State Cross Country

The Waukee school cross country team, though falling short of securing the state championship, delivered an impressive performance at the state meet, marking their return after a three-year hiatus. The state meet proved to be a fiercely competitive event, and the Waukee team exhibited unmatched determination and spirit, leaving no room for doubt about their dedication. State is often held at Fort Dodge course, which is considered to be one of the better courses to run. Because the course is easier, people running it break personal and school records, making it tough to finish first.  Sophomore Arman Meher, a member of the 9/10 team, expressed, “Our journey is about more than just winning; it’s about giving our best and pushing ourselves to be better every day.” The team has three great coaches (Head coach Mr. Grandgenett, Assistant coaches Mr. Lawry, and Coach B.) each with mountains of experience that help the runners grow. 

One of the defining moments of the race occurred when junior Joseph Lawry, a standout member of the Waukee team, shattered the school record with an astonishing time of 15:36.1. At The Fort Dodge meet. Joseph made a great comeback after being injured for a lot of last season, and with our only runner last year to make it to state was Garrett Weber, who did not beat the school record and Joseph came back to be Waukee’s new record holder . Lawry’s exceptional feat not only highlighted his talent and dedication but also served as an inspiration to his teammates, with many on the team using him as a goal to reach and to push themselves faster. His record-breaking run underscored the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the season, filling the team with immense pride. Reflecting on his passion for cross country, Lawry shared, “I run because I love the sport, I love the competition, and most importantly, I love the camaraderie with my teammates.”

While they didn’t achieve the state championship, the Waukee school cross country team’s remarkable performance demonstrated their unwavering dedication, teamwork, and resilience. After a three-year gap, they showcased their ability to compete at the state meet as a team, and this experience will undoubtedly serve as a motivating force for future competitions. Their journey reminds themselves that with determination and hard work, progress can be made even in the loss of great team members. Senior Jalen Taha, a member of varsity encourages others to join cross country, stating, “You should join to stay healthy and fit and become a faster runner with your teammates pushing you every step of the way.” Regardless of the team’s size, there is always room for more members to contribute to the collective success and spirit of the Waukee cross country family. Currently as the author of this article (Logan Frink), am also a part of this team and grateful for everyone on it. At the start of the season not many of us thought we could send our whole varsity to state, but we did. And now we wait and train for the next season trying with the ultimate goal of winning state.