Custer County cross country wins $14,000 scholarship from Brooks

Custer County cross country. (Courtesy of Jack Swartz/Custer County

Custer County cross country will have a new look this fall thanks to a scholarship from Brooks Booster Club.

The Bobcats are one of 25 teams in the nation to win the scholarship, which will provide the team with $14,000 in Brooks running gear. Included are 30 uniforms, warmups, trainers and spikes, and some money for the program.

“To be honest,” said Custer County coach Jack Swartz, “all I did was apply. It was pretty straight forward.”

Brooks started the program to help teams “so that more young runners can sign up, go to meets, and compete in the sport we love most.”

Last season, Custer County’s Corey Lewenkamp placed second in the Class 2A boys state race, and Michael Franta was 37th. Both have since graduated.

Custer County’s girls return seniors Kayli Short and Katlyn Freeburg, who both participated at state last season. Short was 56th, and Freeburg was 71st.