Athens Cross Country Heads to State

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David Keech
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Wisconsin Rapids (OnFocus) – The Athens Bluejays Boys Cross Country Team has made it to state, a feat not heard of in 53 years.

We caught up with Athens Head CC Coach Korey Rottscheit to learn a bit about Athens Cross Country and their trip to the state meet.

1.  What have been the keys for your team’s successful journey to state?
The biggest key in our journey to State was the addition of our 5th runner.  It was midway through the season and we knew we could have some success as a team if we could get a 5th runner in the mix, up by our top 4.  It took some convincing, but we got someone new to running to come out mid season and to our delight, he was very good! Since then, our team has been very goal oriented.  They’ve trained very hard for this moment, and have been improving each and every week.
2. How are you approaching practice this week as you prepare for the state meet?
We are just continuing to work hard with a mix of easy runs and shorter workout days.
3.  How has fan support been important for your team’s runners this year?
It has been amazing! It’s nice to have the support of others in the community. Sometimes Cross Country is in its own little world, but it’s amazing when you can find success and get people hyped up about it.  Having people beyond your typical parents coming out to support you at meets and congratulating you in passing, makes you work that much harder to keep that success going.
4. What do you see as the keys to be successful at The Ridges on Saturday?
The athletes will need to stay grounded.  It isn’t the time to be changing strategy or anything.  It is going to naturally be a fast race, and the key is to make sure that they stay relaxed and not get too sucked into the beginning of the race to where it slows them down the second half of the race.  If we can try to PR, that’s always the goal!  We are just enjoying this week since it has been 53 years since the last boys team has made it to State.

Cross Country Links:

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David Keech
Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]

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