The high school cross country season is approaching the starting line.
A new team of underclassmen make up most of Brady Archers squad at Mancos High School.
Last years senior 2A state qualifiers are gone, and those shoes are looking to be filled this season to continue a strong cross country tradition at Mancos.
We dont have huge numbers for boys, but we have three boys that went to state last year, Archer said. Even though theyre young, they have some pretty good experience.
Bluejays state returners include juniors Brandon McKie and Zane Willburn.
The only seniors in the program are on the girls side. They are 2010 state qualifiers Devin Kroeker and Rachel Beverlin, of Dolores.
I think with the girls, since we have some pretty good experience still I think we also have some good, young talent we have a chance to be pretty good, Archer said.
Telluride, Ouray, Crested Butte, Rangely and Meeker are the 2A region teams Mancos runs against. Telluride is the defending boys 2A state champs. But before MHS sees its regional foes, the season begins today in Aztec (N.M.) at the Aztec High School Invitational at 3 p.m. The Aztec meet is small, but it gives MHS a chance to open the season against some bigger New Mexico schools.
Its a good course for our kids to get out and run because its a tough course, Archer said. Its a good course to get out there and get that first meet out of the way, and run against bigger schools. Its a good chance for us to kind of get a benchmark of where were at right now.
The harriers agree that the Aztec meet is a good, tough course to start the season.
Its the one that makes you or breaks you, Kroeker said. For the start of the year, anyway.
The course is hot, sandy and hilly, Beverlin said.
Ive seen girls that cry on that course, and get sick, she said.
The course has a giant hill, McKie said.
Its no fun at all, he said. It helps us prepare for the bigger meets later on in the season.
McKie feels the boys team has the potential to be strong not just this year, but the next season as well.
I think were going to do pretty good, he said. We got a pretty solid team. Even if we dont do amazingly this year, were not losing anybody. I think that this year we can see where were all at and then hopefully all improve a lot. Next year well have a really awesome team.
For the Lady Bluejays seniors, thats what this season is all about to finish their high schools careers the best they can.
Go hard or go home, Kroeker said. Its the last year that we have, so we might as well make the most of it. Im really excited about it.
Ive been training all summer, so I really want to do well this year, Beverlin said. Im trying to get in the top-nine at state.
Notable meets on the schedule for Mancos include hosting the annual Chicken Creek Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 1, and competing at the Cortez Ancient Trails Invitational at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 8. Regionals are in Delta on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and state is at Aurora on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.