2011 Season Summary

The 2011 season was filled with exciting accomplishments and some difficult moments as well. Injuries were a major frustration for a few of the Lady Spartans. Senior Shannen Boehler (Hales Corners) came into the season with an ankle injury that had never completely healed. Shannen reinjured her ankle in the first meet of the season, and was not able to continue as a competitor. She did decide to stay on as the team manager. Her faithful service made a difference for everyone on the team. Sophomore Nicole Baxter (Our Shepherd) was able to run in three meets this year, but a variety of injuries cut her season short as well. Senior Gina Miliacca (Grace) came out for the first time this year and ran well before injuring her knee. Gina’s participation made it possible for the Spartan girls to score as a team.  

Despite the frustrations, the team experienced some excellent performances. Senior Cristina Serna (St. Hyacinth) came to practice one day as an observer, and decided to join the team. Cristina improved over the course of the season, running her best time at sectionals. Freshman Ashley Kallas (St. Paul’s) was a great addition to the team and has great potential. Her ability and competitive nature allowed her to break 19:00 minutes as a freshman. Unfortunately she spent the second half of the season dealing with a number of injuries that slowed her down. Freshman Hailey Chang (St. Paul’s) displayed tremendous improvement over the course of the season. She had an amazing 59 second PR in the last race of the year to break 18:00. She was the winner of the MIP award. Senior captain Alyssa Branski (Hales Corners) provided great leadership. Alyssa was hard-working and supportive of her teammates. She spent most of the season as the second fastest runner on the team. Alyssa was a four year athlete in cross country, and her running ability and sunny disposition will be missed next year. Junior Alyssa Rohleder (St. Jacobi’s) was the team’s fastest runner this season. Alyssa is a wonderful teammate. Her quiet leadership and servant attitude were just as valuable to the team as her athletic ability. Alyssa improved her time in every meet this season. The highlights of her year were her second place finish in conference, her fifth place state-qualifying finish at sectionals, and her PR time in the State meet. Alyssa was the winner of the MVP and Scholar Athlete awards. Great season ladies! Get healthy and keep running for 2012.