“New to this year, there are three classes in cross country, contrasted with only two before,” said Coach Anderson.  “With the realignment of sections, losing no one to graduation and an undefeated junior high squad, the DGF boys should be competitive against many of the strongest teams in the area.  Our theme for the year is ‘Be at Your Best When Your Best is Required’.”

Senior Oliver Jesme, junior Dalton Grubb, sophomores Louis Gaytan, Isaac Gifford, Carter Julin and Joe Wilson, freshman Will Martin and eighth-grader Owen Winter join Gray and Finseth as returning runners with varsity experience.  Finseth was the top team finisher at the Section 8A meet last fall and had a great track season, winning the state long jump title, finishing as runner-up in the triple jump and taking fourth place in the 400.

“Josh is a great role model on showing others how to prepare and compete at big meets,” noted Anderson.  “Chandler recruited middle school athletes to the team and educated many in the sport of cross country.”

Anderson says Perham and West Central Area, the top two teams in the state during the 2019 season, will be the favorites in the section and in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference.

“Experience in running together over the past several years is our biggest team asset,” added Anderson.  “We have several younger members that can fit into the sixth and seventh positions on the varsity squad, or earn one of the top five spots.  Our lineup will be bolstered by the addition of junior Joseph Casey who was one of the top 800 meter runners on the DGF track team this past spring.  Several of our runners have spent a good off-season of training which will bring about faster personal records this fall.”