The Cross Country team is having a great season so far, with outstanding Varsity and JV Women and Men’s team finishes. They finished 2nd for both Open Varsity Women and Men at last weekend’s McKinney Bronco Stampede.

This season they have had a top three finish in at least one event at nearly every meet, including the Marcus Invitational Meet and the Rockhill Twilight Meet. 

“I see a lot of improvement in our times and we think we’ll have a good shot at making it past district this year, which is exciting,” said Paige Rogers, junior and Open Varsity athlete. “I think it’s so great that we can do it all together and feel such a bond even in a sport where you compete individually.”

In order to advance to regionals, area, and state, the entire Varsity six-person team needs to have an average time in the top three schools, while the top ten individuals also advance as well. 

“After a hard season last year when we placed 7th at district, we hope we’ll advance to region,” said Greta Choi, senior and Open Varsity athlete. “We have a lot of good freshmen additions that have consistently placed us high at meets.”

Right now, the Varsity Women’s team has averaged in the top three schools, with athlete Haley Harper consistently in the top ten Elite Varsity individuals.

“We have a lot of new freshmen this year so the girl’s side is a lot bigger,” said Rogers. “We feel like more of a team now and our dynamic is great.”

The Men’s team hopes to go to State again after finishing overall 7th in the state last year with Hudson Heikinnen winning 2nd individually in the State, while the Women’s team is set to make State for the first time in nearly five years.