Photos courtesy Coach, Liz Green
The EP Panther cross country teams got their season underway on Saturday as they took part in the Oregon Invitational, which is seen as the area’s small school litmus test to determine which teams will be seen as contenders at local meets. The Panthers made a statement as they garnered 10 top fifteen medals in various races.
The program features 15 seniors and a roster of 33 runners.
The Panther boys have high expectations this season as they return their top varsity runners from last season, with several running at the varsity level for three years. The group is led by senior Charlie Link who despite a setback after track season requiring some time away from running, took 5th in the 160 runner field in a time of 16:56.
He was followed by three fellow seniors including Lucas Dreisbach (12th, 17:40) Jacob Gibson (25th, 18:17) Tyson Skinner (32nd, 18:41) and rounding out the scoring was Wyatt Goossens, a junior (43rd, 18:55). Senior, Zane Romero (57th, 19:21) and sophomore Gus Schultz (74th, 20:03) also ran in the varsity race.
No team scores were kept but unofficially the Panthers took 3rd in the 22 team field, two points behind runner-up Riverdale.
Coach Liz Green said, “They really really stepped it up. I figured it would be a decent day and it was.” Looking at the new season Green said the boys are setting high goals, “They are really excited and anxious to do well in their senior year.”
The Lady Panthers also had a good day as newcomer freshman Sarah Link ,sister of Charlie, took the top spot for EP in the varsity race placing 12th in 21:47. She was followed by senior Jillian Norman (24th, 22:44). Another freshman, Jessie DeNeve was the third Panther to cross the line (35th, 23:24) and was just ahead of junior Chloe Slock (39th, 23:40). Clara Ashdown, a senior closed out the scoring for EP (54th, 24:46). Brooke Lalley (79th) and Isabella Pangrazio (96th) also ran for the Panthers.
Again no official team scores were kept but based on finishing places the Panthers took 5th in the 16 team field 8 points behind Class 2A Rock Falls.
“The girls ran awesome,” said Green. “Sarah (Link) is still learning and she knows there’s still improvement to be made.” Another freshman, Jessie DeNeve also made an immediate impact for the Panthers in her first high school meet. “She is one of those kids that when she sets her mind to something she is not going to back down. She is also still learning what she is capable of and she is working really hard.”
The Panthers posted eight PRs at the meet on the 5K (3.1m) course: Sarah Link, Jessie DeNeve, Taylor Robshaw, Grace Wheeler, Samantha Kilker, Gus Schultz, Nathan Punke, and Ethan Sikkema.
EP also flexed its muscle in the JV events as senior Alex Bomleny won the boys’ race in 19:38 followed closely by teammate Aidan Jepson in 4th clocking a 19:59. The Panthers placed their first five runners in the top 10 with Zeke Weidel placing 6th, Nathan Punke taking 7th, and Alastaire Sweetser grabbing 10th.
The Lady Panthers also had a good showing in the JV event with Taylor Robshaw placing 6th and Grace Wheeler taking 7th.
The Panthers will travel to Peoria next Saturday for the First To The Finish Invitational.
