SPEEDING THROUGH RECORDS

The boys varsity XC team, led by senior Tanner Clippard, and sophomore Thomas Garrett, lined up at the Tim Nixon invitationals with one goal in mind: breaking the school record for fastest average time in a meet.

With all five of the scoring runners being inside the top 50 all-time runners, this goal was very achievable.

“It’s definitely validating because we have been putting the work in since track and over the summer,” said Zach Weimers, head coach, about how he feels about getting the record so early in the year

“I would like to get that record-breaking average down even further from 16:45 to 16:15, maybe even lower,” said Wiemers.

Clippard has a big role as the number one runner and the captain of the team.

“Being a captain is showing up every day and setting an example for the younger guys and being inspiring,” he said.

Coach Weimers shares this attitude.

“It helps the attitude when you have such good captains like Justin and Tanner that can lead a big team in the right direction,” said Wiemers.

With big hopes of placing in State and winning the JV conference, the team has their work cut out for them. Led by Tanner the team is very determined to make a name for themselves in one of the most competitive conferences in the state.

Looking to the future of the team, sophomore Thomas Garett is the fourth-fastest runner the school has ever seen. Clippard is just four seconds behind Garrett and is the fifth-fastest runner in school history with dreams of running at the college level.

“Team culture here has gotten better and we all want to be here and be successful,” said assistant coach and South Alumni runner Brendan Briody. “To be able to interact with the guys and see them PR is a great
feeling.”

With high hopes and the ambition to achieve these goals along with the record-breaking times they need Weimers and the team look forward to a great season.