In its 15th running, the Whitewater High School cross country program is renaming its Alumni Meet in honor of Hall of Fame Coach Dirk Siebold. The Aug. 27 event will honor Siebold, who was instrumental in creating a positive and impactful program for hundreds of young men and women as they progressed through high school.
“With his witty personality, passion for distance running and uncanny ability to tell a story relating to nearly every life situation, Coach Siebold was able to create a perennial powerhouse during his tenure,” a press release about the event stated.
In his 33 years as the boys and girls head coach, Siebold’s programs amassed 26 total boys and girls conference championships, 10 top-three WIAA state team finishes including three state titles for the boys program in 1993, 1994 and 1995.
“Coach Siebold will be in attendance… Competing in the race will be current CC (cross country) athletes, and the meet is also open to all CC alumni or those with family ties to the Whippets CC team in any year. Your presence will make this event all the more special for Coach Siebold,” the release stated.
The schedule for the event, set for Saturday, Aug. 27 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is as follows:
- 9 a.m. – race registration begins (it’s free) at the start/finish line located next to the DLK Fieldhouse and Intramural Fields;
10 a.m. – a special ceremony honoring Coach Siebold will be held;
- 10:15 a.m. – the boy’s and men’s 5K will begin;
- 10:50 a.m. – the girl’s and women’s 5K will begin;
- 11:20 a.m. – a kid’s race of 300 to 400 meters for those in 5th grade and younger, will begin.
Following the races, Rocky Rococo’s pizza, dessert and an opportunity for socializing will be held.
