The boys and girls cross country teams wrapped up their season at the State Championship, which took place at Kearney Country Club. The girls team earned runner-up, and the boys team placed 8th overall. For one runner, Senior Ryker Pithan, this was his last high school cross-country race.
Pithan has run on the cross-country team since the opening of ENHS in 2020. He has dedicated much of his time and effort to the team, and the long hours of training and multi-mile runs have paid off. This week, Pithan announced his college commitment to the University Northwest Missouri State to continue his track career.
“He has put in more and more work and effort as time progressed and he realized the potential he has,” senior Jake Sullivan said. “He’s done a lot in the offseasons to make sure he’s at the level he’s at.”
Pithan’s relentless work ethic is something that stands out to those around him. No matter the circumstances, he always shows up with a smile on his face and a good attitude.
“He’s very outgoing and a very cheerful person,” senior Jack Sinnott said. “He’s very rarely saddened by a loss or bad run; he always looks forward to the next race.”
Pithan ended his senior season finishing 30th place out of 83 runners. His efforts will leave a positive impact on the future runners of Elkhorn North.
“He’s made contributions in leadership as well as work ethic,” head cross country coach Jordan Fuglestad said. “He leads by example with the younger runners. He shows them what to do and how to do it.”
