Kewaskum Cross Country Teams Earn Fifth Place Finishes at Nightfall Classic

The Kewaskum High School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams turned in outstanding performances this past weekend at the Nightfall Classic, one of the largest meets of the season. Competing against 54 schools and more than 1,100 runners, the Indians rose to the challenge with both squads finishing fifth out of 17 Division 2 teams.
Coach Bicknell praised the effort, noting how the combination of medal finishes and the amount of personal and season-best times reflects the team’s depth, growth and determination.
The boys’ squad displayed impressive depth, with nearly every runner achieving a season or personal record. Leading the way was sophomore Wyatt Luedtke, who ran 17:32 to earn 13th place and a medal. He was followed closely by Carter Heimerman (18:08), Aaron Schmidt (18:29), Zach Hein (18:33), Layton Dexter (18:39), Leo Kohlwey (18:49), and Elliott Schulz (19:36). Freshman Alec Nagel recorded the largest improvement of the day, dropping 2:18 from his previous best, while sophomore Zachary Hein slashed 2:23 off his time from the same meet a year ago.
“For a team that is extremely young in the running sense, this group continues to perform on big stages and hold their own against some of the most respected teams in the WCCCA,” said Coach Peterson.
The girls also enjoyed a remarkable day, highlighted by two medal-winning finishes and a string of personal records. Olivia Gerhartz ran a season-best 19:54 earning fifth place and a medal. Taylor Kulick ran a 21:02 to earn 14th place and a medal. Rounding out the lineup were Ruby Gerhartz (22:44), Maya Weissenrieder (23:03), Cedar Racer (23:16), Olivia Dourn (23:34), and Makenna Poole (24:38).

Coach Peterson credited the program’s seniors for providing the foundation behind the team’s continued success. “Our senior leaders—Natalie Hansen, Ruby Gerhartz, and Olivia Smedley—continue to selflessly guide a young group as they work toward the level of excellence Kewaskum has been known for. Ruby has been like a third coach for me. I’m excited about the foundation they’re laying for 2025 and beyond.” With top-six team finishes in all three of their opening meets, the girls have shown they can compete with some of the best Division 2 programs in the state.
The Indians now turn their focus to the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational in Minnesota, one of the nation’s largest high school cross country meets with more than 4,000 athletes. After accumulating qualifying points throughout the early season, the following runners will represent Kewaskum: Girls - Olivia Gerhartz, Taylor Kulick, Ruby Gerhartz, Maya Weissenrieder, Cailyn Beres, Cedar Racer, Olivia Dourn, Makenna Poole, Olivia Smedley, Hannah Bender. Boys - Wyatt Luedtke, Carter Heimerman, Aaron Schmidt, Leo Kohlwey, Zach Hein, Elliott Schulz, Dalton Bahr, Dominic Survis, Luke Bicknell.
With momentum building from their strong showing at the Nightfall Classic, Kewaskum is eager to test itself on the regional stage.