Moeller Cross-Country in the Running
Moeller Cross Country Team
Moeller Cross-Country is looking good as they get deeper into their season!
Led by head coach Dave Prenger, the team traveled to Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky last weekend to compete in the Trinity/Valkyrie Invitational, facing off against the best teams in the Midwest. The Crusaders finished ninth out of 31 teams with 287 points.
Currently the team is fourth in the region and striving to be first. Moeller veteran teacher and coach, Mr. DiCristoforo says, “Moe Cross County is enjoying one of its best years in recent memory. The team owes much of its success to the outstanding sophomore class led by Brock Grubert, Preston Wesley, Owen Speed, and Zach Lazor.” This stronger underclass combined with the senior leadership of some outstanding performers like Max Maney, Jacob Herzog, Colin Swallender, Colin Evans, and Jake Karulf, has the team pushing to be the best in the nation.
Some notable underclassmen who opened eyes at the race were Brock Grubert ’26, who placed 52nd out of 285; Preston Wesley ’26, who finished 89th; and Owen Speed ’26 who finished 110th. Moeller’s top performer was Max Maney, who finished 44th in the race.
Moeller runners Finn Taylor, Colin Evans, and Colin Swallender at the Mason Invitational.
The coaches on this squad are always pushing the team to be the best, supported by assistant coaches Frank Russo, Jerry DiCristoforo, and Paul Mallot. Moeller Senior Colin Evans ’24 says, “Max Maney and Jacob Herzog have been great leaders helping lead the team to compete against the best teams in the state and the country. I really have been impressed by all the work they have put in to make this team reach its full potential.”
Cross Country’s best performance so far was at the Lebanon Warrior Divisional, where the team placed second out of 30 teams. At this race, there were numerous top performers with Jacob Herzog ’24 placing 10th out of 242 runners, Max Maney ’24 placing 12th, and Brock Gubert ’26 placing 20th. Colin also added, “The goal is state. This has been a struggle for us with being very close last year but having a bad race at the regional meet. This year we have a true shot and I look forward to taking this step as a team.”
The team is optimistic as the season continues to go on as they go on to compete in the Midwest Catholic Cross-Country Championship in Cedarville, Ohio this weekend. The boys strive to get better and have their sights set on the OHSSAA State Championships in November. Good luck boys!