Spartan XC goes it alone, moves down to Class 1A

2022 Results (as GCGR): Grace Storjohann 74th, Emerson Vokes 15th and Kaden Lynch 66th at State Cross Country; Girls 7th and Boys 3rd at NICL Conference Meet

Head Coach: Kerri Lynch

The moment a successful 2022 season came to end, athletes told coach Kerri Lynch they were already ready for the next season. Three runners went to State between the two teams and the boys were only a few points short of second in a competitive NICL conference. 

“These guys work hard,” Lynch said. “Our numbers continue to grow and we have depth now. The students are doing a bit of recruiting, getting classmates out who aren’t playing a sport. It’s been a fun group to watch.”

Sophomore Grace Storjohann returns as the lone qualifier on the girls side. Senior Laney Dole, junior Kate Hayes, and sophomores Karlee and Emmy Lynch were all varsity runners last season. Incoming freshman Makenna Steinmeyer and Evelyn Geerdes will compete for varsity spots immediately. 

“They’re really all right there in terms of great times,” Lynch said. “They have to decide to put it all together on the same day. They’re flip-flopping where their positions will be. Everything is open for them right now. If they continue to work hard, this is going to be a fun season for them as a team.” 

The boys return 2022 NICL individual champion senior Kaden Lynch and sophomore Emerson Vokes, the two providing quite a one-two punch in both cross country and track this past school year. Senior Tyler Venenga and junior Brayden Wallis were both quality varsity runners last season and are back. Sophomore Brayden Davie and senior Sully Dirks have put themselves into the conversation for varsity, but a spot remains open.

“This is a hungry group coming back,” Lynch said. “They know what they missed out on last year and they're ready for it this year. We’ll see about that seventh spot. It’s changed around quite a bit already.” 

Grundy Center will run this season separate from Gladbrook-Reinbeck for the first time since 2014. This moved the Spartans down to Class 1A, where the Spartans hope they can compete for both teams to make a State run. Their schedule remains mostly the same as in previous years, but will replace a trip to Jesup with Nevada on September 26. 

“We’d love to be running down at State as a team,” Lynch said. “All of them would like to see that happen. We’ll see what each new day brings.” 

Grundy Center cross country will open its season at Marshalltown Community College on Thursday, Aug. 24.