The dream of most high school student-athletes is to compete at the highest level of the chosen sport: the state meet.
Imagine accomplishing this feat as a freshman.
That is what Phil Melso of Manitowoc Lutheran has done, as he’ll represent the school at the WIAA State Cross Country Championships Saturday in Wisconsin Rapids.
His coach Abbey Bubolz tells SeehaferNews.com, “We’ve had a lot of guys that have qualified for state, but we’ve never had an individual qualify as a freshman. In fact, Phil (Melso) is the only freshman to qualify in the Division Three field.”
Melso qualified for state by placing tenth in a WIAA Division Three Sectional Meet held last Saturday (October 24th) at Sheboygan Lutheran High School.
He tells us that it’s a bit surreal to be running at Ridges Golf Course as a freshman.
“It’s an exciting feeling,” he admitted. “I’ve watched a lot of races at Ridges Golf Course in the past, including enjoying seeing my siblings compete there. It’s surreal that now I get the chance to race at state.”
Consistency is the key to any athlete’s success, which comes by continually improving on your strengths and utilizing them to hold off the competition.
Melso describes his approach to what works for him on the course.
“I usually like to get out quickly and establish my spot early on,” he explained. “I then want the rest of the runners to have to come chase and pass me and let the results speak for themselves.”
The Lancers placed third at sectionals, missing out on qualifying as a team by four points.
They had five of the top thirty runners and 7 of the top 39.
Coach Bubolz says Phil is the epitome of what Manitowoc Lutheran cross country is all about.
“It shows you how determined he was to finish strong, which is a true testament to what this entire team was trying to accomplish,” she explained. “Having Phil continue our season for another week is truly awesome.”
Melso understands what a privilege it is to be representing his school at state, adding he couldn’t be more blessed to have this opportunity.
We asked him what his game plan is to go out and attack a daunting course at Ridges Golf Course.
“You always must have a game plan going in,” he said. “Mine is to get out fast, run as fast as I can, and let the chips fall where they may.”
The Division Three boys’ race begins at noon on Saturday.
