Tepe, Schleifer Advance to State Cross County Meet
By Coach Val Tepe
The Okawville High School cross country teams traveled to Benton Community Park on Saturday to compete at the Benton Sectional.
The Lady Rockets were racing against 18 teams and the Rockets were racing against 21 teams, with the top six teams advancing to the state meet held in Peoria. The top ten individuals who were not on one of the advancing teams also earn spots at the IHSA State Meet.
The Lady Rockets were led by 8th place runner and state qualifier, Caroline Tepe (17:59). The team score included Lydia Luechtefeld (19:57), Lauren Haacke (20:39), Sidney Charles (21:55), and Sarah Cook (21:57).
Also competing were Megan Rennegarbe (22:21) and Kylie Buehler (22:23). The Lady Rockets placed 11th place out of 18 teams.
The Rockets were led by 6th place runner and state qualifier, Grant Schleifer (15:15). Rounding out the team score for the Rockets were Ryker Obermeier (16:57), Joe Jansen (17:23), Nolan Frantz (17:59), and Zander Hasheider (18:46).
Also competing were Oliver Gaubatz (18:57) and Jared Juenger (19:04). The Rockets placed 13th out of 21 teams.
Caroline Tepe and Grant Schleifer will compete against the top runners in the state at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday, November 5. Caroline will race at 9 a.n. and Grant will race at 10 a.m.
