WWXC: A Culture of Community
By Aviva Pfeiffer
October 2021
This October brings the end to another successful season for the West Women’s Cross Country Team (WWXC). With over 60 runners on the team between their JV and Varsity, WWXC has a large presence at every race. An air of fame surrounds the team at these meets and rumor has it that West’s running community has a whole pep rally devoted to cross country. Even more looming is the nearly undefeated record the team holds. At meets, when individual awards are announced, the audible groans of other schools are heard when “in fifth, from West High School…in fourth, from West High School…in third from West High School…” and so forth is repeated. It was not uncommon for West’s JV team to earn a perfect score (at least top 5 spots).
During the 2021 Fall Season, the JV team had a completely undefeated first-place regular season, with one second-place finish at the Big 8 Conference. The Varsity team had four first-place and two second-place finishes during the regular season. They won first at City Championships, second at the Big 8 Conference, and second at Sectionals, with a state-qualifying placement. On October 30th, they traveled to Wisconsin Rapids for the State Championships where they earned second place.
Beyond the talent of the runners themselves, the team is known for its strong leadership. This season, the team was headed by Coaches Hayden, Nault, Mackman, McLaughlin, Riley, and Williams. As an honorary mention, Coach Hayden’s two dogs, Abel and Nellie, provided essential support. Within the athletes, a group of student captains helped lead and build spirit. This year the captains included Misa Naputi-Werntz, Maxine Fleming, Alice Hegeman, Rosa Greblo, and Cecily Greblo. Running six times a week for 2-3 months is a daunting task, but through the perseverance of the difficult sport, a strong community is built within the team.
When teammates were asked what they loved most about the cross country team, responses mainly centered on the spirit, the races, and overall sport. Sophomore Sophie Stephenson says she loves cross country “because of the team environment and community; we’re like a family.” Another teammate, Anna Wickizer, especially loves “the time before races when everyone is so excited and the team pumps everyone up.” Perfectly encapsulated in the words of sophomore Celia Wallace, the WWXC team and experience is so special because it has “the best hype, the best people, the best sport.”
One of the most unique aspects of the WWXC team is its spirit and culture. Every Friday, 60-plus students can be seen walking the halls of West in wild spirit day outfits including themes such as fairy princess, businessman, and soccer mom. Most famously, the cross country team goes all out for Ke$ha day, covering themselves in fishnets, leather jackets, and glitter before competing in the City Championship Race. Outside of school, pasta potlucks commence each Friday evening in preparation for the Saturday meets, which help bring the team closer together. Once a season, the team does a movie night and corn maze as well. By joining the WWXC team, all athletes become part of a strong community. Through a shared experience of difficult workouts, exhilarating races, and pasta parties, all members of the WWXC team have a group of students they can count on.
October 2021
This October brings the end to another successful season for the West Women’s Cross Country Team (WWXC). With over 60 runners on the team between their JV and Varsity, WWXC has a large presence at every race. An air of fame surrounds the team at these meets and rumor has it that West’s running community has a whole pep rally devoted to cross country. Even more looming is the nearly undefeated record the team holds. At meets, when individual awards are announced, the audible groans of other schools are heard when “in fifth, from West High School…in fourth, from West High School…in third from West High School…” and so forth is repeated. It was not uncommon for West’s JV team to earn a perfect score (at least top 5 spots).
During the 2021 Fall Season, the JV team had a completely undefeated first-place regular season, with one second-place finish at the Big 8 Conference. The Varsity team had four first-place and two second-place finishes during the regular season. They won first at City Championships, second at the Big 8 Conference, and second at Sectionals, with a state-qualifying placement. On October 30th, they traveled to Wisconsin Rapids for the State Championships where they earned second place.
Beyond the talent of the runners themselves, the team is known for its strong leadership. This season, the team was headed by Coaches Hayden, Nault, Mackman, McLaughlin, Riley, and Williams. As an honorary mention, Coach Hayden’s two dogs, Abel and Nellie, provided essential support. Within the athletes, a group of student captains helped lead and build spirit. This year the captains included Misa Naputi-Werntz, Maxine Fleming, Alice Hegeman, Rosa Greblo, and Cecily Greblo. Running six times a week for 2-3 months is a daunting task, but through the perseverance of the difficult sport, a strong community is built within the team.
When teammates were asked what they loved most about the cross country team, responses mainly centered on the spirit, the races, and overall sport. Sophomore Sophie Stephenson says she loves cross country “because of the team environment and community; we’re like a family.” Another teammate, Anna Wickizer, especially loves “the time before races when everyone is so excited and the team pumps everyone up.” Perfectly encapsulated in the words of sophomore Celia Wallace, the WWXC team and experience is so special because it has “the best hype, the best people, the best sport.”
One of the most unique aspects of the WWXC team is its spirit and culture. Every Friday, 60-plus students can be seen walking the halls of West in wild spirit day outfits including themes such as fairy princess, businessman, and soccer mom. Most famously, the cross country team goes all out for Ke$ha day, covering themselves in fishnets, leather jackets, and glitter before competing in the City Championship Race. Outside of school, pasta potlucks commence each Friday evening in preparation for the Saturday meets, which help bring the team closer together. Once a season, the team does a movie night and corn maze as well. By joining the WWXC team, all athletes become part of a strong community. Through a shared experience of difficult workouts, exhilarating races, and pasta parties, all members of the WWXC team have a group of students they can count on.