This year the cross country team welcomes a new coach, Mr. John Laughlin. Mr. Laughlin can be found teaching high school math here at Okawville. During the summer, the cross-country members tried to run 100 miles for the Summer Run Club. During this time Mr. Laughlin biked along with them, aiming for 250 miles. For Mr. Laughlin, being a cross-country coach is new and different, but he enjoys it. I asked him if he had enjoyed his time as the new Cross Country coach. He said, “I’ve enjoyed my time with and learning from them.” The other coach of the team is Val Tepe who has been coaching for many years at Okawville.
This year’s team includes eight seniors: Sidney Charles, Alyssa Statler, Paige Kolweier, Will Tepe, Calvin Maynard, Thor Gavin, Nolan Frantz, and Oliver Gabuatz. Caroline Tepe, Ryker Obermeier, and Zander Hashieder are the three Juniors. There are three sophomores: Sophia Wood, Clay Maynard, and Kaden Buehler. And last but not least there are four freshmen girls: Taylor Statler, Kaylee Wolf, Katelyn Gogolek, and Emma Hokeness. The managers this year are Laura Cook and Izzy Howard. Good luck to the Cross Country team this year!
