As school is starting up, so is the new cross-country season. Last year, both the men's and women's teams did extremely well with medals won throughout the year. The girl's team has achieved runner-up in the past two years, and the boys made state! However, they unfortunately fell short, but their main goal this season is to bounce back and win, dominating the other teams. With many returning runners, and some newcomers, the team is looking at a strong season. This year's senior captains include Cody Sigerud, Micah Newkirk, Ellie Edwards, and Ellie Phillips, who are all going to be vital in this year's team.
 

This year's team has been working hard all summer to achieve that goal this year. With practices every week, and lots of personal training, each runner is preparing for the season ahead of them. After captains Micah Newkirk and Cody Sigerud were interviewed about how they trained this offseason, they stated, "We trained hard by putting in a lot of work early every morning and ate healthy foods"

Head coach Jenny Brecht had some crucial insight into the team. "Our theme is Run with Purpose with the verse 1 Corinthians 9:26. We are focusing on being intentional in our walk with the Lord, working to recognize the work God is daily doing in our lives and praise Him for it."

After the upperclassmen on the team were asked, one thing was very clear. This year, the team will be centered around Christ while running and looking to gain first place for both teams. Another goal for the runners is to build their bonds together by spending time with one another while running.
 

One of the senior captains this year, Ellie Edwards, has shown a strong desire to keeping the team focused on Christ. When asked how she is going to lead this year's team, she responded, "I want to be a spiritual leader who gives Godly wisdom and also a fun senior who wants to plan stuff and be a safe space for a lot of the younger girls on the team."

All four captains are looking forward to leading their teammates to victories, and to help push each other forward spiritually. With all the preparation this summer, both the boy's and girl's teams are going to be strong candidates for making it all the way to state, with a good chance for either of them to win it all.

Show up and show out to support this year's cross-country team.