Cross country is a very talented team this year with powerful leaders in the boys and girls programs. The girls team just came off of a huge win at the Sioux Passage meet. Senior Megan Osterholt dominated the competition by getting fourth, with junior Abby Woytus not far behind. 

Megan has run all four years and has loved the relationships she has made through this sport. This year the girls team is striving with Megan leading them. She has stepped up this year and could not have done it without the support of her coach.

“Coach Phil has impacted me over the last four years. He is so encouraging and positive. He is a very good role model of what a leader should be,” Osterholt said. 

Not only has the girls team been off to a great start, the boys are also doing well. Junior Henry Wood has stepped up in leading the boys program. He has grown immensely in his three years through working hard. 

“I have had a substantial amount of growth compared to just the first few meets. I felt comfortable and confident coming into the Sioux Passage meet, whereas before I was prepared to feel very anxiety filled and nervous,” Wood said. 

Throughout the years, Megan has grown a massive amount. She has learned how to prepare for meets and leads the underclassmen before the race begins. 

“I have grown a lot since freshman year, mainly in my mindset. I do better with easing my nerves before each race. I prepare for meets by drinking a lot of water the day before, getting good sleep, and eating a good dinner the night before,” Osterholt said. 

During the offseason, Megan and Henry have to stay on the grind. They are each able to do this by running a distance track. This not only keeps them ready for the next season, but it pushes them to be versatile, by running in different conditions and environments. 

The girls and boys teams are having a great year with Megan and Henry leading them to the finish line. Come out to support the team on Saturday at Arnold City Park.