Sporrer sisters carry on family tradition at Morningside

SIOUX CITY — For at least one more weekend, two Sporrer sisters will be running for the Morningside women's cross country team. Senior Courtney is in the middle of her final season, this time joined by her younger sister, freshman Madison.

It's the first time the two have been on the same team since their senior and freshman years at Logan-Magnolia High School. As they prepare for the GPAC meet on Saturday in Ashland, Neb., the sisters are reflecting on what it's meant to share a college uniform.

"We got super close during my senior year (at Logan-Magnolia), so I'm excited to have one more year with her," Courtney said. "This is an opportunity not many people get to have, especially in college."

Before the season, Madison joined her sister for Monday night runs before officially practicing with the team on Tuesdays. Now, they train together nearly every day — and live together, too.

"I love getting to practice with her and make more memories," Madison said. "We're not as competitive with each other anymore. She still pushes me."

This season has gone well for both sisters. Courtney has finished in the top 13 in four meets she has competed in, highlighted by a ninth-place 6,000-meter finish at the Dordt Holiday Inn Express Classic earlier this month. She's aiming to qualify for her fourth straight NAIA national meet after placing in the top 90 last fall.

Courtney was once the younger sister following a family trail, too. When she was a freshman, her oldest sister Taylor — also a national qualifier — was a senior for the Mustangs.

"Taylor has been a super role model for me, and she showed me truly what hard work is," Courtney said. "She was a big reason why I came to Morningside, and now I get to take that role and show Madison what it takes to be a good runner."

Madison has embraced that guidance. In her first collegiate race at the Augustana Twilight in September, she placed in the top 50, and recently posted a personal-best 6K at Dordt.

"I think Madison has benefitted a lot from what her sisters have gone through," assistant coach Garret Ehlers '14 said. "She's been a lot more ready and mature than when Courtney came in as a freshman. She can handle more now because she's seen a lot more."

As Courtney closes her career and Madison continues hers, the Sporrer legacy continues — one sister finishing the race, the other just finding her stride.