The Wheatland high school cross country team, led by coach Dylan Fellers, had two runners qualify for state last Saturday at the district meet: Macy Pearson and Alyssa Roberts. Both of them have had very successful seasons, and they will be looking to continue that at the state meet this Friday at Columbia.

When asked about his goals for the team heading into districts, Coach Fellers said, “My goal for the girls is to beat School of the Ozarks and head to state.” That goal will be the same for the state meet. Both of the girls have used this season to get better and prepare for state. “I have seen steady improvement from the whole team throughout the season”, said Fellers. The team has their sights set solely on state now. “My main message to my team before meets is to run hard and run light. Cross country is not an easy sport. The body will be ready to give up, but we have to train the mind to push through”, Coach Fellers explained. “Running hard and running light cuts down time.”

Macy and Alyssa placed 21st and 26th respectively in the district meet, with the top 30 runners qualifying for state. They will be looking to carry that momentum into the state meet. Although the main goal is to win, cross country is about more than that. “My favorite thing about cross country is sportsmanship. Everyone that runs cross country knows the struggle of a 5k. This gives the extra opportunity for sportsmanship among athletes, coaches, and spectators”, said Fellers. When the Mules race, they do it the right way. Macy Pearson and Alyssa Roberts will be looking to finish their great seasons on a high note this Friday at 9:45 AM in Columbia, MO.

Reporter: Andrew Dougherty
2023 October Edition