The boys cross country team had an outstanding season last year, not only making it to the state meet, but also securing a top ten finish. They finished the season seventh as a team at the state level. This performance was a testament to the team’s hard work, determination, grit, and talent. But they aren’t done, as they look to add onto that performance and finish even further this upcoming season.
This season, the boys team will be without their former top performer Jayden Wall, who graduated this year after a stellar performance including placing 10th at state in his final season. Wall’s departure leaves a gap, but luckily, there remains plenty of talent for this boys team.
The team is not without leadership, they still have senior Ryan Kugler, entering his final season after placing 15th in state. He has high hopes for this upcoming season, not just for himself, but for his fellow teammates as well.
“I’d like both me as an individual and Westside as a team to get top five next year, I think we can win metros,” Kugler said. With confidence following his performance at state last year. His dedication is evident, and he is committed to pushing both himself and his teammates to new heights.
Kugler concluded his state run with a time of 16:27.3, which is the top time for returning runners on the team this year. Following him is fellow senior Conor Gross, who finished at 17:20.6, which was the 49th best in all of class A. They had two other returning runners finish top 95 – Preston Penney, who finished at 18:50.4, and Dylan Gross, who finished at 18:02.0.
Their times set a high standard for the entire team. These two seniors create a strong core for the roster, and they hope to motivate every single runner on the team, so that they are able to finish even greater than last year, which was already a historic accomplishment for them.
Head coach Theresa Gosnell is equally optimistic about this year’s roster. She feels that the team has enough talent and leadership to be successful for this upcoming season.
“They definitely have the potential to win state this year,” Gosnell said. “They’re really all leaders on their own.”
In addition to the experienced runners, the team boasts a promising and talented roster of underclassmen. With new incoming freshmen, as well as returning sophomores looking to build on last year’s performances, there is a wealth of untapped potential and these underclassmen are expected to make great contributions to the team this season. The roster is filled with young talent, and shows promise for the future of this team.
“We have a lot of freshmen that are coming in, and then we have some returning sophomores that did really well last year,” Gosnell said. “There’s definitely many juniors up there as well.”
The overall depth of this roster is a notable strength this year. The combination of emerging talent and seasoned leadership creates an exciting dynamic for the team. With clear goals in sight, including aiming to be the best team in the state, the squad is motivated and ready.
Team chemistry is not to be underestimated in the sport of cross country, and the Warriors certainly have it. They push each other to get better every practice, encouraging each other to improve their times, and run outside of practice for the extra training. The greater the bond between teammates, the better the practice goes.
After a rigorous offseason filled with intense training and preparation, the team is eager to showcase their abilities for this upcoming season, with new runners and experienced leaders ready to take the course, the team is set to demonstrate their capabilities in the upcoming season.
The team will start the season off with their first competition on Saturday, Aug.31. at the “Class of the Metro” meet, which will be held at Papillion La Vista South. This meet will serve as an early test for the team, and set the tone for the rest of the season, as they are ready to prove themselves on the course, and show the progress they have made after the hard work they have put in all offseason.
