Muskies poised for run to glory

They’re a team without a conference, but not without a desire to deliver.
The Muskie cross-country team will have to make do with going the distance in two SSSAA races in Thunder Bay on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 since NorWOSSA does not hold its own meet.
The events will serve as a warm-up for the NWOSSAA final slated Oct. 17.
With four returning veterans on her eight-person team, Muskie coach Doris Barton is satisfied she has a squad that offers a healthy mix of experience and rookie enthusiasm.
“The older ones know what to expect,” Barton said about returnees Jennifer and Rachel Geense, Mitchell Green, and Sonja Schulzki. “Sonja’s an all-around strong runner, and Jennifer is just naturally a good athlete.
“Rachel’s a little further ahead than last year at this time and Mitchell is also set to have a good year,” she added.
Among the newcomers are Muskie soccer veteran Andrew Curr, Austin Zin, Sandy Elliott, and Sierra Woolsey, whom Barton depicted as a no-nonsense competitor.
“Sierra’s tough—she won’t be letting anyone pass her,” noted Barton. “There’s really nobody here that’s going to hold us back.”
A new wrinkle in the Muskies’ preparations this year is weight training, which Barton said lends itself to both muscle and team development.
“Running is such a solitary thing, so weight training makes our practice time together that much longer,” she explained. “And having good upper body strength is important in running because it helps with maintaining your endurance.”
Schulzki, currently in Grade 11, said there was little doubt she would return for the team’s second year of operation.
“I had a lot of fun last year and just had to come back,” she raved. “I think I’m coming in this season a little faster, and with a lot more endurance.
“I’d like to make the top 10 or 15. I think it’s definitely a realistic goal.”