On September 22, 2018, the New Haven Cross Country team traveled to Hermitage, Missouri, to compete in the Pomme de Terre Dam Invitational. Traveling along on the three-hour bus ride to the meet were the Varsity boys and two girls, Julia McIntyre and Caroline Otten.
Since New Haven High School has moved up into Class 2 this year, the District course will be at Hermitage, so the team went to see what the course would be like and take information back to the other teammates. The boys got first in the meet, and both girls medaled.
The athletes were then asked about their feelings on the course after running on it for the first time. Junior Austin Tegeler replied, “It was a little tough. The first hill was the toughest; otherwise, it was pretty much all gravel and dirt.”
Others responded that there was some pain for them in the race.
The next question asked was if there is anything they want to work on now. “Running harder in the middle part of the course because it’s very flat,” answered senior Joseph Rethemeyer.
Coach Tucker responded, “Not really -- our prep work is geared towards running well on the State course, so we will continue as we otherwise would.”
Another question asked was how they feel they will do at Districts with the team. Senior Joseph Rethemeyer said, “Pretty good. The course is much easier than I imagined it to be.”
“I feel that the team could win districts if we all want to,” replied Austin Tegeler, junior.
After the athletes and coach were asked a few questions, Coach Tucker was asked how he feels his athletes did for the first time on the course. He said, “I was very pleased with how they ran, considering we didn't have any time to check out the course prior to racing and had been on a bus for three hours.”
Good luck with the remaining season and at your upcoming District meet!