By By Adam Knoll
Sports Correspondent
During the 77th annual Janesville Midwest Invitational Saturday, the Whitewater High School cross country team found out a lot about its resolve.
The Lady Whippets did well in an event that featured more than 3,000 runners, from an astounding 400-plus schools.
Allisan Barrett ran a very smart race at the event, taking 13th in the freshman race and earning a medal.
In the girls varsity race, Sarah Ziolkowski and Andrea Sandoval finished one second apart in 28th and 29th places respectively out of 213 finishers. Each of them also earned a medal for their performance.
“Andrea was the surprise performer of the meet, stunning everyone and showing everyone what she is really capable of,” coach Chad Carstens said after the meet. “She was so focused and looked up through the race moving forward and catching Sarah seemed to be a powerful motivator for her.”
Abby King ran her season best finish coming in 93rd place while Amanda Herold finished in the top 200 at 192nd.
On the Whippets’ boys side at the event, Jimmy King led the team in the freshman race, finishing in 50th out of 196. Jakob finished in 96th and Justin Brantmeier was 110th. Steven Witt wasn’t too far behind either of them as he finished in 119th.
Next up Saturday, it was the varsity boys turn to run and Whitewater again was led by James Ehlen, finishing 81st (out of 256) while trying to work through a hip injury.
Jon Zimdars was challenged by a faster start in his race netting him his best time this season, which earned him a 110th place finish.
Jason Shelbourn and Nathan Barrett were doing their best in the stacked field and it showed. They both turned in season best times and placed 210th and 211th overall.
