The cross-country team are at their midpoint in the season and a lot has changed since last year’s cross-country season. 

In late July, coach Jacob Heidenrich, who was the latest cross-country coach, retired from coaching. As a result, track coaches Michael Truax and Mario Gomez have taken over as the new cross-country coaches.  

“This new coach has been giving a lot of shorter distance and sprint workouts,” senior Donovan Jones said. “I think he’s doing a great job as I’m getting a lot faster.” 

Donovan said that the workouts consist of 400 and 800 repeats which he says give him the kick he needs for the end of his races. According to Donovan, the Vista Hills district meet will be the most challenging meet. 

“The team has improved so much from the start of the season,” sophomore Allie Haggerty said. “The coaches give an intense warm up to get everyone moving and then we get into a good workout.” 

The workouts given to the runners are hard as to get them ready for the meets, according to the coaches. 

“The reason the workouts are so intense is because I want to get these runners to their fullest potentials,” coach Truax said. “We don’t want them walking at all during the meets and possibly have them get worse.” 

The district meet in Vista Hills is happening in early October and the runners only have a few weeks to prepare. 

“I definitely feel ready for the district meet in Vista Hills,” junior Gabriel Dillow said. “I’m excited because I’ve definitely been improving.”