The upcoming season is all about competition for Frontenac cross country head coach Mindy Kuplen.
With a strong number of returning runners and a host of new runners, Kuplen expects big things from her teams this season.
“The first time in a long time that we will have strong varsity teams with the numbers and experience, either from cross country or track,” Kuplen said. “We’ve always been a young team with lots of numbers, but this year it looks like we will be able to compete better at the varsity level. I will be counting on all of those seniors to step up and be great leaders and role models for this year’s team.”
Those seniors will include returners Matt Bonner and Ethan Spurling, but they are not the only returning runners. Junior Kelci Hunt and sophomores Kinsella Brunetti and Jacob Teats will also be back for the Raiders.
“Matt, Kinsella and Kelci were all active runners that medaled at several meets last year and will be called upon to direct and inspire their fellow runners this season,” Kuplen said.
And there will be plenty of other runners, too. Four incoming freshmen will join the squad, among 12 total new runners, including seven seniors: Jessica Flake, Chelsea Harrison, Justin Jones, Nick Kosman, Caitlin McNight, Zac Palumbo and Vincent Thompson.
Practice has already begun, and Kuplen said she’s looking forward to a great year with these kids, despite a grueling early practice schedule.
“The heat will definitely be a factor early on,” Kuplen said. “We will be having early morning practices as long as needed. We will be hitting the roads, parks, pastures, etc., ready to go after summer weights and personal work outs: running, biking, swimming and walking.”
