The Atlantic Cross Country teams are prepping to hear the starting gun on Saturday in Glenwood to start the year and both teams have lofty goals again. Head Coach Dan Vargason said the team has had a great work ethic so far.

The boys team is coming off a State appearance last year and return 20th place State finisher Craig Alan Becker. A number of other experienced runners are back with Drew Engler, Zane Berg, Ethan Williams and others working to improve. Coach Vargason said there is some healthy competition to get into the varsity rotation.

The girls team came up just shy of qualifying for the State meet last year and are eager to get back to work. Taylor McCreedy made an individual appearance at State last year and will be leading the way again this year. Ava Rush ran strong much of the season last year but a late season illness held her back a bit at Districts so she’ll be eager to get to work. Coach Vargason said they got a bit of a late start for the girls team to all practice but they have been improving fast. He was impressed by the time cut by both teams at time trials on Tuesday.

The Trojans open up the 2020 season at the Glenwood Co-Ed Meet this Saturday at the Glenwood Lake Park Course. Coach Vargason said it will be a great early measuring stick and he just wants the team to get their feet wet and compete. You can hear the full interview with Coach Vargason on our Saturday Morning Coaches Show at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday.