There are many new faces on the men’s and women’s cross country teams as nine men and seven women runners are freshmen, with three returning runners on each team.
However, head coach Zach Kindler said that, although young, this team is also very talented.
“Our goal is to be in the top three in the conference,” Kindler said. “We’re gunning for a conference championship on both sides. It’s our goal every year when we start our practices and I think we’ve got the talent this year.”
Returning to lead the squads are juniors Chris Scheideman and Mary Loveland, and for Kindler, leadership from the upperclassmen will be a big part of the team’s success.
The teams start the season Sept. 5 at the Maple Leaf Invitational in Baldwin City, which will feature every school in the HAAC except for Lindenwood.
Kindler said this would give the teams a great idea early on what they will be competing against for the rest of the season.
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