Looking to get back to the state championships this season are these members of the Dodge-Point boys cross country team. From left to right are, sitting: Johnny Robinson, Rhett Spurley, Elliot Hesseling; middle: Jack Tippett, Leif Nelson, Nolan Allendorf, Liam Kabat, Logan Swinehart, Brady Blackford, Coach Heather Langreck; back: Coach Denny McGraw, Ben Engel, Murphy Keyes, Brayden McWilliams, Aiden Patterson, Owen Michek, Levi Drury, Kegan Patterson, Jack Christopher, Coach Joe Hanson. Photo by Ann Gorgen Photography.
Girls running the hills and valleys for the Dodge-Point cross country team this season are (l-r) front: Payton Christopher, Faye Schuette, Chloe Eastman, Brynnlin Cartwright, Lilly Houtakker; back: Coach Denny McGraw, Avalee Langreck, Raina Arndt, Bristol Cartwright, Adalyn Pagenkopf, Autumn Pagenkopf, Illiana Zizis, Coach Joe Hanson. Photo by Ann Gorgen Photography.
Dodge/Point cross country will again be guided by veteran coaches Denny McGraw, Joe Hanson and Heather Langreck.
McGraw and Hanson have been together for 25 years. Langreck is a competitive runner who is in her ninth season.
Last year the coaches helped the boys and girls squad to strong finishes in the tough SWC. The girls finished second while the boys took the title.
In the post season the girls finished fifth at the sectionals and the boys third. The teams were represented at the WIAA state meet by Payton Christopher for the girls with Gabe Engel and Johnny Robinson competing for the boys.
Gone from last year’s teams are Brienna Wasley for the girls and Gabe Engel for the boys.
“Breezy was a good runner all four years,” the coaches said. They added that Gabe really came on his senior year.
All the graduates will be missed the coaches say.
“All the seniors were good leaders. They worked so hard and brought a lot of fun and energy to the practices and meets. It is hard to replace all of the runners since they all help the younger runners and push all of them in practice. All the girls had a good work ethic. Leading by example the way they helped the team to stay positive and keep working hard.”
Pacing the girls squad this season will be:
-Payton Christopher – 3 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Faye Schuette- 3 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Lilly Houtakker – 3 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Chloe Eastman – 2 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Raina Arndt – 2 time letter winner – 11 grade
– Avalee Langreck – 1 time letter winner 10 grade
Leading the boys team will be:
-Johnny Robinson – 3 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Rhet Spurley – 3 time letter winner – 12 grade
-Nolan Allendorf – 2 time letter winner – 11 grade
-Logan Swinehardt – 2 time letter winner – 11 grade
-Leif Nelson – 2 time letter winner – 11 grade
Help is also expected from Ben Engel, Elliot Hesseling, Brayden McWilliams, Owen Michek and Liam Kabat.
“All the runners will help because they will push the runners ahead of them to be faster,” the coaches agree. “Sometimes we have some newcomers come in and surprise us but it depends on the individual and how much effort they have put into the summer running.”
Last year was highlighted by having Payton, Johnny and Gabe make it to the state meet the coaches say. Having all the athletes work so hard all season and come together for a good conference and sectional showing is what the coaches want to see.
When it comes to the challenges for the season the coaches see Lancaster as the clear favorite for the girls’ conference title.
“They just have it going right now,” the coaches agree. “We will do our best to give them a good race. The boys hope to be right up there in the conference but we are not sure what the other teams have. Richland Center will be returning a very good team.”
Hanson has the goal for the D/P squads and it is as follows:
“Our Team goals remain the same as usual and that is to make it to Wisconsin Rapids for the WIAA Championships.”
To make that happen the coaches expect their athletes to be at practice and continue to work hard. “That is all we can do is just get through each day and get better as the season progresses. Be a positive role model for the school and community. Show everyone what DPCC can do,” the coaches said.
Dodge-Point Cross Country 9/1/26
Twining Park Cross Country Course 9/5/26 9:00 AM Verona Area High School 9/12/26 8:30 AM
Spring Green Municipal Golf Course
9/17/26 Greg Bell Night Run 7:15 PM Boscobel High School Cross Country Course 9/26/26 9:00 AM
Blackhawk Golf Course 10/3/26 Varsity Invite 8:00 AM University of Wisconsin-Platteville 10/15/26 4:30 PM
Prairie du Chien Country Club 10/23/26 WIAA Cross Country Sectional Meet 4:00 PM Monroe High School
