WHITEWATER — Monroe cross country proved to be the program to contend with now — and in the future — winning its third straight conference championship on Oct. 17. The boys and girls varsity won the Badger in 2022 and the Rock Valley in 2023 and 2024. But even more, Monroe boys and girls JV and middle school won their respective races, earning a complete sweep.

“It was very rewarding to see the excitement from all champions, knowing the hard work that was put in by everyone,” Monroe head coach Scott Mosher said. “We really emphasized how rare it is to have this type of continued success. There are many athletes who are never fortunate to win a conference championship, and we have the majority of our athletes not only expect to do this every year, but back it up by putting in the time and work to make it happen.”

The varsity girls, ranked No. 9 in Division 2, scored 23 points — which is just 8 points more than a perfect score. This happened with one runner dropping out due to an ankle injury.

Mary McKenzie defended her individual conference champion title, earning first-team all-conference. Other 1st AC members included Aniyah Jackson-Bey, Lyla Ritschard and Kaylen Cassidy. Alivia Mosher and Maryella Green earned second-team all-conference.

The varsity boys, ranked No. 5 in Division 2, had a tougher race with No. 11 Whitewater in contention. The Hounds scored 32 points with Tre Dammen as the runner-up. He and three others received first-team all-conference — Padriac Houston, Kamrin Gerber-Reamer and Lukas Gerber. Kylan Ditsworth and Weston Huntsman earned second-team. 

Lady Redbirds repeat in SWAL

MUSCODA — With runner-up Adalee Berget and three others in the top 10, Darlington girls repeated as SWAL champions on Oct. 17. The Redbirds, ranked No. 6 in Division 3, scored 40 points.