By Marlana Smith
The North Shelby cross country season is underway, and Coach Donny Williams said both he and the athletes are excited for the opportunity to compete this fall.
“I am extremely excited, and I hope the community is as well, for these kids to have the opportunity to compete in cross country this fall,” Williams said. “I have coached track the past couple of years but have had to study up a little more on distance running.”
Practice began on August 11 with three varsity runners: seniors Theron Brummit and Rylie Dunn make up the girls’ team, while sophomore Domenic Williams represents the boys’ team. Junior high runners will join practice on August 18, with three girls and two boys signed up so far. JH runners are: Breck Klusmeyer, Stone Force, Gwyneth Yoder, Payton Willey and Kellyn Hinshaw.
The program will field four teams—varsity boys, varsity girls, junior high boys, and junior high girls—all under the direction of a single coach without an assistant.
Because cross country requires five runners to compete as a team, the varsity squads will focus on individual success rather than team standings.
“Each runner has their own individual goals for the first meet that will change as the season progresses,” Williams explained.
The Raiders’ first meet is scheduled for September 9 at Highland.
