While most students were relaxing in the hot sun over the summer, the DC cross country team was tying their shoelaces, getting miles under their belt, and preparing for another season of hardships, grit, and endurance.

Last year the team went 5th in districts with an impressive appearance in states from Addie Atkins, who placed 92nd. DC placed 3rd in the BAL championship and first in both regular season meets at Tree Park and Tyler State Park. Coming into this next year, the team has high hopes with new talent and personalities coming with new students and upcoming freshmen.  So far the team has witnessed medal-winning performances from Addie Atkins, who placed 9th, and Rudy Georke, who placed 10th. Prior to this during their first regular season BAL meet, both Rudy and Addie placed 3rd.

As junior  Adrian Gin stated, “I think one of the big key players will be Rudy. He gets crazy times, and it will be exciting to see him only go up from here.”  Coach McFarland confirmed Adrian’s assessment, saying, “Rudy Georke has been very competitive on the varsity level.”

 Another freshman who is performing well is Maria Kozlowski. As Coach McFarland said, “Maria Kozlowski has shown good progress running cross country for the first time. Coach McFarland, who has been coaching cross country for 20 years, prepares the team well during the offseason, reading cross country books about other cross country programs, mapping out a schedule for the runners, and keeping the athletes running over the summer.  

As Adrian stated, staying away from injuries and getting miles in was his main focus during the off season. Sophomore Addie Atkins plans her offseason, focusing on the areas where she needs to improve. With more experience under her belt as a returning sophomore, she has run much smarter with “more emphasis on fixing the little things that can make or break a season.”

This next season has great expectations with all the new additions and the preparation that came with the summer.  As Adrian remarked, “I’m really excited for this year. We have ten boys and five girls. I have great expectations for this year.” 

Coach McFarland also is enthusiastic about this season:  “A pre-season had us third in the BAL, but I think the guys have higher aspirations. The girls should be a solid second or third.” Addison added,, “I think our strong point is our individuals, and I think that’s going to show up more in the championship meets near the end of the season.” 

Overall, the cross country team possesses great hope and potential as they progress with the regular season and post season.