Lofty Goals in Place for ACGC Cross Country Teams

An experienced boys' cross country team and a young and inexperienced girls' team should make for an interesting cross country season for the ACGC Chargers.

"The boys' team is bringing a lot of talent back from a fourth place finish at state last year, so their experience and talent level are our biggest strengths," veteran Charger mentor Colin Shawgo offered regarding the upcoming season. "The girls team is very young but has a high level of interest. They are very motivated and are working hard which will make a big difference."

Both teams are ranked in the preseason rankings put out by the Iowa Run, Jump Throw organization. The Charger boys are ranked second in class 1A behind conference rival Earlham, while the girls have the best ranking among WCAC schools at the number ten spot state wide.

"Both teams have the goals of winning the conference meet and making it to state," Shawgo added. "From there the boys are shooting for a top two finish at state, and the girls have the goal of finishing in the top five for the third year in a row."

The boys team consists of seniors Trevin Suhr and Kaden Thompson, while Justin Reinhart is the only junior. Experienced sophomores include Andrew Mahaffey, Bo Arrasmith, and Lance Bunde. Newcomers for the boys are sophomore Easton Stringham and freshmen Gavin Sloss and Noah Kading.

Returning letter winners for the girls are senior Mia Ocheltree, junior Kiersten Knobbe, and sophomre Hayden Coffman. First year runners are sophomore Katelyn Schafer and freshmen Jayla Hoover, Ava Campbell, Paige Van Meter, and Adalyn Benson.

The teams open the season today (Thursday) with a meet hosted by Southeast Valley of Gowrie.