Shenandoah Zeps Cross Country with Promising Talent and New Coaches
By Tara Estadt
Combined Girls’ and Boys’ SHS Cross Country teams photo Holly Dixon
SHS Cross Country Head Coach Chris Estadt Photo Holly Dixon
Chris Estadt, CCP business teacher at SHS, is the new head coach of the boys and girls Shenandoah Cross Country teams. Coach Estadt will be assisted by former Caldwell Cross Country Head Coach, Tara Estadt.
“Coach Tara and I had a lot of success and loved coaching cross country at Caldwell,” Estadt said. “But, getting to teach and coach at the same school is an amazing opportunity for our family. We are very excited to lead the Shenandoah Cross Country Program.”
With no losses to graduation and a few new runners, the team will include 15 high school athletes and three junior high runners. “We’ve been training together since late June,” said Estadt. “This is a very driven, competitive group of kids. They were eager to take on a summer conditioning program. Almost all of the athletes completed a July Mileage Club. These kids logged anywhere from 50 miles (as new runners and 2-sport athletes) to 300 miles in the month of July!”
SHS Boys’ Cross Country Team and Coaches Photo Holly Dixon
The SHS boys’ team will compete with 10 runners this season, including returning senior, Christian Dimmerling. With six years of cross country experience, the boys will be looking to Christian as a team leader. Christian is a three-year letter-earner with a 4.0 GPA. Returning juniors include Jarrett Wentworth and Noah Townsend. Chuck Estadt joins the team as a junior, too. The boys’ team also includes two returning sophomores, Ethan Stritz and Peyton Forshey. Rounding out the team are four freshman that include Emmitt Slevin, Noah McElroy, Kaden Rossiter, and Hunter Ackley. Carter Wentworth will represent the junior high boys’ team.
SHS Girls’ Cross Country Team Photo Holly Dixon
The SHS girls have a complete team of five runners. Returning to the team are junior Abbey Tewksbary and sophomore Lorelei Shaufl. Jusdena Clark is joining the team as a sophomore. Two freshman, Kendal Snyder and Ida Estadt, complete the team. Arista Piatt and Kallay Ackley will represent the Shenandoah junior high girls.
SHS Cross Country Asst. Coach Tara Estadt Photo Holly Dixon
“We have the potential to be extremely competitive this year,” states Coach Estadt. Chuck Estadt, Jarrett Wentworth, and Jusdena Clark received “All League Honors” for the MOVL in 2022. Chuck also earned the titles Eastern District Cross Country All Star Team, Academic All-East District, and OHSAA Division III Regional Qualifier.
“There has been an amazing level of support from the administration, grounds/maintenance crew, technology staff, teachers, athletic boosters, parents, and community,” said Estadt. “And we are very appreciative of the Eagles (FOE 2952) for their generous donation to sponsor our team.”
The high school teams will compete in their first meet on August 19 at the OHSAA Early Invitational in Fortress Obetz. Both high school and junior high teams will compete at the Elizabeth S. Broughton Memorial Cross Country Invitational in Marietta on August 26. You can follow the team throughout the season on their Facebook page, “Shenandoah Zeps Cross Country.”
