On August 31st, North Star Cross Country achieved excellence with the Boys Varsity team taking the title and the girls team reaching the top ten for the first time in years at the Charlie Thorell invite in Seward Nebraska. We interviewed both Mr.Wandzilak, the head coach, and Easton Zastrow, who placed first individually, to answer a few questions about the victory.

Mr.Wandzilak, who officially became the head coach in August was asked about what inspires him to coach. He explained that his passion to coach is the same reason he likes to teach. Mr.Wandzilak loves seeing the potential in people and seeing them achieve things they didn’t even know they could do. I asked him who all raced for the team. He mentioned that every team except for the girls JV team raced (there weren’t enough people on the team). Mr.Wandzilak mentioned that the boys had really high expectations. Easton explained that the teams had worked hard for this because they were out training everyday Monday through Saturday at 6:30 training for this. The boys varsity team was excited to see their work pay off while the girls were excited because most of them hadn’t raced a high school 5k (3.1 miles) yet. Wandzilak explained that for the coaches they noticed that leadership during the off-season is super important, especially when you see it because it is underrated. Wandzilak mentioned that the boys knew they had potential but it went better than they thought it would go.

When asked to give one last word to North Star. Easton Zastrow wanted us to look out for them for state because they’re ready for it. Wandzilak explained that if students can work it in their schedule the Cross Country teams would love to see you come out and support them as they are one of the best teams in the state and in the school’s history.