YOUNGSTERS TO LEAD BULLPUP CROSS COUNTRY
By William for CrossDove Writers / https://mcpherson-county-ks.com/
(SPONSORED BY CROSSDOVE WRITERS)
Losing a large number of seniors, the McPherson High cross-country team will count on many youngsters to lead the way as they prep for the 2019 season.
Entering her fourth season as head coach of the Bullpup harriers, Aspen Lott knows what is ahead for the season, saying, “Last season we had a strong senior class and with them graduated, our numbers are down a little this year. However, the athletes we have are strong both physically and mentally. Our boys team earned sixth at league last season while the girls team took third. Both of the teams placed sixth at Regionals.”
The six Bullpups lost to graduation include Isaiah Moyer, Katie Bahr, Kaitlyn Beam, Hannah Dossett, Silas Steinert and Graedon Green.
Among the returnees will be the youngsters, sophomores Marissa Pearcy and Evie Elder, who placed 10th and 18th at the league meet in 2018, while juniors Courtney Eickbush and Cody Achilles, both finished in the top 25 at 19th and 25th in the league meet last season.
Among the other returning harriers for Coach Lott will be seniors Ethan Pickerell, Riley Shelton and Justus Hampton, plus six strong freshman in Skyler Lockard, Brock Burgess, Roman Mai, Dalton Weir, Tito Mendez and Emily Heskett.
Looking toward the 2019 season, Coach Lott added, “With the senior class that left, we will definitely be a younger team this year, though we have several athletes that have competed for varsity who have experience and will step up into new leadership positions as the season start. Among those are Cody Achilles who just competed at the spring state track meet in the two-mile run.”
Concluding her pre-season reflections, Coach Lott finished by saying, “This season has been off to a strong start. The young men and women we have out are strong individuals and I believe this team (both men and women) are going to make huge strides this season. We have our upperclassmen really stepping up and leading the team by example and encouragement. Our freshman class is definitely bringing some fire and determination to the team as well.”
The Bullpup cross-country team opens their 2019 season on Thursday, September 5 at the Great Bend Invitational.
2019 Bullpup Cross Country Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 5 – at Great Bend Invitational, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12 – at Hesston Invitational, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 19 – at Buhler Invitational, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26 – host Bullpup Invitational at McPherson Wall Park, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – at Newton Invitational, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12 – at El Dorado Invitational, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – at AVCTL Championships hosted by Circle
Saturday, Oct. 26 – State Regionals, TBA
Saturday, Nov. 2 – State Championships at Lawrence Rim Rock Farms
(Copyright@2019-CrossDove Writers)
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