Kosciusko cross-country coach Greg Cooper is confident that hard work will pay off for the boys and girls teams. That hard work started before the runners returned to school.
“We came into school in shape,” he said. “Now we are working on speed drills and running hills. We're doing everything that we think the other schools are doing. We should be a very competitive team this year.”
The girls finished 10th at last year's 4A state meet and the boys were 17th.
The boys team is led by senior Gustavo Orduna, who finished 24th at the 2019 state meet with a 5,000 meter time of 19:05.65. His brother Jorge, a sophomore, was 37th in 19:39.39. Two other veterans are sophomore Cooper Sparks and freshman Lem Whitcomb.
“Lem will be strong; Cooper will be strong,” coach Cooper said.
John Gant, a freshman, has joined the team and has run well in practice. “He's up there with Gustavo,” Cooper said.
There are also some junior high runners who should help in the future.
The girls team received a boost from the addition of twins Presley and Savannah Fulgham, both sophomores. Macie Alford, a senior, has also joined the team. Veterans are sophomore Reid Hutchinson, 24th last year in 23:26.22, and freshman Emma Rhodes.
“We're seeing their times come down because they are in better shape,” Cooper said.
The first meet is Sept. 12 at French Camp. The 4A state meet is scheduled for Nov. 2 at Choctaw Trails in Jackson.
