Montezuma has won three straight South Iowa Cedar League girls cross country championships. With a number of runners returning, the Bravettes will pursue a 4th straight SICL crown this season.
“The girls have had a really strong start to their season,” said Coach Kevin Gartman.
“They’ve been aided by improved health for the majority of the team and some strong summer running.”
Gartman said seniors Mia Boulton and Madison Johannes, “have returned to their healthiest they have been in a couple of years. They have been tremendous culture tone-setters for the girls,” he said.
“Our group of juniors has maintained the fun and humor in practice and will be relied on for depth in our varsity lineup,” he said.
“Camryn Brennan, Alivia Cline, Ashlee Eilander, Faith Ferry, Makenna Johannes and Lydia Singleton make up more than half of team’s numbers,” Gartman said. Cline was a state meet qualifier last season.
The lone sophomore, Ellen Cook, “looks to push past her strong performances last year for a big jump from being a 2021 state qualifier.”
“In the freshman class, Claire Erselius looks to quickly prove to be a top performer in meets and a scorer near the top of our lineup,” Gartman said.
“Haleah Eichenberger adds a strong all-around athlete who is making big jumps as she starts her first year of cross country,” the coach said.
“While the goals are high for our girls team, as they look to compete in every meet, team goals also include sending the seniors out with their fourth straight SICL title, and bouncing back to state like the 2021 team, after narrowly missing out on a team appearance last year,” said Gartman.
“With six returning runners with state experience and strong-performing newcomers, these goals are going to be a challenge in a loaded 1A class,” the coach said. “But, the girls are confident and working hard to achieve them.”
The Bravettes
Seniors – Mia Boulton and Madison Johannes
Juniors – Camryn Brennan, Alivia Cline, Ashlee Eilander, Faith Ferry, Makenna Johannes, Lydia Singleton
Sophomore – Ellen Cook
Freshmen – Claire Erselius and Haileah Eichenberger
First Up – Tues., Aug. 30 – at Williamsburg Invitational.
After That – Thurs., Sept. 1 – at Pekin Invitational.