New cross country coach Erik Purschke believes his runners can reach unmatched heights this season.
The girls cross country team feels they have not yet reached their full potential despite finishing fourth at the KIL meet last year and qualifying for state for the first time since 2015.
Senior Millie Lovett and Coach Purschke believe a podium finish at the KIL championship is not out of reach for them this season.
“We have to run smart and race like we belong there,” Coach Purschke said. “We are flying under the radar right now. Teams aren’t expecting what I think the girls can do.”
However, strategy alone will not be enough for the team to obtain their ambitious goals.
After experiencing a series of injuries her junior year, Lovett said she has learned to run for more than herself.
“Last year, I was injured so I had to run for the team, not myself,” she said.
Junior Saibh O’Neill agrees, saying the Lady Bulldogs will be able to meet their goals if they use each other.
“We all need to work really hard and push each other to be competitive,” she said.
The Lady Bulldogs get their next chance to prove what they can accomplish in the Norris Dam Invite on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The boys will race afterward at 9:45.
The runners are optimistic of Coach Purschke’s plan for success. O’Neill was able to run for him during the track season and looks forward to the drive he brings to the sport.
“He will push you to do your very best,” she said. “He won’t take ‘I don’t think I can’ for an answer. He puts a lot of time and effort into crafting workouts, making them individualized to each of us.”
With the impressive feat of the state qualification a year ago, the runners are motivated to repeat the accomplishment.
“My main goal is to help our team get to state, and I think we are going to be very successful,” Lovett said.
Stay tuned to The Bark for future coverage of the boys cross country team.