Kee cross country continues to try and build its program under first-year coach Pat Wagner

The Kee cross country team battled through the 2015 season facing a challenge similar to what it has always seemed to face in recent years, fielding just six high school boys and only one high school girl. But, according to first-year coach Pat Wagner, those seven high school competitors, plus a similar number of middle school competitors, worked to produce something greater than times and placewinnings this season.
“As far as on the course, the highlight of the season was at South Winneshiek, where all but one runner recorded a season’s best time,” Coach Wagner said. “Another highlight would have to be the idea that the runners were all very accepting of each other and grew as a group.  Everyone involved in grades 7-12 was made to feel part of the group. Finally, I feel like we grew from a work ethic and competitive standpoint.  As the season moved along, we seemed to practice better and better and ran harder in meets.”
Kee’s lone female high school competitor this season was sophomore Nicki Wood, who consistently finished within the top half to top one-third of each varsity girls race she competed in, including a 39th-place finish out of 129 runners at the Hawks’ season-ending Class 1A State Qualifying Meet at Cedar Falls. “Nicki Wood’s willingness to work hard and maintain a good attitude despite being the only girl was a positive asset,” Coach Wagner said.
For the second consecutive season, junior Evan Whalen paced the Hawk boys as their front-running leader, headlining a group of juniors that made up half of this season’s team and provided upperclassman leadership with no seniors on this year’s squad. “Evan Whalen’s work ethic and the example he sets are second to none,” Coach Wagner said. “When we did activities like swimming and kayaking, (junior) Spencer Colsch  showed good leadership, and (junior) Mikey Mitchell, despite his injuries, did what he could for the team. (Sophomore) Jack Mooney and (freshman) Ryan Whalen were our two most improved runners. So really, we had solid leadership. What we really need is the same thing all sports here at Eastern Allamakee could benefit from - more competition in practice.”
Although all seven of this season’s high school competitors for the Hawks are slated to return next season, Coach Wagner will remain diligent in trying to overcome his program’s greatest overall obstacle. “One of our bigger challenges is to try to get more people out for the sport,” he said. “It is a tough sport, but we also took time and did a variety of activities, so I think if students gave it a chance they might find they like being part of a positive group.  There are some athletes walking the halls at Kee High who are not out for a fall sport and could make a positive impact on this program. You have to be willing to work to be in cross country, but I think students will find it is a rewarding activity where you can develop a sense of team spirit and a commitment to fitness.  Anyone who has ever gone through the program here has good memories.”
In addition to Coach Wagner’s efforts to recruit for and build his program, he also expects his returning charges to do their part in making the Kee cross country program stronger. “They need to rack up more miles in the off-season and show up in August in shape,” he said. “And they need to be good, honest recruiters and good role models so we can get a few more runners out for the activity.”
This year’s team members voted on the following team awards at the completion of this season:
Most Promising Newcomer: Michael Mattson and Jack Mooney
Most Improved Runner: Ryan Whalen
Most Dedicated Runner: Evan Whalen
Most Inspirational Team Member: Nicki Wood
Most Humorous Teammate: Spencer Colsch
Band Aid Award: Mikey Mitchell and Chris Wagner
Gary Bottorff Award (Most Valuable Runner): Evan Whalen.