On October 8, 2025, the annual HAC (Heartland Athletic Conference) Championship was held in Kearney, Nebraska. Over 440 athletes from across eastern Nebraska took on the challenge with determination, and the Lincoln East cross country team showed no exception. After three hours on the road, the team gratefully accepted the cool air, smooth course, and loud atmosphere. These competitors were more than ready to race; they were ready to win.
“The weather was really nice, the competition was really good, I honestly think it was like one of those perfect races where … it was so loud, everybody was so happy and excited,” senior Amelia Schupach said. “The environment was just great.”
This fall, East’s cross country team has attended six meets prior to this one. With each step, these runners were improving drastically. This improvement didn’t fail to show at HAC, as both Lincoln East boys teams placed second, while the girls teams placed third. Individually, the athletes had amassed 43 personal or season records. However, this kind of success doesn’t happen overnight–it takes time, dedication, and drive.
“I value hard work and commitment to becoming your best and I think I have seen that this year,” head coach Brian Kabourek said. “[I’m] very proud of the progress that the team has had, and I think HAC was kind of a crowning jewel for a lot of the kids individually. In terms of where we started the season [to] where we are now, we’ve had tremendous improvement since the beginning of the year … and [I’m] very proud of what we’ve done.”
Despite the team’s excellent reputation they’ve built this season, Lincoln East cross country isn’t just known for their fast times, they’re known for their positive and motivating community. From the fastest senior to the slowest freshman, all athletes can agree that there’s something special about the group–and it’s not just their toughness.
“It’s such a great community and all the girls are so supporting and kind,” Schupach added. “We were all just kind of having fun and joking around before the race and I think that made a big part on everybody feeling good about their race and running a good time.”
As this season nears its end, these athletes are not lost of what to reflect upon. This season alone, there have been an abundance of achievements worth celebrating, and the community within the sport only grows stronger by the year. Now that the State Championship and spring track season are advancing quickly, East runners can only look forward as for what is to come.
