The Lumen Christi girls cross country team went into the state final meet on November 4, 2023 being ranked as that year’s champions by many different rankers. Though the girls knew that no matter what they were ranked, going in they had to work their hardest because those rankings were just a prediction. With the rankings being so good and having trust in their team they came into the meet with confidence and determination to bring home the 10th state championship for the girls program. Not only were the girls doing it for the bling and title they dedicated their run to the former middle school coach, Mrs. Smith. She has been fighting cancer and in her honor they dedicated their run for her because she has done much for all of them as being the first running coach for mostly all of them. They knew that they would work their hardest for their beloved ex coach and for their team.
Going into the actual meet the weather was nice with it being in the low to mid 50s with no wind. The start line was packed and had their competition right next to them. The girls were taught that when they are racing that no matter what school the runner in front them was from, they were points against them and could cause them the title. So the girls passed many girls throughout the race getting their team a lower score. After all seven of the girls finished they were in the finishing area huddled together to see the final scores. There they saw on the big scene that they had come out on top and were the 2023 girls division three state champions.
The team celebrated together and had many pictures taken as they celebrated their win. Coming out of the meet they not only came out as champions but two of their girls were in the top thirty making them All-State. Samantha Schroeder and Madison Osterberg had amazing race with Samantha getting 13th place, with a personal record as well, and Madison getting 2nd. It was a great day to be a Lumen Christi Titan. Lumen Christi has another state championship to add to its collection. The girls walked away as champions and they will always be remembered as ones as well.
