“I have seen great potential in practice with newcomers Brian Lauthen (JR), Titus Fuller (SO), Jayden Hoidahl (SO) and Kian Gackle (FR),” said third year Head Coach Robert Bosma.  “Having fourteen guys on the team this year should really help our team learn competition.  Last year, anyone on the team could run varsity as there were only seven guys.  This year, they will have to earn that spot.  With most of the runners being new, they are trying to prove they belong and that effort in practice should translate in fast times during meets.”

Senior Blake Merrit, sophomores Wes Siira (All-Conference) and Abram Fossell (All-Conference Honorable Mention) and freshman Logan Froemming are the experienced runners returning for the boys.

“I’m hoping the boys really start to push each other in practice this year and help motivate each other in meets,” added Bosma.

The girls team lost Kerryn Lund and Christina Kuismi to graduation, and Caitlyn Deschene, an All-Conference Honorable Mention last year, will not run most of the year and may not come back at all due to an injury.

“I’m missing Caitlyn’s leadership already,” stated Bosma.  “Since we don’t have a full girls’ squad, we are going to have to learn to use the guys to push the girls in practice.  Also, with many new and younger runners, they are going to have to learn to compete at meets and learn racing strategies.”

Bosma says Wadena-Deer Creek and Ottertail Central should be tough again this season in the Park Region Conference, while West Central Area and Staples-Motley will be top contenders in Section 6A.