MaeveWharton

It’s Monday, June 2, 5:30 am. While most students are fast asleep, dreaming of their summer vacations that lie ahead, Marian’s cross-country runners are lacing up their running shoes. This year, the team was overwhelmingly dominated by unlikely underdogs: freshmen.

Freshmen Julia Kubat, Tatum Houghton, Reese Lancaster, Louise Walker and Elizabeth Morgan have led Marian to one of their most successful seasons in years. Making up five of 14 varsity spots, the Class of 2029 had a fast start to the fall season.

Starting with the Class of the Metro Meet on Aug. 30, all five varsity freshmen placed in the top ten of the freshman race. Led by Julia Kubat (1st) and Tatum Houghton (2nd), the ninth graders contributed to an overall second-place finish for Marian. 

While the transition to running 5Ks (3.1 miles) can be difficult for young runners, Marian’s freshmen took it in stride. Kubat said she was initially “overwhelmed” by the number of racers, but it was “fun to see all of the other teams.”

Kubat’s first high school race contrasted with that of her middle school experience. “It’s very different – many more people, much more serious,” she said, “but it’s also more fun.” 

Following the first meet, the varsity team traveled to Seward, Neb., on Sept. 4. Kubat, Lancaster, Houghton, and Morgan placed among the top 30 in their respective races at the Charlie Thorell Invitational.

At the Nike Heartland Preview on Sept. 13, in Sioux Falls, S.D., the freshmen again demonstrated their invaluable talent. With several personal records (PRs) and quick times from the freshmen, Marian was able to lower their top five average 5k time to a 19:45, ranking them as third in the state of Nebraska. Additionally, Kubat, Lancaster, and Morgan landed atop Marian’s all-time “Top 20” list for the course.

While freshman contributions to the remainder of the regular season meets cannot be overstated, they truly excelled in the final races. At the Metro Meet on Oct. 9, Lancaster placed 6th and Kubat placed 15th in the varsity race, and Walker placed 4th in JV, allowing Marian to place 2nd overall.

On Oct. 15, the team headed to Districts in Lincoln at Pioneer Park. Marian brought a team of nine girls, five of whom were freshmen, and four of whom ran in the varsity race, contributing to an overall first-place finish for Marian.

At the state championship in Kearney on Oct. 24, Lancaster and Kubat placed 9th and 24th, respectively, contributing to the team’s overall first place finish. Notably, the varsity team consisted of four freshmen.

Wherever the future of the team lies, the current freshmen are sure to carry Marian in a fast direction.