Mention a four-, six-, eight- or 10-mile run and most of us cringe. For members of the Montezuma-Cortez High School Cross Country team, however, the prospect of such long distances is music to the ears.
Entering the 2013 season with a roster filled with experienced seniors and talented underclassmen, hopes are high for this year’s MCHS cross country team. Although just how good this year’s team will be has yet to be determined, there is little doubt that the ingredients necessary for success are present.
Leading this year’s group of upperclassmen are four-year competitors Abigail Lock and Jonathan Bloedel. According to head coach Paul Koops, both seniors do a wonderful job of providing leadership on and off the course.
“[Lock] has been working hard all summer,” said Koops. “She loves to run and she’s a real asset to our team.”
“Bloedel is entering his fourth year,” stated Koops. “He works hard and does the best that he can. He’s a great, solid kid to have on the team and we’re glad to have him.”
In addition to the team’s two four-year competitors, senior Bracken Whiteskunk will look to provide leadership for the second straight season. A talented basketball player, Whiteskunk will use the cross-country season as a cross-training mechanism for his primary sport.
“I love having kids come from other sports,” said Koops. “It’s a great cross-training opportunity, it’s good for them and it’s good for us. We’re excited to have some cross-over athletes.”
Leading this year’s group of underclassmen will be junior Rachel Demby. An extremely hard worker, Demby won multiple meet titles last year and will look to add to her collection during the upcoming season.
“[Demby] is the most tireless athlete in terms of workouts and dedication that I’ve ever coached,” said Koops. “She’s easy to coach because she wants it and she knows what to do to get there. I think people will notice her when we go to meets.”
Other underclassmen that will look to contribute include Chandler Dee, Elana Cope and many others.
“The most important thing is that we are patient with some of our new runners,” explained Koops. “Our goal is to keep the kids healthy and make them life-long lovers of the sport.”
While it is still early in the season, it appears that the team is well on its way to accomplishing Koops’ goal. This year’s MCHS cross country team is primed and ready for action.