After a rebuilding year, the girls cross country team is approaching the season with high expectations. Head coach Thersea Gosnell has held the girls to a high standard, yet she believes they have the potential to reach their final goal.

“The ultimate goal for the team is to make it to state,” Gosnell said. “But in the process along the way they want to work hard, do their best and encourage each other. By doing those things along the way, they’ll have what it takes to make it to state.”

After losing former senior Blair Coziahr, now seniors Marian Tessin, Phoebe Placzek, and Grace Ward, juniors Megan Algya and Marta Hailu, and sophomore Lauren Fehr are looking to lead the team this year. They have chosen the word “strength” to motivate them throughout the season.

“We like having a word that powers us through,” Ward said. “We chose this word because we all really want to get stronger and be strong, mentally and physically.”

The girls will kick-off in the Seward meet on Thursday, Sept. 3. Check back Friday to see the results of the meet.