By Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek will open its cross country season this Saturday when the Cougars and Lady Cougars compete at meet hosted by Choudrant at The Gospel.
It will be the first of a number of meets that the program’s varsity, junior varsity and middle school will compete at this fall and will also include elementary school races.
Saturday’s meet schedule includes:
Varsity Boys (3 miles) 7:30
Varsity Girls (3 miles) 8:00
Middle school boys (2 miles) 8:30
Middle School girls (2 miles) 9:00
K – 1st grade boys (1 mile) 9:30
K – 1st grade girls (1 mile) 9:50
2nd – 3rd boys (1 mile) 10:10
2nd – 3rd girls (1mile) 10:30
4th – 5th boys (1 mile) 10:50
4th 5th girls (1 mile) 11:10
Head coach Craig Moss said despite the challenges of one of the hottest summers in recent memory, the varsity teams are ready to open their season in a competitive fashion.
“As with all sports teams this summer we endured a tremendous heat wave, but I can say our runners came out of the summer workouts healthy and injury free,” said Moss. “We aren’t where we want or need to be at this stage, but it is process and I am incredibly proud of athletes for their perseverance. I have watched their commitment, dedication, and compassion, for each other and feel they have gelled as a team.”
Moss said the Lady Cougars are a relatively young bunch this year. Taylor Ramsey, Madison Morris and Cat McAdams will be two of the main anchors and most experienced runners on the girls side.
“We will need our youth to step up in order to contend this year,” said Moss. “I believe they will rise to the occasion. We have talented young ladies, and they are excited to get the season started.”
Ramsey captured the 2021 Class A state individual title as a sophomore and then won the Division IV – Region 1 individual title as a junior, helping lead the Lady Cougars to the team title as well. Morris and McAdams also recorded Top 10 finishes at the regional meet last fall.
On the boys side, Moss feels that his squad is a much more experienced and more veteran group.
“Our gentlemen are seasoned cross country runners and excited about the upcoming year,” said Moss. “Their goals are high and I believe we will see a pack running team from our two thru seven runners which will help in our scoring. They have had a tremendous summer of training and know these seniors want to finish their cross country journey strong.”
Myles Head Carpenter was the Cougars top runner a season ago, including a sixth-place finish in the Division IV-Region 1 meet. Ethan McCarthy and Connor Johnson also finished in the top 10 at last year’s regional event.
Moss said mindset is a key component to succeeding this fall.
“We know that If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” said Moss. “In order to succeed, we must believe and trust the process, work hard to overcome the mental obstacles and then persevere through the workouts. I am blessed God has allowed me to be a part of these young men and women’s lives, and I cherish this team and this year.”
Varsity Girls
Audrey Barron
Addie Belle Brister
Marley Jinks
Madeline Kneeland
Anna Malsam
Cat McAdams
Madison Morris
Lindsey Osafo
Annalise Paul
Kendal Ramsey
Taylor Ramsey
Varsity Boys
Tanner Andrews
Hayes Bridges
Myles Carpenter Head
Dylan Drake
John Abram Earls
Gabe Garcia
Connor Johnson
Anderson Maxwell
Ethan McCarthy
Joshua McCarthy
Cole Morganthall
