Tuscola girls cross country looks to build on leadership, depth
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By Ben Crane
The first official practice of the Tuscola girls cross country season didn’t start with talk of times, splits, or race-day strategy. Instead, head coach Drew Sterkel stood before his runners and spoke about enjoying the moment.
“This summer, it was more about enjoying one more year, watching Kate do her thing, and just appreciating the process,” Sterkel said. “Now that we’re getting into more competitive stuff, we’ll sit down and start to iron out where we want to push and where we need to be strategic.”
For Kate Foltz, the most decorated girls distance runner in Tuscola history, this season is about more than her own results. She already has her name in the record books and banners hanging in the gym. Now, she’s focused on pulling others with her.
“She’s taken on a big leadership role,” Sterkel said. “It’s very much a ‘Come with me, we’re going to do this together’ mentality. Certain workouts, I’ll have a couple girls run with her and see how long they can stay with her. It gives them a feel for that level.”
The team around her is far from new to the sport. All but one runner returns from last season, and many put in what Sterkel described as “a pretty good summer.” That familiarity means fewer questions about expectations and more focus on pushing themselves further.
“I think some of them — and they haven’t said it directly — want their names out there too,” Sterkel said. “Not selfishly, but as motivation. They know Kate’s the best to ever come through here, but they’re thinking, ‘I want to be talked about, too.’ They’re going about it the right way — with their training.”
Tuscola’s schedule hasn’t changed much from last year, giving the team a chance to compare “apples to apples” when it comes to progress. That’s important in a conference where Shelbyville sets a high bar.
“They’re so good, and we see them often,” Sterkel said. “Our girls know the standard. We talk all the time — no practice is as bad as a bad race. They’re starting to understand the preparation it takes.”
Sterkel believes the Warriors’ strength lies in their top six, but he’s also eager to see how his younger and newer runners develop. The workload this year may be a little heavier, but it’s balanced with a focus on keeping things fresh.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is you have to enjoy what you’re doing,” Sterkel said. “We’ll do fun runs, scavenger hunts around town, little things like that. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. I want them to remember this is supposed to be enjoyable.”
That team-first mindset is built into every workout. No one — except Kate — is allowed to run alone. “We always have someone with you,” Sterkel said. “We’re trying to pull each other along a little more this year.”
For Sterkel, cross country’s appeal is about more than the competition. “It’s the one sport where you can’t point your finger at anybody else,” he said. “You truly get better because it’s you out there. That’s what I love about it. It’s not just athletic — it’s personal. You learn lessons that carry into adulthood, into your job, into being a spouse or a parent. It’s about constantly working on yourself.”
With a proven leader, a motivated supporting cast, and a schedule built for growth, the Warriors enter the season with quiet confidence.
“I’m truly enjoying the group we have,” Sterkel said. “We’ve got older kids, younger kids, and a couple of newcomers who are learning quickly. I’ve got big hopes for quite a few of them.”