When you win the state championship like the Brookfield Central boys cross country team did, there are plenty of awards, accolades and memories to go around.
"This was such an amazing experience," Central coach Ronn Blaha said. "I had my eye on this team for three years. I knew that they were going to accomplish something special, and they did.
"They worked hard and raced hard. I think that what really helped them excel was the fact that they were a family."
Blaha said the team had goals of finishing in the top two of every meet at the junior varsity and varsity levels, and being on the podium at state. They met all of those goals.
One of the reasons for the team's success was its depth.
"I knew that this team was deep," Blaha said. "That depth really helped us. We had to rely on different guys each week, and they really stepped up."
Captains Tim Peterson, Eric Knutson, Jordan Lindstrom, Tim Neis and Paul Vang were among 15 seniors on the team, and they provided plenty of leadership.
"They were true leaders and did many things for me and for the team on their own initiative," Blaha said. "They set the tone for the team as a positive, fun group. Their impact on the team will be felt for years to come. They were special."
The 10 other seniors were Will Casey, Karthik Ashokan, Hunter Bennett, Matt Berg, Zach Burger, Chehan Herath, Dilan Herath, Joe Kadlac, Jon Kurtz and Akhil Patel.
"I am proud of this senior group," Blaha said. "The impact they had on the team is their legacy. I really appreciate that the atmosphere on the team allowed so many seniors to come out in their last year."
Casey, Peterson and Lindstrom shared team MVP honors.
Casey (first team) and Peterson (second team) were named to the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association All-State Team, and Casey (first team), Peterson (second team) and Lindstrom (third team) were named to the Journal Sentinel All-Area team.
Casey and Peterson were first-team all-Greater Metro Conference, Lindstrom was second team, and Knutson, Nick Petersson and Sam Poser were third team.
Blaha also had 17 players earn conference All-Academic honors: Patel, Peterson, Neis, Kadlac, Vang, Lindstrom, Kurtz, Burger, Justin Feng, Greg Kozlowski, Kyle VanDaalwyk, Steven Nemcek, Bohdan Tyshynsky, Yuhan Chen, Alex Wells, and Chehan and Dilan Herath.
"While we won't be as deep as we were this year, I think that we can compete again next year," Blaha said. "I think next year's team can be better than this year's team. I have high expectations for this team next year."
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