For all Badger Cross Country runners and fans, Saturday was a day to remember.  The morning started off just like every other Saturday of the season, with coaches and runners having high expectations of the day ahead.  Then, shortly before the girl’s race was about to begin, something happened that touched each and every Berkshire Badger who was present.  Shawn Bowers, the Badger’s source of character, determination, and strength was reunited with his team for the first time in months.

Bowers, who was involved in a serious car accident in mid-August, had been hospitalized for the last month and a half, recovering more rapidly than any doctor expected.  His resilience and strength have helped him to surpass what initially the doctors said would be his time of recovery.  Many in this situation lose their passion, but not Bowers.  His amazing recovery has been inspiring the Badger cross country runners ever since the accident.  Everyone on the team has the mindset, “let’s do this for Shawn.”  In all of their pre-race huddles, the boy’s team has ended by bringing it in, and yelling “1, 2, 3, Bowers.”  For both the boys and the girls, Bowers’ influence has been an unmatchable advantage that no other team can contend with.

            During both the boy’s and girl’s races, Bowers and his family stood atop a slope where they could look down on the race happening below.  Their position was right at the beginning of the final lap of the race.  As every Badger runner turned the corner and tried to gather the strength for the home stretch, they saw Bowers raising his one arm in acknowledgement as they ran by.  Although difficult to describe with words, Junior Greg Dornback said, “It was inspirational and awe-inspiring seeing him during the race.”  This was definitely a very special and emotional moment for every badger runner.

 After a combination of hard work and Bowers’ inspiration, the Badger boys and girls both put together one of their strongest performances of the season.  The girls were paced by Senior Markwardt and Sophomore Alex Bowers in 10^th and 11^th places.  They were closely followed by The FabFive; Allie Noble, Hannah Sawyer, Erica Dingman, Noelle Jurcak, and Megan Burnett.  Sarah Mayer also ran well and closed out the performance for the girls.  A huge group effort led to a 4^th place team finish behind defending D-II state champs Salem, and also Cuyahoga Falls and Cardinal Mooney.

 The boys were able to match the girls’ 4^th place team finish, as they had their strongest performance of the season.  Leading the way for the Badger men were seniors Ethan Teare and Dave Young, followed by Tim Hess, Greg Dornback, Luke Malensek, Thomas Hess, Dan Ganim, Brendan Curtin, Jeffrey Hoover, and Luke Wilmot.  With a collective effort, the boys were able to jump over several teams that had beaten them earlier in the season.  With each boy running a personal record, they showed that they are ready for the post-season and are not ready to go away any time soon.

           The influence of Bowers on Saturday had a sensational effect on the Badgers.  With Bower’s continual recovery, his teammates will surely continue to have a spirited season.  As Head Cross Country Coach, Julie Cole said “We all got a big boost when Shawn made his first appearance on Saturday.  Welcome back, Buddy!”