Southwest Wisconsin Conference Preview

Kent Miehe


It's not hard to tell when the fall season is upon us. From the beautiful fall colors, the cool, crisp air, and the occasional farm combine slowing afternoon traffic, there's nothing quite like this time of year in southwest Wisconsin. Another indicator of the fall season has been marked on the calendars by many high school cross country runners. Through the many uncertainties and accommodations runners have faced this year, the conference championships are thankfully and officially here. Teams from the Ridge & Valley, SWC, and the SWAL are ready to battle it out one last time before sub-sectionals begin next week. It's time for a preview of each conference from the southwest area of Wisconsin:
  • Page 1: Ridge & Valley
  • Page 2: Southwest Wisconsin Activities League (SWAL)
  • Page 3: Southwest Conference (SWC)

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Ridge & Valley

Teams: Belmont, Cassville, De Soto, Kickapoo/La Farge, North Crawford, River Ridge, Shullsburg, Wauzeka-Steuben

Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2020

Location: Wauzeka, WI

Individuals to Watch:

BOYS: Can the 2020 Undefeated Streak Continue for Karavergos? - After finishing second a year ago, Shullsburg senior Niko Karavergos is considered the favorite to win the individual conference title. An individual state qualifier in 2019, Karavergos has been undefeated at each of the seven meets within the conference this season, posting a season-best time of 17:28. Others looking to challenge for the individual crown include Kickapoo/La Farge sophomore Nolan Reese (season-best time of 18:17) and the River Ridge senior duo of Brad Hoffman (18:20) and Brett Kerscher (18:36).

GIRLS: Egge and Carstens to Provide Exciting Battle - Experience will be the theme for the girls' individual race. Kickapoo/La Farge junior Anelise Egge (defending Ridge & Valley conference champion; 6th place finisher at 2019 WIAA Division 3 State Meet) and North Crawford senior Helen Carstens (3-time state qualifier; 6th place in 2018 at WIAA Division 3 state meet; former conference champion) have challenged each other all year, with Egge defeating Carstens all but one time this season. The majority of their duels, however, have been within 10 seconds of each other. Carstens owns the season-best time of 19:44, but it will be an exciting race to determine which veteran will come away on top. Other contenders for the title include Kickapoo/La Farge teammates freshman Autumn Jacks (season-best of 20:50) and sophomore Lilly Geary (21:35), along with Belmont junior Anna Hardyman (21:46)

Teams to Watch:

BOYS: Kickapoo/La Farge's Improvement Proves Key - A year ago, Kickapoo-La Farge placed a distant third at the conference championships. This year, they started the season with an improved runner-up finish at the first two meets within the conference behind defending champion Wauzeka-Steuben. Since then, the Predators have rolled to six straight victories over their conference rivals. The Hornets will still contend for the title, led by junior Jonah Reichmann and senior Zach Martin, but look for Nolan Reese and the Predators to be the favorite for the 2020 team title.

GIRLS: Kickapoo/La Farge Heavy Favorites - Led by the aforementioned Anelise Egge, the Predators look to continue dominating the field as they have done all season with an impressive undefeated record. Autumn Jacks and Lilly Geary have also assisted in helping the defending team conference champions to eight straight victories over their foes from the Ridge and Valley. With their closest contest not being lower than 19 points, it will take a lot for the Predators to be knocked from their throne.