Late notice for this week’s open run: Tomorrow morning, Fri 7/24, 7 am on Miller Creek Road from the horse arena. I plan just a light 5K to stretch the legs ahead of the Cave City Melon Dash, which starts Saturday at 7 am.
Lyon cross country camp Fri-Sat July 17-18 was a blast with runners from neighbor school districts and states. Heat and humidity made the workouts a challenge but gave the athletes a chance to apply some of the lessons from the coaching talks. It’s a pleasure to help point the way for the ambitious and enthusiastic athletes who want so much to make themselves and their teams better.
Back this week with the Pioneers at Batesville High, it’s been another encouraging summer week with two dozen runners a day laying down the foundation for a strong season. Junior high boys are reloading to run back last year’s undefeated season. Three of last year’s top six are upperclassmen now, but the returnees are now top-heavy with ninth graders who look to be faster one to eight than last year’s strong team. And the stable of seventh- and eighth-graders is bigger than last year so long-term prospects are fascinating.
Senior boys are picking up depth with incoming sophomores and a year’s experience for others new to the sport last year. Same with senior girls, and the junior girls have new strength in numbers with an assortment of recruits from other activities (soccer, swimming, cheer). It’s enough to keep a graybeard young at heart!
I’ll have the 22026 Pioneer XC fan page up soon. Our season schedule is already set and we’ve got new coaches and a promising roster ready to go.
See you at the races!