Top varsity returners include Emily Nuss, Karolyn Papon, Sierra Hatlewick, Ainsley Hansen and Natalie Fransen.  Other girls expected to step up and make an impact are Rebecca Schindler, Ellia Soydara, Brooklyn Berge, Mariah Fults, Miah Schmidt, Naomi Dummer, Hannah Scharnberg, Julia Anderson, Evelynn Hare, Ahlea Mouser, Kayley Reitmeier and Sarah Grotberg.

“As always we want to see our athletes improve in their performances and strength as a runner,” said Welde.  “We just finished our second week of training and I can’t say enough about each and every runner’s effort and desire to improve.  We are still unsure of Conference and Section championship opportunities at this time, but we will train as if we have that ahead of us.”

The Otters will only compete against Central Lakes Conference teams this fall, with Moorhead and Bemidji joining the conference for the fall season.  Alexandria, Brainerd, Willmar, Rocori, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, St. Cloud Tech and St. Cloud Apollo are the other teams in the CLC.

“I think the unknown will be our biggest hurdle,” said Welde.  “I think things like protocol at meets, practices and school will be changing often.  Having that unknown factor out there is the biggest difference we will face this season.  The fact that we are together training and competing is something none of us will take for granted.  We follow daily guidelines during our practice and all of our athletes have been really respectful of this.”

Derek Meyer is the boys’ head coach and Josh Scharnberg will serve as an assistant in the program.