Heights runners are ready to roll

The wait was excruciating. Which is why the return was so much sweeter. Wisconsin Heights’ cross country teams began their new season Monday. And after a 16-month gap between competitions, the Vanguards were thrilled to get their new year started. “I was psyched when I found out we’d have a season this year,” Heights coach Ivy Hasheider said. “I think the athletes will be eager to get out and run as a team again. It’s especially exciting that we’ll get a chance to compete this season. Meets are where their hard work pays off.” For the better part of a year now, Hasheider wondered if this moment would ever come. It was mid-March, 2020, when the WIAA canceled the remaining games in the girls and boys state basketball tournaments. Shortly thereafter, spring sports were canceled, as well. The WIAA proceeded with fall sports — and also gave schools the option of postponing those sports until the spring. Wisconsin Heights picked the fall-to-spring plan, but Hasheider & Co. were left in limbo for several months as Dane County kept things locked down. Finally in early January, Wisconsin Heights’ School Board gave winter sports the green light to begin. That also ensured the fall to spring sports season would take place — which was music to the Vanguards’ ears. “It’s definitely been an interesting year,” Hasheider said. “I think it’s been tough for our athletes with all the uncertainty, but knowing we are getting a spring season is exciting. I want to do everything I can to make this season great for the team.” As of now, the Vanguards have just five meets scheduled. They begin on March 23 and wrap things up at the conference meet on April 29. Sophomore Samantha Herrling, who finished second at state as a freshman in the fall of 2019, will lead the girls’ team.  “With Samantha’s second place finish at state, I’m eager to see her perform this year,” Hasheider said.    Senior Brianna Herrling and junior Greine Simmert are also back from the 2019 team. On the boys’ side, junior Weston Parman and sophomore Andrew Pietrzykowski are key returnees from the 2019 team. Freshmen Jacob Swanson-Carter and Trevor Baryenbruch are newcomers that have great potential. “We’re a small team this season and I’m excited to see all our returnees this year,” Hasheider said. “Weston Parman, Andrew Pietrzykowski, Samantha Herrling, Brianna Herrling and Greine Simmert all had some good races in 2019 and saw a lot of improvement from the start of the season to the finish.” Hasheider knows weather could be a challenge. The Vanguards are used to running on gorgeous fall days, but Hasheider knows this year could be trickier. “I’m hoping that the temperatures don’t dip to low, and really keeping my fingers crossed that we are done with the snow,” Hasheider said. “If necessary, I’ll adjust our workouts on the colder days. Some of our athletes have done track in the past and are used to running in early March.” While there may be some challenges, Hasheider and the Vanguards are simply thrilled to have a season. “The shorter season comes with its challenges, but I know everyone will put in their best effort each practice,” she said. “We will work hard at practice and every meet so the team can achieve their personal goals this year.”