Hot Start Continues for Cyclone XC Girls’; Boys’ Making Strides

Hot Start Continues for Cyclone XC Girls’; Boys’ Making Strides –

(9-12-24) – Nothing’s slowing the Cyclone cross country girls’ squad down.

Harlan Community girls’ cross country is now ranked 5th in Class 3A by the Iowa Track Coaches Association. Led by Lindsey Sonderman, 2nd individually in 3A, the Cyclones have been able to win their first 3 events.

“Obviously she's a very talented runner, but you know, there's a lot of talented kids that don't get to the level that she's at,” Cyclone Coach Zach Klaassen said of his junior standout. “I think the extra work, you know, we have a workout plan, but then she puts in extra time as well and I would say I saw her more in the weight room this summer than I ever have and I think she really dedicated herself to her body and just not just running, but just getting stronger and you can tell the way she just attacks hills right now. Nothing’s getting in her way and slowing her down. “

While Brylee Schechinger continues to improve along with Sonderman, Ashlyn Rau and Allie Anderson have now joined them among the Top-30 in the individual rankings. Klaassen believes their veteran leadership has helped the entire team to learn and excel this year.

“We have good senior leadership and I think they just kind of look up to Lindsey and Brylee. Just kind of see what they do and see what makes them successful and they try to grasp whatever they came from them.

“They just they work hard and it's not just race day, it's every day.”

For the boys, Klaassen has liked the efforts of sophomore Jeffery Gross.

“I think he’s been attacking that first mile better than he was last year. But you know, last year he was a freshman, so he raced varsity all year last year and I think he just got that experience and got a little stronger and a little more confident.”

Cyclone Cross Country will next compete at Storm Lake on Tuesday.

View past scores by visiting the Iowa High School Athletic Association's website, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union website,
or Iowa Quik Stats