn still has gas left as a young racer, improving each race.
For the girls, the Whippets’ team finished in eighth out of 12. Allisan Barrett led once again with her sixth-place overall finish in 18:17.84.
Nicole Tomomitsu ran a “gutsy” race according to Carstens, finishing in 12th and Rebekah Schumacher is a “strong physical and mental competitor” that continues to push herself.
The next race for the team will take place on Oct. 13, when the Whippets compete in the Rock Valley Conference Meet. The meet is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start and will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
