After losing several impactful seniors last year, the cross country team, led by talented juniors and sophomores, looks to continue their success as they approach the middle of the season. With two top five finishes in their first three meets, they already look to be in midseason form.
Although they are a young team, Head Coach Mr. Mark Snell has high expectations entering this season. Section 6AA is arguably the most competitive section in the state, which proves a test for the youthful Red Knights. “We look to finish in the top four in the conference this year, as well as top eight in our section,” Coach Snell said.
Being one of the largest cross country teams in school history with more than 40 runners, Snell looks for a great amount of leadership from senior captains John Bowman and Matt Racchini, as well as junior Mack Nevells.
These captains have provided a great backbone for the team, carrying on many traditions like horsing around in the locker rooms or pushing each other to their fullest potential. “We have pasta dinners before our meets, which are fun, as well as they are a good way to get to know some of the other guys better,” Racchini said.
Henry Jackson and Dan Lennington are only in their first season running for the cross country team, but are already asserting themselves as powerhouses on the team. “Henry Jackson and Dan Lennington are some sophomore talents we look forward to ending this season with,” Nevells said.
But, this is no star-studded team. All members have proved to be valuable assets to the teams success. “We have seven or eight top guys and the top three or four have pretty interchangeable times,” Snell said.
