Trish Reimer-Kealy returns as the Becker girls cross country coach. She has a new assistant coach this year in Camille Kantor, an Alexandria High School athlete and graduate. Kantor was a member of Alexandria’s cross country team, their ski team and their track & field team.

Kealy and Kantor currently have 23 girls on this year’s squad and three student managers (Emilia Hansen, Naiya Hanson and Alyssa Brower). 

The roster includes seniors: Bella Duncombe, Kayla Gruenes, Regan Hausmann, Brooklyn Karel, Raegan Leaders and Meghan Swanson. Juniors: Olivia Babler, Tasha Berthiaume, Alea Briggs and Lexi Rose. Sophomores: Ella McDonald and Natalie Trenz. Freshmen: Katelyn Brower, Raelee Lyon and Sophia Malisheski. Seventh graders: Adelle Changamire, Aria Deidrick, Abigail Frey, Myka Maksimenko, Kendall Olson, Ava Scheiber, Lillee Stevens and Lorelei Swanson.

“Our entire varsity from last year were integral to the success of our team,” said Kealy. “Each athlete was very encouraging and challenged one another every day and every race.” Kealy notes these athletes are each leaders who support each other and the team.  

“Our girls on the JV team as well were helpful to one another,” she said. “The older girls always help the younger ones learn the ropes. All of our seniors step up to lead each and every day and have been with the program for years.”  

Of all the school’s courses Kealy’s team visits each year, she and the girls have always liked the course at Little Falls.

“It’s a beautiful course by the river and always good competition,” Kealy said.  “Also, we have liked the course at Alexandria at the Arrowwood Resort. It’s another beautiful course and on the lake with outstanding competition.”  

Kealy notes her athletes, of course, have always liked their home course at Pebble Creek and are so lucky to be able to run there.  

“It has been changing the last few years and is always a work in progress,” she says.

Early season is a time to get conditioning underway and assess the team. Kealy begins each new season with two-hour practices every day of the week and when school starts, they hold practices right after school. 

“Every year is different.  Our girls did a fair amount of running this summer and that will prove to be helpful,” Kealy says. “Each athlete is different in confidence levels and belief in their capabilities. Many times they surprise themselves at what they can do as we progress through the season.” 

Kealy has been pleased that this particular group of girls have been very supportive and encouraging to one another since the season started.  

In early August, Kealy was named the Class AA Girls State Coach of the Year after leading last year’s team to the Mississippi 8 Conference title and the Section 5AA title while finishing 6th at state.