team runs at regionals, Hochstetler places first (fifth in semistate and 16th at state)

The girls cross country team placed fifth in the Oct. 14 Elkhart Central cross country regional, which qualified the team to advance to the Oct. 18 regional. This is the first time that a Bethany cross country team has advanced past sectionals. At the regional, the team did not qualify to advance further, but Ali Hochstetler finished first overall and then fifth at the New Haven semistate and 16th at the state meet.

In semistate competition, Ali Hochstetler posted a personal best time of 18:33 and in the final 150 meters of the race passed Warsaw senior Erica Ridderman, who had placed first ahead of Ali on the same course in sectionals. Bethany coach Ken Willems says, "Ali ran a very competitive race, which comes naturally to her." Ali adds, "The plan was to stay out near the leaders. Erica is an awesome runner. It's fun to race her."

In 2007 Ali finished first at sectionals and as a top-15 runner advanced to regionals and eventually to semi-state and state tournament. Her teammates continued to train with her up to the state tournament and watched as she ran her way to a 19th place finish at the state tournament. The team set a goal of qualifying for regionals as a team and with a lot of hard work together were excited about advancing as a team this year.

Other runners and their sectional place include sophomore Jenae Hershberger 25th, frsoh Desiree Porter 35th, senior Alita Yoder 40th, senior Erin Helmuth 56th, sophomore Eva Lapp 57th, and sophomore Ellie Schertz 70th.

The boys team has struggled to field a complete team this year, but finished 11th out of 12 teams in sectionals.

2008 Sectionals: The race begins