Zachar, Wusterbarth eye return to state tourney

• Rachel Zachar

Rachel Zachar pulled out in front of other runners, as spectators watched. Submitted photo
• Luke Wusterbarth

Luke Wusterbarth, sporting a new look with freshly clipped hair and without his trademark headband, ran well at state before an injury he’s had most of the year flared up and slowed him down. Photo by Dave Newman

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Rachel Zachar and a limping Luke Wusterbarth already are itching to get back to the state cross country meet next season, after finishing back in the pack last Saturday in Wisconsin Rapids.

“Rachel Zachar ran a solid race at the start, running her race as she has all season, but did not start her kick soon enough and had a slow last half-mile,” said Coach Don Krupa. She placed 62nd in a time of 15:50, which was 20 to 30 seconds slower than she wanted to. “She was not happy and will be back next year to improve on her performance,” Krupa said.

“Luke Wusterbarth ran a solid first mile, but an injury he’s had since the

Menomonie Relays (on Sept. 13) came back to haunt him, his IT-band,” Krupa said. “He could not get a full extension on his leg and it was very painful running down hills, and there are a lot of hills at the state course.”

Wusterbarth was gunning for a top 20 finish, but with the injury, placed back in the pack rather than choosing to bow out completely. The sophomore was checked by a physical trainer on Monday, and at a minimum, several days of rest was recommended.

Krupa said Hudson will have a strong nucleus of runners returning, but will lose four seniors to graduation. Kaila Fouks had a great season, running second or third on the team most of the year, and Hunter Satterfield ended his campaign by winning the junior-varsity conference meet, Krupa said. “Jake Pittman showing improvement all season and motivating the team to a conference championship, and Dan Schloesser worked hard all season, but had a quad injury that kept him from performing to his capabilities.”

Returning will be the strong freshmen group of girls that ran varsity this year, along with the sophomores and juniors that rounded out the squad.

For the boys, the sophomores and juniors were the heart of the varsity, with some freshmen boys showing promise, Krupa said

This year for the boys, the Raiders had five freshmen, 12 sophomores, 11 juniors and three seniors. For the girls, the tally was five freshmen, five sophomores, nine juniors and one senior.

“With a lot of hard work from these young men and women who will be returning, we will have another successful season, with two conference championships and both teams representing Hudson at state,” Krupa said.

Tags: sports, hudson, crosscountry