VEEDERSBURG — They push, coach and celebrate each other.
That is the culture coach Shannon Hoagland has built for the Fountain Central Cross Country program.
There has been plenty to celebrate with three returning runners advancing out of sectionals a year ago. One of those, Hoagland’s senior daughter Brailey, advanced to regionals all three years so far and has ran at the semi-state level.
“We lost six seniors last season, but are coming into this year with six seniors,” coach Hoagland said. “I feel good about where we are because even with those who are new to varsity cross country, they have either run in junior high or ran track.”
Brailey Hoagland also was All Bi-County and All WRC the past three years.
“I fully believe if they keep working hard, we can have others with those accomplishments,” she said.
Senior Alydia Mellady and junior Raley Akers were the other returning sectional advancers.
The boys team will be low on competitors with seniors Ayden Donaldson and newcomer Brandon Pigg leading the way. Freshman Lucas Kirkpatrick also hits the trails.
“I would love to see more numbers for the boys team,” Hoagland said. “I’m excited to see where each of them come in as the season begins.”
Hoagland has her teams focused to see times drop as the season progresses and wants to see each athlete see their potential and do the “hard things.”
Speaking of hard things, Hoagland has concentrated efforts and her faith a lot on her brother Ryan Gayler and his battle with cancer the last couple years. She even led a fundraising effort while also fielding fairly successful cross country teams.
The Mustangs open the season Aug. 17 at Clinton Prairie.
