Coming off of a win at the Rose City meet, Summit Cross Country has shifted their focus towards districts and state. For Kari Strang, Summit’s head cross country coach, the path towards state and regionals is a slow but steady climb. While these big meets catch attention, the team lets no opportunity to run well pass by.

 “We don’t take any meet for granted, and certainly there’s a lot of great competition here within our district. We are looking at it as one step at a time, but we absolutely are hoping [and] planning to make it to state,” said Strang.

In preparation athletes are keeping training simple. The team is focusing on running hard, staying healthy and following their coaches guidance. Freshman Kloey Drewsen has a straightforward approach for training for regionals and state. 

“I’m just sticking with what my coaches want me to do and [we’re] just going to try to do our best,” said Drewsen.

Their athleticism isn’t the only factor keeping them on top. The Summit Cross Country team‘s culture is a significant factor in the team’s season. Along with Strang, many athletes have noted how important and special the team’s community is. As a team they’ve made a notable effort to bridge the gap that existed in past years between the varsity and JV teams. 

“I’d say there’s a big culture shift as opposed to earlier years in cross country, at least from what I know,” said Junior Charlie English. “As opposed to the separation between the Varsity and JV teams [in previous seasons], I feel like we’re more cohesive as a group this year.” 

Looking forward, the boys and girls teams are both ranked first and expected to win districts and state according to the OSAA mid season coaches polls. Beyond the districts and state races, some members of the team will be competing at Nike Cross Regionals in Spokane, Washington. 

So as English warned, “Watch out for [Summit Cross Country]   in regionals.”