The cross country team has decided to meet its challenges head on this season by going above and beyond the successes of their past seasons.

There was a noticeable sensation of excitement in the air, as the cross country team was reunited at the fall sports banquet last weekend. From the coaches to the newest additions to the team, it is clear that these athletes are ready to compete this fall.

For cross country head coach Cameron Babb, there are some high expectations that accompany this season. His athletes have been preparing all summer, using workout plans that he personally designed as guidelines to ensure that the team will be in top shape to be successful.

“We finally have some upperclassmen that can take the reigns and know exactly what should be going on, and I think that is going to help a lot,” Babb said.

Babb also expressed his excitement for the team to hopefully reach nationals this season.  

Senior runner Chryspus Muema has not only been going through rigorous exercise routines to prepare for the season, but also concentrating on his diet and sleep. He wants to ‘keep the ball rolling’ for himself, as well as the team. He believes that the newest additions to the cross country team will fit into the program well and have success as well.

“I’m excited to see how the new athletes will perform. During the first week of practice, we had a 5K time trial and even though the weather condition was not in our favor, our team performed very well. Everyone ran good times, which entails that we are in a healthy position to excel this fall,” Muema said.

All signs point to a very successful year for the Washburn cross country team, and they appreciate support from the student body this season. The positive momentum generated by players like Muema, as well as the coaches, will have a role in favorable outcomes for the team.

The cross country team will open their season on Sept. 1 when they are scheduled to compete in the SBU Invitational in Bolivar, Missouri.