Athlete Spotlight: Ricke, Marschall help lead cross country teams to strong start

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Holy Family Cross Country is deep into the season, and has competed well at each race. With three top 500 runners on the girls side and a top 20 freshman racer, the team is showing promise. Both the girls and boys have important races coming up, including the Swain Invitational in Duluth this weekend and sections in a couple weeks.

Junior Ellie Marschall has been a large piece of the team’s success. A top 100 racer with a personal record of 20:56, she helps anchor a strong group of runners.

“I think for our size this year, we’ve done well. We’re working to become an even better team,” said Marschall. “My goal this season is to help motivate other runners, so they can do their best and work towards their goals as well”.

Senior Maggie Mahota seems to agree: “I think she’s been a big help encouraging everyone to do the best they can, and she’s also had a very strong start to the season.”

On the boy’s side, freshman Patrick Ricke has made a big contribution, posting great times and gaining points for the team in each meet. With a personal record of 17:36, Ricke is a top 20 freshman runner in Minnesota.

“I think the team has done pretty well this year. We pack together at the start of each race, then split to pass other teams,” says Ricke about the team’s success. While he emphasized the importance of the team as a whole, he’s set a personal goal to run a 5k under 17:30, to which he’s already come very close.

Teammate and captain Connor McManus believes that’s possible for Ricke, saying, “Pat has really contributed to the team by getting top times, running good races and being really positive and supportive.”

Look for Ricke, Marschall and the rest of the cross country program to carry their successes from the regular season into sections and hopefully the state meet.