“We have a number of underclassmen returning who were a part of that squad,” said Coach Anderson.  “Though we don’t have as much depth as in past years, if the Rebels stay healthy we will be competitive in any meet we compete in this season.”

Returning starters include senior Dalton Grubb, juniors Carter Julin, Joe Wilson and Louis Gaytan, and freshman Owen Winter.  Gaytan and Winter will serve as team captains.

“The top runner returning with the best 5K from last year is Winter,” reported Coach Anderson.  “He also is in the best position to be a state qualifier this year.  Section medalists from this past season’s Track and Field 8A championship squad, participating in cross country include, Carter Julin, Chase Julin (SR), Joe Wilson and Louis Gaytan.”

Anderson says Perham and Park Rapids are the top teams in Section 8A once again, with the Yellowjackets the favorite in the HOL.

Two members of the 2021 team are continuing to compete at the collegiate level as Chandler Gray is running for the University of Minnesota-Crookston) and Joshua Finseth (Minnesota Class A State Champion in the Long Jump and Triple Jump) is participating at NDSU.

Anderson also coaches the DGF Girls’ Cross Country team, which had an incomplete team last season for varsity races, however, featured several high team finishes in Junior High events.

“Last year we had a group of girls that were young and inexperienced middle school athletes,” said Anderson.  “After a year of experience, they will move up to competing at the varsity level by the end of the season.  The section and conference goal is to be in the top half of team finishes this season.”

Freshman Isabel Toms will be the team captain.