Detterer, Loose run their way to all-state status

Saratoga boys varsity cross country team took home second overall in the state at Sheridan over the weekend, and the girls team made fifth overall. Harriers Jeremy Detterer, who finished second in the state among varsity boys and Katie Loose, the number five female runner in Wyoming, are both honored as All-State athletes this year.

According to head coach Rex Hohnholt, the team set off looking to be the best in the state over the weekend, but he cannot find any negatives about the way they performed. Hohnholt said that looking at weekly improvement of times rather than placing, the team improved from last year's state competition as well as having steadily faster times week-by-week.

"I know the work ethic that the kids put in to be successful," Hohnholt said of his faith in the team heading into the state competition. "Our kids consistently get better every year throughout the year, so why would that change for the biggest race of the year?

"Our boys and our girls just ran incredible," Hohnholt said. "They improved so much and came so far. I know their goal was there (first place) but I'm really proud of how the kids compete and set themselves up to run their best. That's what counts the most."

Hohnholt said that the seniors, wanting to leave on a high note, were great at encouraging the whole team to do well, along with great leadership among other runners which allowed the whole team to move forward. "Jeremy (Detterer) did a great job, even though he's a sophomore. He led this team, got out in practices and it just made everybody better. Ashlynn (Johnson) and Katie (Loose) on the other side, they're the same way."

For the season next year, Hohnholt said that the focus will be on individual improvement and state placing. The goal will be to try to win overall, considering that they are one of the top teams in the state for two years now. "We lose some great seniors but we've also got some great underclassmen that can continue to carry the torch and raise the bar high."