Baraboo Thunderbirds Triumph at Cross Country Invitational

The Baraboo Thunderbirds showcased exceptional skill and endurance at the Cross Country Invitational held on September 27, 2025, at Hartje Center, WI. Both the men's and women's teams from Baraboo claimed victories in their respective categories during this competitive event. The men's team achieved a standout score of 24, securing first place, thanks to a stellar performance from Will Boettcher, who led the team by finishing first overall with a time of 17:04.90. Notably, the Baraboo men had five runners among the top eight finishers, highlighting their depth and cohesive team effort. Complementary performances were seen from Oskar LaFave and Dylan Davies, who contributed significantly to the team's success. On the women's side, the Thunderbirds also dominated, clinching the top position with a score of 49. Madilyn Gilbert was a key performer, securing second place with a time of 20:31.70. The victory was hard-fought, with the team winning by a narrow two-point margin. This required a full team effort from McKenzie Dougherty, Rachel Byxbe, Yuliia Makoviychuk, and Taylor Sperl, who all shone brightly, helping to round out a formidable team performance. Reflecting on the victories, the team's coaches expressed pride in their achievement, attributing the success to the athletes' hard work and dedication. 'Today was a great day with two team victories and an individual win from Will. The hard work of our runners is paying off,' said Coach Boll, highlighting the day's accomplishments. Looking ahead, the Baraboo Thunderbirds are set to compete in the Night Fall Classic at Tuscumbia Golf Course in Green Lake on Friday night, October 3rd. With momentum on their side, the teams are well-prepared for their upcoming challenge.