BY MURRAY GLEFFE
CORRESPONDENT
GREEN BAY-Ashwaubenon cross country runner Randy Johnson knows what it takes to get to the state tournament in Wisconsin Rapids.
He ran at The Ridges his freshman year but hadn’t been back since due to a multitude of reasons.
Fast forward to his final go around at the sectional tournament held at Colburn Park (Oct. 19)
Johnson ran one of his most complete runs, especially down the stretch, to qualify.
The emotions on his face were self-evident to those surrounding him after the race.
“I made it my first year of high school,” said Johnson. “It’s been very frustrating the last two years due to the fact I didn’t run my best when it mattered most. The competition has obviously picked up as well with the 12 teams running in our bracket.”
Johnson, who averaged 5:22 for the 3.1-mile race, narrowly edged out Ryan Mares of Appleton East and Drew Dahlin of Bay Port to gain one of the five individual spots that were there to advance.
“To have the guys there after the race congratulating me on the accomplishment is something I’ll never forget,” Johnson added. “My brother was the first support system, and Coach Kromm. He is an amazing coach and challenges me to go out and do my best. The goal now is to finish top 30 or 35 at State.”
Meanwhile, Jaguars number two runner junior Nick Johnson finished in 17th place running a personal best of 17:09.3 .
The Jaguars’ girls team had aspirations to qualify as a team after finishing second at the recent Fox River Classic Conference tournament.
However, it wasn’t meant to be on this day.
Senior Sage Wagner started the race and was in the top 10 mid-way through the relatively flat course, but eventually couldn’t finish the race after feeling dizzy.
It was a heartbreaking end to a three-time state qualifier that has set the tone at Ashwaubenon High School for runners.
“It’s hard to talk about right now,” said Cal Kromm, Ashwaubenon Cross Country Coach. “She has been running with us since the sixth grade, so seven years, and to see it end just so suddenly. However, I don’t want to spin a negative on it, rather a positive on the fact that she changed the culture of the girls’ cross-country program in the past few years here with her work ethic and tremendous desire. She will be missed a lot.”
Erica Conrad has gone from a recreational runner to a top-tier runner in just over a year’s time.
In 2018, her eyes were on the prize of qualifying for the state tournament.
She ran with the second group a majority of the race and got edged out by Anna Balstad and a couple of individuals in which their team qualified.
In the end, Conrad got edged out by one spot.
“I wanted her to advance so bad,” said Kromm. “She has worked so hard over the course of these past couple of years. It’s hard when you maximize your effort and you fall just short. There are just so many spots for state. I’m excited for her in the fact that she has one more year to meet her goal.”
Phantoms Senior Jermaine Evans has been battling injury the past couple of weeks and did not participate in the event.
“It’s frustrating as a senior to not run and try to qualify,” said Evans. “I have to focus on cheering my teammates on. I want to get healthy for track and field season, so I have one more opportunity in high school.”
Jonah DeCleene and Devon Hermes led the boy’s runners for West De Pere finishing 53rd and 54th respectively.
For full team and individual cross-country results go to www.wiaawi.org
(Ashwaubenon and West De Pere boy’s cross country results)
8th 219 Ashwaubenon
8 Randy Johnson, SR 16:40.2, 17 Nick Johnson, JR 17:10.3, 55 Ian MacLean, SR 18:51.4, 65 Tai Crowell, SR 19:24.5, 74 Brendon Peterson, FR 19:58.6
11th 290 West De Pere
53 Jonah DeCleene, JR 18:50.2, 54 Devon Hermes, SR 18:51.3, 57 Sam Cherney, FR 18:55.4, 60 Evan Bowe, FR 19:14.5, 66 Matthew Burns, JR 19:26.6
(Ashwaubenon girl’s cross country results)
7th 168 Ashwaubenon
11 Erica Conrad, JR 20:00.2, 27 Celeste Weidemann, SR 21:21.3, 39 Sophia Duboird, SR 21:59.4, 41 Emma Fischer, JR 22:07.5, 50 Kiley Harjus, SR 22:25.6
