The Cross Country team kicked off their season by winning all four races at the Two Rivers meet on August 28. This included both boys’ and girls’ JV and varsity races. 

In the D2 category, girls are ranked first, and boys are ranked second. “But that changes throughout the season,” said Coach Cassidy McGowan.

The team has over 70 runners and is ready to take on the competitive season ahead. Notre Dame has one of the largest Division 2 cross-country teams in the state. 

Mid-October marks the start of the conference races, which will determine if the team qualifies for the next sectional race. 

“The team has made it to state 10 out of 11 years that I’ve been coaching,” McGowan said. 

The state meet is on November 1, which seems far away now, but the team is busy preparing. 

NDA took second overall at the DePere invite race at UWGB. Over 25 teams were competing, but Notre Dame still secured a top spot.

The next meet will take place on September 13 at Shawano Community High School. There are JV and varsity meets throughout the season, giving everyone a chance to run.

“It is inspiring to see the runners that come out and support each other,” said McGowan. He shared that the athletes are willing to put in the effort and hard work at practice. 

There are seven varsity runners on both the boys’ and girls’ teams. The top runners of those teams are Anna Miller and Eli Weiss. 

“Run as a Pack” is the team’s motto for this year. The coaches want everyone to stick together and branch out more at the end of the race. 

“Cross country allows you to push yourself and test your limits,” said McGowan. He expressed how faith plays a significant role in his running career. 

The team has a strong faith component as well. On race days, the team attends mass before school starts and prays right before the race starts.

The team is united with faith and determination, and they will surely make this a memorable season.