Pittsville Panthers Cross Country Season Preview
Coaching staff: Head Coach Robert Piotrowski
Assistant Coach Alyssa Anderson
Key returners: Girls Varsity: Natalie Fuller – Senior
Lily Rees – Senior
Kylyn Luepke – Senior
Boys Varsity:Sam Bowden – Senior
Landen Losievski – Senior
Trace Wilke – Senior
Hunter McDaniel – Senior
Ezra Fiala – Junior
Derek Grossman – Junior
Key newcomers: Girls Varsity: Kennedy Parkison – Freshman
Alli Marti – Freshman
Kalli Montag – Freshman
Boys Varsity: Caden Rayburn – Sophomore
Nate Esser – Junior
Peyton Leigh – Freshman
Titus Rees – Freshman
Christian Matthews – Freshman
Conference outlook: It is still early to tell how the conference stacks up but the traditional strong teams will be Steven Point Pacelli, Rosholt, and Iola Scandinavia on the boys side and likely Amherst, Bonduel, and Weyauwega-Fremont on the gals sides of things. Much depends on the health of all the teams and losses to graduation as well. Should be a competitive conference this year as there are some talented individuals that can influence the outcome of the conference meet.
Keys to your success this season: As always, the mental and physical health of the team is a key component of success in 2022. Another aspect is the continued development of our runners which has really solid leadership from a group of seniors and juniors – many who have been part of the cross-country since 6th grade. They are excellent at supporting and encouraging each other and preparing younger runners for what lies ahead. It is terrific to depend upon them.
Behind the scenes: Who are some of the people that help your program succeed?
So many to mention, but the role of parents is huge as many rearrange their schedules to attend meets in the late afternoon. That is not always an easy task. Setting up meals before meets is also another team building component. Athletic Director Mark Denniston for being a reliable connection from the AD’s of other schools and the coaches. Former runners and coaches who offer their help in a variety of ways. Hahn Transportation for reliable bus service to get the teams to the meet. The support of the staff of Pittsville Schools is critical since many of the athletes miss portions of the school day to leave and attend the meets. Their willingness to help these young student-athletes by working around the schedule is commendable. My assistant coach Alyssa Anderson is a terrific complement to bounce ideas off of and bring to my attention details that might be missed during practices and meets. Huge asset to the program.
Coach’s comments: anything else you’d like to share?
I am pleased that we are fielding a complete girls team despite losing a senior runner due to injury (Kylyn Leupke) which makes the current and future a tad brighter. The year also looks promising as the work the young athletes did over the summer has already provided dividends. The boys team earned a 1 point win in their opening meet at home and I really like that they are not satisfied with their performance. They are figuring out areas of improvement and that is all one can ask. The goal of these young student-athletes is to give their best effort on every given day and then see where it takes them when reflecting back after the season concludes. It should and will be a fun run (pun intended)!
2022 Central Wisconsin Fall Sports Schedules: Links to School Schedule Updates
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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]
