cross country girls hands in circle with new state rings showing

09-28-23 La Grande High School

Swimming & Cross Country Champions Awarded Rings

 On Tuesday, September 26th before the Varsity Volleyball game at Lat Grande High School, 2022 state champions in swimming and cross country, and their coaches, were presented state championship rings.

For swimming, two individual state champions were celebrated. Glenn Ricker was the 100-meter breaststroke champion and Zane Ricker was the 500-meter freestyle champion. According to Head Coach Cheyenne Maszk, “Glenn is fiercely determined and showed himself to be a great leader for his senior season” and “Zane brings a level of fun to practice and competition. He makes everything look effortless, but he continues to push and strive for better.”

Maszk said it has been an immense pleasure to be their coach.

The other athletes who received their championship rings were the La Grande Girls’ Cross Country team, who won the 4A State championship. Coach Alma Crow and Coach Rachel Maszk said this team demonstrated exceptional dedication, work ethic, resiliency and consistency during their season. “We are incredibly proud of the positive culture this group of ladies is building. They are truly setting an example for younger runners to follow.”

These runners and their coaches received rings:

Ella Jorgensen, Sophomore

Karli Kretschmer, Sophomore

Brooke Perry, Sophomore

Cecilia Villagomez, Junior

Faith Calhoun, Senior

Kiah Carlson, Senior

Anne Sweet, graduated Senior

 

District representatives who presented the rings were Superintendent George Mendoza, School Board Chair Randy Shaw, LHS Principal Chelsea Hurliman and LHS Athletic Director Darren Goodman. Chair Shaw said, “It’s very special to be able to celebrate these athletes and coaches and recognize the phenomenal work and effort it takes to achieve a state championship. It never gets old to see their smiles and see how proud they are, as they should be.”

La Grande School District and School Board congratulate these swimming and cross country athletes and their coaches on this accomplishment!