LoW/RR Cross Country team celebrates season

News Release
LoW School

2006 Lake of the Woods Rainy River Cross Country
Season Wrap-Up/Awards Banquet (Held Nov. 19 @ 4 p.m. @ Splitz Bowling Center)

The highlight of the year was Andrew Friesen’s third consecutive trip to the State Meet (42nd/158 in 17:08) and Madie Heinrich’s first-ever trip to State (109th/151 in 16:46).

Letterwinners
Seniors: Dylan Davis, Madie Heinrich, and Vincent Scott
Junior Andrew Friesen
Freshman Jennie Buegler

Attitude Awards
These awards are chosen based on miles run during the season and off season, attendance at practices, performance and behavior at meets and on trips, improvement, sportsmanship, and of course, attitude. This year, the Attitude Awards go to three individuals: Jennifer Blodgett, Madie Heinrich and Ryan Cooper.
Jennifer has only been running with us for three years, but has grown as a runner and a confident leader in that short time. She regularly amassed 200 miles a year, and was lucky enough to log her personal best 4000-meter time (19:23) at the second-to-last meet of the season. She was one of the first to reach out to new runners to immediately make them feel a part of the team. She often volunteered to do something for the greater good, and rarely complained about workouts, even when fighting through asthma or other ailments. Whether it’s choosing 6 miles over 4, jumping in the bay after tough workouts, or helping teammates with homework on the bus - she was always there to support. She is near the top of her class, and even has a Potato Day Runner-Up title to wear proudly. Nice job, Jennifer!
Madie has been running varsity cross country since the end of her seventh grade year. She has logged more than 1200 miles - including a career-high 262+ this season (second only to Timo Brielmann’s 283). She’s made countless locker decorations and posters, participated in nearly all weekend practices, and survived six trips to Duluth. As a leader of the ever-changing girls’ team, she consistently connected new runners to veterans, headed off potential problems, and missed only one practice this entire season. One of the greatest strengths Madie has is her commitment to TEAM. Several log entries praised “her girls” and stated how much she loved them ... and the first words out of her mouth after crossing the State Meet finish line were, “I want my team.” She is at the top of her running game, near the top of her senior class, and soon to be on the top of the world. Congratulations, Madie!
Ryan finished his second year with us by coming within 22 seconds of his PR and running nearly 30 miles more this season than last. His times were generally between one and three minutes faster than what he was running in 2005 - especially in the beginning of the year. His attitude, commitment to running, and willingness to improve all played a part in his successes this year. Ryan also chose to keep running with the team after the last race in Bemidji, even though he wasn’t competing in Sections. He has better form, more speed, and more confidence than ever. Way to go, Ryan!

Seniors
This year we lose 9 seniors: Madie Heinrich has been with us for 6 years, Aimee Sugden for 5, Dylan Davis for 4, Jennifer Blodgett and Vince Scott for 3, and Kevin Gubbels, Jason Kratzke, Fred Schulte and Libby Swenson just this year.