East Ridge High School’s Cross Country Teams Gear Up for 2025

News Summary

East Ridge High School’s boys and girls cross country teams are preparing for a historic 2025 season. With returning talent and fresh recruits, both teams aim for success, including fundraising efforts to support their journey. The boys strive to build on their record-breaking past, while the girls aim for a fourth consecutive district championship. The upcoming season kicks off soon, with each team set for impressive performances.

East Ridge High School’s Cross Country Teams Set to Make History in 2025 Season

Situated in the vibrant city of Lake City, East Ridge High School is buzzing with excitement as both the boys and girls cross country teams prepare to embark on what promises to be a historic 2025 season. With high hopes, experienced runners, and a slew of incredible new talents, the Knights are gearing up for success on the trails.

Boys Team Aiming for New Heights

The 2025 Boys Cross Country team is filled with confidence and ambition, especially after a record-breaking 2024 season. This year, all the members from last year’s stellar squad are returning and they’ve added some exciting new talent to the mix.

This summer, team members have been hard at work, completing summer conditioning with early morning workouts multiple times a week. The dedication is palpable as they strive to improve and secure their place among the elite.

Last year marked the Knights’ most successful season yet, as they soared to new heights by qualifying for the state meet for the very first time. Their journey was showcased by multiple first and second place finishes throughout the season, setting the tone for what they hope to achieve in 2025.

Leading the charge for the boys is junior Axel Sallault, who is ready to break his own records. After setting a school record with a time of 15:40 at the New World Fall Spectacular, he capped off the season by finishing 8th at the 4A State Finals, making him the fastest sophomore in that race. With ambitions to lower his record time and achieve a top 5 finish at the state meet this year, all eyes will be on him as the season kicks off.

Not to be overshadowed, seniors like Caleb Walker and Gustavo Vargas are also making waves. Walker secured his spot as the second-fastest runner in school history with an impressive time of 16:04 at the regional race, while Vargas entered the top 10 all-time runners at East Ridge with a time of 16:54. This mix of experience and youth bodes well for the team moving forward.

The team’s senior leadership is essential, with key players such as Dylan McCleary, James Laack, Scott Bori, Owen Degges, Daniel Baggett, Andrew Conway, and Clayton Smith setting an example for the younger members. Notably, juniors Tyce Ertel, Eli Parks, Christopher Stuemke, and Ethan Laack are also returning with valuable varsity experience.

To add a fresh twist, the team welcomes freshman Jonahel Vazquez, a middle school standout, who is expected to make a significant impact and help elevate the team even further.

Fundraising for a Successful Season

As the team prepares, they’re also kicking off a fundraising campaign aimed at covering travel expenses, meet registration fees, and other season costs. This essential initiative will ensure they have the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

The exciting journey for the boys will officially begin on Saturday, August 16th, with their first preseason race set for Southern Hills Farms in Clermont. The race is slated for 7:30 AM, and the team can’t wait to hit the ground running!

Girls Team Aiming for Four in a Row