The men’s cross country team has received a very strong freshman class this year, as stated by sophomore, Tyler Pardun. The team’s season begins at the Rebel Horlick Invitational in Wisconsin, where the team will compete against highly competitive teams, according to Logan Ejupi, senior team captain.

With only four previous varsity runners returning this year, the next four spots will be open for all other runners on the team to compete for, as stated by Ejupi.

“This year will be a different season for us because we have a lot of young runners stepping up into important varsity positions, including many sophomores and a freshman,” Brian McNair, sophomore runner, said.

The team welcomed almost twenty freshmen onto the cross country team for the upcoming season.

“Patrick Burns, the freshman, really stepped up and is showing some big promise,” Justin Shim, senior team captain, said.

As well as anticipating the freshmen class’ success, the runners have a strong group of captains to lead the team.

“I believe we have overlooked talent and great leadership from Justin Shim, Mark Spatz, [senior] and Logan Ejupi to help guide us in reaching our goal,” McNair said.

The team is beginning their season with confidence in their abilities.

“I have faith in our runners, Coach [JB] Hanson and Coach [Cindy] May, and in the family we have together,” Ejupi said.