LINDEN — The miles have been put in, and North’s cross-country teams are ready for the season to start.
“I am very excited about North Montgomery cross country for the 2024 season,” Chargers coach Tim Lueking said.
The numbers are solid, as 22 runners are listed on the two varsity rosters.
Both squads start with an Aug. 17 match at Lafayette Harrison. Other big dates on the calendar include the Charger Classic on Sept. 12, the County Meet on Sept. 18, the Sagamore Conference races on Oct. 12 and the sectionals in Lafayette on Oct. 19.
Girls
The girls team has some experience back, but will be looking to the newer, younger runners to make this a special season.
“The girls program is also looking to perform exceptionally well this season,” Lueking said. “Zoey McFarland, our lone senior is looking to have her best year at North. Beth Brooks is our only other returning runner from last year but we have several new runners that will add great value to the team. Katelyn Woolwine and Sarah Hopper are very talented runners who are adding great depth to the program.”
The rest of a new field of runners will try to get top finishes for the scoring spots.
“The rest of our girls roster are new runners for the high school,” Lueking said, “but are some of the hardest working athletes in the county. This is one of our largest girls programs we have had at North for several years and I believe this team will be one of the best performing teams we have ever had.”
Boys
The boys team has a different tack, with lots of experience returning.
”I am very excited about boys cross country for the 2024 season,” Lueking continued. We are led by four seniors this year with Jack Rogers and Nolan Yarger leading this squad with speed and experience. These young men are talented, driven, and hard working. I look forward to seeing them accomplish great things this season,”
The other two seniors are James Brooks and Caden Ireland.
There is also depth at the underclass level.
“Our returning juniors and sophomores will help us have more depth than we have had in previous seasons along with three new freshman runners,” Lueking said. “This is our largest boys team and one of the most talented overall boys programs we have had for several years.”
