By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
While the track and field team is only starting their training for the upcoming season, FHSU’s cross country team is already up and running and getting ready for their season opener on Saturday. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the team, as both the women’s and men’s teams have experienced some changes in the roster.
Last year, the women’s team was successful, finishing third in the MIAA and seventh in the regional championship. However, with Regan Hodsedon’s graduation, the team has to find a new leader. The competition for that top spot is lively, and the athletes and coaches are not planning to fall behind this season.
“We have a very good depth this year,” Head Coach Jason McCullough said. “Jaycee Vath, Emily Diercks, and Darian Hudgenos are all extremely competitive athletes capable of performing at the highest level. We also have some younger athletes who improved from last season and had a good summer, so I’m not worried about performance.”
Vath, who is a senior, spoke about the changes and being a leader on the team.
”I’m glad I get to be a leader this year, as I had so many girls to look up to my freshman and sophomore year, it is great to be that role model for others now,” Vath said. “We have so many girls who are great leaders on the team, and we all push each other to be better. I’m focusing on supporting my teammates as best as I can so everyone can achieve their potential.”
When examining the athletes’ progress throughout the last track season, McCullough said there are many reasons to be optimistic about how this season unfolds, and he is confident in the team’s depth.
“We have a potential of having six women get an all-conference award (top ten), with a strong top three as well, our goal is to finish in the top three as a team, if not higher,” he said.
Vath echoes McCullough’s thoughts about possible team success.
“I know we are capable of finishing higher in conference and regionals this year,” she said.
The men’s team also lost their leading athlete, but much like the women, they are ready to step up and be better as a team. Jaret Pfizenmaier, one of the seniors who will lead the team this year, is very excited coming into the season.
“Personally, I had a great summer, and I feel terrific,” Pfizenmaier said. “I’m excited to become a leader and feel no pressure at all, as I was already one of the leaders of the team in practice previously. We have a lot more depth this year, and I will be extremely surprised if we don’t get a top-three finish in our conference.”
McCullough said that improving on last year’s ranking of eight in the conference is something the team should be able to do.
“We have some experienced athletes such as Ethan Fisher, Cori DeBost, and Jaret Pfizenmaier, so with their leadership, we can be a good team in our conference,” McCullough said.
As far as the younger athletes on the team, a name that both McCullough and Pfizenmaier mentioned is Brady Stegman. The sophomore is highlighted as someone ready to make the step up and be one of the strongest athletes on the team.
“Brady has put on good milage during the summer,” McCullough said.
“He will definitely pop off,” added Pfizenmaier.
The men’s and the women’s teams will be traveling together throughout the season, starting in the JK Classic at Wichita State on Saturday, followed by the team’s home meet, the FHSU Tiger Open, which will take place in the Rolling Ridge Cross Country Course, on September 13th.