By Kendra Reynolds
The cross-country team is starting off the season less than strong with only one senior, Mackenzy May, and one returning state runner, junior Jacob Newman.
The returning runners have to become leaders due to the lack of upperclassmen.
"The girls’ team is pretty inexperienced, only one returning from last year. The boys’ has more experience and are looking toward the top two, Jacob and Joseph, to lead the team with success," said head coach Mel Hussey.
Runners will have to be able to push themselves in training and practices with what little they have.
"The difficult part will be the top two runners facing each other without older ones to push them," said Jacob Newman.
Along with training, the leadership abilities will be put on the shoulders of fewer people.
"It’s weird that I am the only one, it’s hard but fun and I do have help from my juniors," said May.
The outlook on their chances of competing at state is still up in the air for the girls but a feeling of confidence for a few members of the boys’ team.
"It’s too early to say. I’m looking to the Newmans, but the girls’ team is too early to say," said Hussey.
All coaches have their reasons for coaching a sport.
"Seeing runners having individual success and finding out they can do things they never thought they could is amazing to see," said Hussey.
