The boys cross country team is looking to make some noise.
The Woodmen are coming off of a strong 2023 campaign, where they finished 3rd at conference and county and 5th in the Sectional. They also advanced to Regionals as a team. Seniors Jake Squier, Sam Cassel, and Henry Barrett, all of whom were in the Top 4 of last season’s team, are returning to the squad. Sophomore Jack Siminski will also return for a varsity role, while the rest of the varsity lineup is seemingly up for grabs.
Squier, 16:36 P.R., has high expectations for the team.
“We are all confident that we can make a run at advancing to Regionals this year. It will be tough after losing our top runner from last season, but the three seniors are all ready to fill his role,” Squier said.
Squier, the projected top runner, also has high expectations for himself.
“I’m hoping that I can get my time into the low 16’s this season. I would also like to advance to the State meet,” he said.
Team chemistry is a major part of boys cross country. The Woodmen build their chemistry in a myriad of ways.
“We do a lot of things as a team outside of practice. I have a lot of parties at my house with the team, and they are always a lot of fun. We also usually have a pasta dinner the night before meets to carb load, which also helps build our chemistry,” Cassel, 17:44 P.R., said.
The Woodmen’s schedule features a meet that the team has never run before: the Nike XC Town Twilight Invitational. This meet will take place on Oct. 4.
“The most anticipated meet for me is the Nike XC Town Twilight Invite. It is a pretty prestigious meet, and this will be the first year that Greenwood has participated in it. The meet is at LaVern Gibson Course, which is the course for the Indiana State meet. The unique thing about this meet is that it is at night and in the dark,” Cassel said.
Tomorrow, the Woodmen will compete in the Franklin Community High School Invitational at 8:30 A.M. They will compete against conference opponents, such as Franklin, Mooresville, and Martinsville.
