The schedule for Kosciusko cross country teams includes three meets at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, site of the state meet. There will also be two meets at French Camp Academy and one at Clinton High School.
Girls coach Emily Martin said competing at Choctaw Trails will be beneficial when the 4A state meet is held November 4. “It’s very important, especially for the new ones. We try to get there as much as possible to get them use to the course. It helps them be strategic with how the course is, where the hills are, things like that.”
Martin and first year boys coach Joe Stormont are encouraged by what they have seen in preseason practice.
“They’re doing some new things that they haven’t done before,” Stormont said. “They’re getting in some speed work. They’re buying in very well, coming to practice and giving me everything they have. I’m looking for them breaking a lot of their personal records by a minute or two.
“I’m pleased with the way they have practiced and the effort they have given. That’s the number one things I push, the work ethic and character. Cross country is a sport where you can develop those characteristics in a kid. In cross country you go into the woods and nobody else sees you, not even your coach. Only you know if you are giving it 100 percent, if you are giving everything you have.”
Martin has seen improvement by the Lady Whippets since last year. “With this sport, it takes a lot of work ethic.”
The Lady Whippets finished 18th at last year’s 4A meet with a team comprised of four eighth graders and two freshmen. One of those eighth graders, Dianna Rodriguez-Hernandez, was the team’s top runner a year ago, and figures to hold that position this year as a freshman. “She’s definitely our lead runner,” Martin said.
On a team without any juniors or seniors, other runners for the Lady Whippets include sophomores Addy Rawson and Anna Lauren Watts and freshmen Allie Gibson and Harley Crittenden.
Sophomore Cole Wilson was the team’s top runner a year ago when the Whippets finished 22nd at the state meet, and will lead the team this year, along with sophomore Grayson Blaylock. “They have been neck-and-neck, which is a good thing,” Stormont said. “They have been pushing each other in practice.”
Other key runners include junior Matthew Nail, senior Michael Phinisee and freshman Elijah Wilson, Cole’s brother.
The first meet will The Opener September 2 at Choctaw Trails, a large meet with more than 50 schools registered.
Both coaches are also pleased with two meets at French Camp. Martin said it is a tough course that will be a good test for her runners.
Stormont was on the cross country team at French Camp as a student and is looking forward to competing there.
Kosciusko 2023 Cross Country Schedule
Sept. 2 The Opener Choctaw Trails
Sept. 9 French Camp Invitational French Camp Academy
Sept. 18 MRA Invitational Choctaw Trails
Sept. 23 Clinton Arrow Invitational Clinton High School
Oct. 14 Watson High School Classic Choctaw Trails
Oct. 21 French Camp Classic French Camp Classic
