Three Cougars will run with Cadets XC this season

AGWSR’s sharing agreement for cross country with Iowa Falls-Alden continues one year after the Cougars contributed two varsity runners on the girls side in Nakia Ollivierre and Elizabeth Kielty, the former placing 10th in Class 3A at State. Aaron Blackburn ran varsity for the boys as a freshman. 

Ollivierre is no longer with the program and Kielty is back as the lone experienced senior for IF-A/AGWSR on the girls side. She will be a varsity runner once again for the program, but perhaps not the only Cougar. Freshman Chloe Stilwell has been working out with the time over the summer and has put in the miles to compete for a varsity spot this season. 

“Elizabeth has picked up those leadership duties, like keeping in touch with the group and communicating,” coach Michael Rottink said. She's something that people look up to, works hard and has gradually improved. There are challenges that come with a combined program, but Elizabeth is a runner any coach is absolutely happy to have because she keeps our team glued together. Chloe has pushed through her workouts strong and for sure will be battling for a varsity spot. I really like her potential.” 

The boys side saw half their team graduate, so Blackburn’s second year with the program will be a big one for the sophomore and Rottink feels Blackburn can make a difference this season.

“Aaron has improved a lot and we hope he can gradually build off his freshman year,” Rottink said. “Sophomores and juniors grow and put on muscle. Hopefully he has a solid season and stays healthy.” 

Rottink’s goals for his team are to be competitive in the North Central Conference despite varsity numbers being halved compared to 2022. All three Cougars will factor into this year’s success.

“I want to see our spread tighter and our teams more cohesive by the middle of the season,” Rottink said. “Competition in our conference will be tough for both girls and boys, but I do feel we can be in the top half and compete for some conference medalists again this year.”

Iowa Fall-Alden/AGWSR cross country will open their season hosting a meet in Hampton on Thursday, Aug. 24.