The Boys Cross Country team started their season on top after winning their first two meet, the Portage early Bird and the OK White Conference Jamboree. 

This season the boys have high expectations and a lot to look forward to, with their final goal being a state championship.

 “This is certainly the closest we’ve ever been to being a state championship team, and so far we have won all of our meets,” Eli Robinson ‘23 said.

Along with the runners, new head coach Drew Collette has been a major aspect of the change in team dynamic and increased energy. Collette consistently contributes a positive attitude to the runners to keep them motivated through the intense workouts they endure.  

Collette is in the midst of his inaugural season as coach of the team. Known for his detailed workouts, he plans on taking the team as far as possible, with hopes of winning states. 

The team wants to stay in the moment, though, “We’re just gonna go in and have fun,” Kees Duncan, ‘23 said.

“Our next couple of meets are going to be interesting. There are several people fighting for the spots, five through seven spots on varsity, and each meet might change up the entire varsity team. Additionally, a couple of people are hoping to break 16 minutes in their 5k the next couple meets, which hasn’t happened in a few years.” Robinson said. 

The team took home another win on Wednesday, Sep. 7, beating Forest Hills Eastern on a tiebreaker. Junior Alex Thole ‘24 ran an impressive time of 16:50 placing fourth overall.

EGR finished with six runners in the top 15 overall at the event.

Coach Collete has been offering plenty of opportunities for team bonding, new workouts, and more arduous training. 

The team has a long season ahead of them however, this season, nothing is slowing them down.