Stepping Out Strong: Muskego Girls Cross Country Provide Depth This Year

Since opening their season nearly two weeks ago the Warrior girls cross country team has been proving it's not about your competition as much as your own performance and improvement.

"Our philosophy is to do better today than we did yesterday, and make tomorrow better than today," said Coach Rich Raney.

It seems to be working as the girls came out strong on August 23 at its first meet at Shorewood. The team took first place and placed five girls in the top 10 overall.

"We were led by junior Sonya Ponzi who took 2nd overall followed by sophomore Leanna Barr, junior Georgi Llanas, sophomore Ellie Tadych, and freshman Gabby Mraz," Raney said. "After this race we were named Journal Sentinel team of the week and ranked 4th in the area."

As a follow up, the girls team went to the Racine Horlick Rebel invite at UW-Parkside, placing 3rd overall and 2nd among Wisconsin schools behind West Bend West. In that meet, the Warrior girls were led by Lexie Tremble (17th) Sonya Ponzi (22) Georgi Llanas (26) Jenna Lederman (30) and Amy Klaus (39). JV girls also took 4th in Racine and was led by Madison Francis who took 3rd place overall.

Generally, Raney said the top eight runners will garner a spot on varsity, but was quick to point out that his team was talented all the way through.

"We've got a great JV team, I just have to say. In other schools, these girls could likely be on varsity, but our size and talent has meant we are the largest and deepest team in at least three or four years. They understand that and we keep on moving forward with our sites set on the end of the season."