After the shortened cross country season last year, many people wonder how well the two teams would be doing this fall. While some athletes say they are saddened by the shortened season last year, they believe that they have just as much potential to do well this season. Senior Sean Taylor says, “I don’t think the shortened season affected me too badly; however, I wish we could have gotten a full season.” 

 One of Sean’s goals this year is for the boys’ team to make it to state. However,  if they do not make it as a team, he hopes to advance as an individual. Sean’s other goal for this season does not have to do with stats or records, but more about leaving an impact on the younger athletes after he laces up his running shoes for the last time. “I would love to make it to state, however, my main goal is to leave a legacy and that the Carterville Lions will still be successful after I leave,” Taylor says. 

Over on the girls’ team, they have won two meets so far and typically place in the top three. The girls’ cross country team placed first out of 18 teams at their home meet on September 27th. When asked if  the outcomes of this season shocked her, Madison Ripley (11), responded, “Yeah, it has. I didn’t realize our team had this much potential at the start of the season.” However, this all changed when they placed second at Marion their first meet of the season. Madison Ripley has high hopes for this season in saying, “I have been used to our team usually being a little weaker, but this year we are a lot stronger and capable of making it far into the postseason.” With everyone  on the same page, it is very likely the girls will be able to achieve this postseason goal.” 

Both girls’ and boys’ cross country have high hopes to achieve the goals they have set. With the right mindset, hard work, and dedication it can be done because both teams aren’t ready to lace up their running shoes for the last time this season just yet.