The 2024-2025 cross country season has officially come to an end.
Elmwood Park High School (EPHS) had the honor of hosting regionals on Oct. 26. The girls placed 4th and the boys 5th at the meet. They then advanced to sectionals, which was hosted at Hinsdale on Nov. 2.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, cross country involves running a three-mile course and being timed. Teams compete to earn the lowest score, which is determined by the placement of their runners. Points are awarded based on finishing position—first place earns one point, second place earns two, and so on.
The EPHS varsity girls’ cross country team is coached by Kendal Ahlmann. To tell us all about the 2024 cross country season, I interviewed Coach Ahlmann and varsity runner Sarah Scheidt. Both shared their experiences with the sport and perspectives on the season.
Interview with Coach Ahlmann:
How was the season this year?
“The varsity girls compete in the sectional meet this Saturday, so we’re doing well. We have a handful of girls who are staying healthy, physically and mentally, and we should see some personal records on Saturday. We’ve had a lot of great improvement and success out of our lower levels — JV took 3rd in our new conference.”
What inspired you to become a cross country coach?
“I did not plan to become a cross country coach. I played basketball and softball from childhood into high school. My varsity basketball coach made us join the cross country in high school for conditioning so I had experience with distance running. They needed a distance track coach at my first teaching job, and the rest took its course from there.”
What is your goal for this season?
“My goal was conference. Varsity could and should have done better.”
How do you feel about the regionals?
“We hosted regionals on Saturday, October 26th. All went well. We advanced as a full team to sectionals with Hailey Rivera, Sarah Scheidt, Sonia Iversen, and Michelle Sapeta running personal records.”
Interview with Sarah Scheidt:
What is your favorite thing about cross country:
“My favorite thing about cross country is the team. No matter how hard the workout is, the team is always super uplifting, supportive and always in a good mood.”
How long have you been doing cross country?
“I’ve been running cross country for 5 years.”
How do you and your teammates focus before each meet?
“During the meet, my teammates and I usually listen to music before the race.”
Why did you join cross country at EPHS?
“I joined cross country at EPHS because I really enjoyed it during middle school. It also helps keep me in shape for my other sports like soccer and basketball.”
Conclusion:
The EPHS cross country teams finished their season at sectionals, with both the boys and girls working hard and giving it their all. Even though the season had its ups and downs, everyone had a lot of fun and made great memories. Hosting regionals was a big highlight, and several runners set new personal records, which was exciting for the whole team.
Works Cited:
- Interview Ms. Ahlmann by via email: Oct. 23rd
- Interview Sarah Scheidt by via email: Nov. 1st
