LaPorte runners are shown amongst the pack during the Bransford Classic in August. Photo by Mike Kellems
The 2009 season of girls cross country is now over, and so is the LPHS coaching career of Mrs. Starr Rice. After 13 years of coaching she has decided that she needs more time for her kids.
Coach Rice
Even though her coaching career is over, Coach Rice hopes to have helped the girls by “instilling a lifelong love of running and having an adult that looks out for them.”
While she is sad to be leaving this position, she had some high points to look back on from the season.
“We had so many new people on the team and everyone bonded very quickly,” said Rice.
There were also many personal records. Senior Paeton Wantuch’s season-best 5K time was 21:09. Freshman Courtney Caum had a great start to her high school career. Her season best was 25:18.
The only disappointment this season to Coach Rice was “Injuries, lots of injuries! This is something I’ve been trying to avoid, but I haven’t found anything that works.”
Senior Captain Gabby Weber couldn’t agree more.
“Our team was plagued by injuries which are still ongoing. They did fairly well considering all the injuries,” Weber said.
She also believes that Katie Gross stood out in particular this season. She was their number one runner and remained injury free. Her season best was 21:38.
Writer Sky Shortt
“I will miss all of the fun runs we go on and all the hilarious times in the locker room,” said Weber.
The other seniors who will be leaving the team are Rachel Sprik, Emily Sprik, Audrey Sams, Paeton Wantuch, and Katie Gross.
