“Jaden Norby was a wonderful leader for our team last year,” continued Bosma.  “Hunter Norby, Solomon Wales and Matson Hoff were varsity runners and football players who went back to football this year.  They were great teammates, solid competitors and the team hopes they find success on the football team this fall.”

Returning letter winners for the guys include seniors Wes Siira and Jayden Hoidahl, juniors Logan Froemming and Kian Gackle, and sophomore Micah Fossell.

Bosma will be looking to sophomore Cohen Reiland, freshmen Donell Lee and August Bredberg, and eighth-grader Kaleb Fugleseth to push for varsity spots.

Sophomore Ashley Paulson will lead a young group of girls’ runners.

“The strength of the guys is their determination to compete in practice and their desire,” said Bosma.  “We have a couple of guys, Wes and Logan, who have been in cross country since we started the team five years ago and they are really stepping up as leaders.  Jayden and Kian are two individuals who are also stepping ups as leaders by trying to set the pace in practice.  These guys are using each other in practice, which should be a huge benefit in meets if they can run in packs.  We have some new faces that are going to be huge assets to the team.  Kian ran JV last year, but should be helping the varsity this year.  Cohen and Ashley are both new to the team, but proved to be hard workers in track and I see them stepping up big for us.  Many of the junior high runners and a couple freshmen are looking to push for spots on varsity, which means this is going to be a great season.”

In the Conference Bosma says Ottertail Central, Parkers Prairie and Wadena-Deer Creek are the boys’ favorites, while Pillager and Wadena-Deer Creek will lead the girls.  In the Section, West Central Area and Staples-Motley will be tough in both boys’ and girls’ competition.

Anna Johnson and Emily Nelson will serve as assistant coaches.