Seven returning letter-winners return for the Goessel cross-country team this season under the direction of third-year coach Brian Lightner.
The Bluebird girls return five members of last year’s sixth-place Class 1A state squad. That list is highlighted by three returning team scorers: seniors Jennifer Meysing and Lauren Rymill and junior Julia Nightengale. Individually, Nightengale placed 22nd at state in 2015.
Junior Maddy Meier and sophomore Edel Miller complete the girls’ list of returners. Three freshmen join the team: Elyse Boden, Katherine Manis and Porclein Unruh.
The team finished as regional runners-up a year ago.
As for team goals, Lightner said: “We hope to improve on our state placement from last year and have a girl in the top 20 individually.”
The boys, meanwhile, will be led by two returning letter-winners: senior Devon LeRoy and sophomore Nate Impson from last year’s regional champion and state-qualifying team that finished 10th overall. Two freshmen round out the squad: Zackary Guerrero and Brody Schroeder.
“The boys’ team qualified for state last year for the first time in four years and will be looking to return,” Lightner said. “We will rely on Zackary and Brody to help make that possible.”
Goessel will open its competitive season at the Pretty Prairie Invitational Thursday at 5 p.m.
