Thermal thinclads: Goessel thinclads inexperienced but hope to rekindle Bluebird success
By Delbert Peters
Sports writer
Despite the grueling temperatures, Goessel cross country coach Greg Bontrager is looking for some good things to happen to his nine-member cross country team.
"It's hot! But I didn't see anyone walking during the first day of practice, and that's a good sign," Bontrager said.
The heat has encouraged Bontrager to arrange some practice time in area swimming pools.
"We are so ready for 80-degree weather," Bontrager said.
Sophomore Jennifer Schmidt brings a year of experience for the upcoming thinclad season.
Joining her on the girls' team is freshmen Tricia Fensky, Jenessa Wedel, and exchange student Grace Jung.
At the Heart of America League level, girls' teams can compete for team scores with only three runners.
On the boys' side, Lance Hiebert and sophomore Evan Fast are among the teams' only experienced runners.
Newcomers to the team are sophomore Zach Plenert, freshman Nathan Amstutz, and exchange student Radek Vit. Team competition for the boys requires five runners on the varsity level. Senior, Chris Voth will handle managing responsibilities for this year's team.
Goessel will compete in seven meets before regional competition.
The first meet of the season is scheduled for Sept. 4 at Clearwater, followed by the team's nearest meet at Hesston on the 11th.
"This should be an interesting year with the newcomers expecting to gain confidence as the season goes along and contributing to team scores," Bontrager said.
