LSW JV cross country team raced on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Pioneers Park in the North Star Invite.

The JV girls ran first. They placed third of eight teams competing. Freshman Lizzie Lesoing placed 12th individually. 

“I thought I did really well. I practiced good self talk that Coach (Ryan) Salem tells us to. I pushed myself harder than I’m used to but I’m proud of how I ran,” Lesoing said. “I still want to get better. I felt really good about placing. Next week at city I want to stick with my pack and try super hard to hang on.”

Following the JV girls were the JV boys. They placed fourth of nine teams in that race. The boys also had many top finishers, including Will Kempkes who placed 12th overall in the JV race. 

“I went out really fast which was my goal even though you don’t typically do that at Pioneers, but it ended up working well,” Kempkes said. “I was really happy about placing. Next week, Coach Parker (Schoen) wants me to run sub 18.”

Much like the Harold Scott Meet that took place last Thursday, the top seven JV runners from both the boys and girls team were moved into the varsity division at the North Star Invite. The original varsity team is taking an off week in preparation for the LPS City Championship next Friday, Oct. 4.

The varsity girls placed seventh of eight teams. The boys ran afterwards and placed fifth of nine teams. Freshman Lily Schwartz was the first LSW finisher that day placing 22nd in the girls varsity division.

“I think I did pretty well. I did what I wanted to do for my race plan. Kate called me last night and asked me about how I wanted my race to go. We talked it through and it helped me,” Schwartz said. “I’m happy about my top 25 finish and where that puts me on the team. I want to get faster and pr and make varsity, or at least a state alternate.”

Varsity and JV cross country races all together at 4:00 p.m. next week on Oct. 4 at Pioneers Park for the LPS City Championship.