As the Washburn University cross-country team kicks off its new season, the athletes are more focused than ever on one goal: making it to nationals. 

Last year, the team came agonizingly close, falling just one point short. That disappointment has only fueled their drive, and both returning runners and newcomers are eager to make their mark.

Among those leading the charge is Tommy Roehl, junior and data analytics major, who has been with the team for all three years of his college career. Roehl, who has been running competitively since the sixth grade, says the increased level of competition in college has made the sport even more enjoyable for him. 

“I was good at it, so I kind of kept going,” Roehl said. 

Now with the added challenge of collegiate-level races, he appreciates having a team to work alongside. 

“This year, we’re more locked in and willing to work as hard as it takes to get there, and I’m excited for the experience,” Roehl said. 

Joe Wright, junior kinesiology major and transfer student from Iowa Central Community College, shares Roehl’s enthusiasm. Wright, who has experience in both cross-country and track and field, found the transition from a junior college to a Division II school to be a big step up. Motivated by the team’s near miss at nationals last year, Wright has his sights set on being a key contributor. 

“I want to be in the top five and be part of the national team,” Wright said.

Wright’s first race at Washburn Sept. 7 was also his first taste of DII competition. 

“Getting used to running and getting used to racing was big. I focused on running with my team. Sometimes you’d see a teammate running and you try to chase them and fight for placement together,” Wright said. 

Head Coach of Cross Country David Granato believes that the first meet of the season went exceptionally well, calling it one of the best openers the team has had. Both the men’s and women’s teams showed impressive depth, meaning that their top runners finished in strong positions. In cross-country, scoring is determined by the sum of the top five runners’ finishing positions, with the lowest total score winning. But Granato is focused less on the results and more on the process. 

“We don’t talk about results when we talk about goals; we talk about process-oriented goals,” Granato said. “We can’t control outcomes or what other teams are going to do, but you can control what you’re going to do.”

Myles Bach, assistant coach for track and field and cross country, is also determined to push the team to new heights even though it’s his first year in the position. He wants to build a culture that ensures both the men’s and women’s teams consistently qualify for nationals.

The team’s daily routine is rigorous, with early morning runs at 6 a.m. and afternoon practices focused on mobility and injury prevention. Last year’s close call has driven the team to work even harder.

Washburn’s recent history in cross country has been strong. Last year, the men’s team placed second in the NCAA Championships and fourth in the NCAA Central Regionals, both of which were program records. Two runners, David Kibet and Donald Kibet (unrelated), qualified for nationals, with David finishing 22nd and Donald finishing 29th—the best and second-best individual results in Washburn history. While David has since graduated, Donald is now a junior in the nursing program and poised to lead the team.

With an updated roster, additional coaching, and a renewed focus, the Washburn cross-country team is ready to chase its goals once again this season. To keep up with men’s and women’s cross country, check out wusports.com.

Edited by Jayme Thompson and Jeremy Ford