News Summary

The Blair Oaks cross country teams are gearing up for an exciting season filled with a mix of returning athletes and new talent. With a strong roster of 10 girls and 9 boys, the teams are eager to showcase their skills at various upcoming events, including the CoMo Kickoff and multiple meets throughout the season. Notable returning runners aim to improve on last year’s achievements, with the goal set on qualifying for the state championships. The community is ready to support these athletes as they chase their dreams on the cross-country course.

Blair Oaks Cross Country Teams Get Ready for Thrilling Season Ahead

Excitement is in the air here in Holt’s Summit as the Blair Oaks cross country teams gear up for what promises to be a competitive and dynamic season. With a combination of returning standout runners, enthusiastic state qualifiers, and a splash of fresh talent, the buzz amongst the athletes is palpable!

A Strong Roster Filled with New Faces

This season, Coach Marc Keys is especially enthusiastic about the impressive group of freshmen who have joined the team. Having a solid number of young runners can inject a new energy into any program, and it seems like this year is no exception. With a roster currently standing at 10 girls and 9 boys, the teams are poised to make notable strides this season.

The cross country calendar kicks off with the much-anticipated CoMo Kickoff at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia. This event includes a 3K course that’s designed to be a friendly introduction for newcomers, easing them into the racing rhythm before tackling the standard 5K distance. It’s a great way for fresh runners to tune up their skills, build confidence, and embrace the competitive atmosphere!

Upcoming Events and Hosting Duties

Get your calendars ready, because the Blair Oaks community has a thrilling meet lined up! On September 10, the school will proudly host a relay cross country event right behind the high school. This is the perfect chance for fans, families, and fellow student-athletes to witness the spirit of teamwork and competition unfold on a local level.

To add to the excitement, the Falcons and Lady Falcons have a busy schedule ahead with meets held at various venues, including Lebanon, Fulton, Camdenton, Orchard Farm, and Mexico. For those looking forward to a memorable showdown, mark your calendars for the Tri-County Conference meet on October 16 at Eldon, alongside the annual Capital City Invitational on October 11 at Binder Park.

Returning Stars and New Talent

Among the returning athletes, a key highlight includes juniors Caiden Casey and Emily Pickett, who both qualified for last year’s Class 3 state championship. Despite finishing 44th and 49th in their respective races at the state level, both athletes are determined to improve this season. Their grit was evident when they finished third and fourth respectively during last year’s conference meet, showcasing their competitive edge.

The girls’ team also brings back promising runners, including juniors Maggie Lehmen and Matalyn Stockman, along with sophomore Macie Kempker. On the boys’ side, juniors Ethan Pickett and the lone senior, Manuel Guerra-Urbano, add depth to the team. This mix of experience combined with fresh faces such as freshmen Kinley Sullens for girls and Matthew Garoutte for the boys, might turn out to be a winning formula!

Additional newcomers on the girls’ side include Hanna Fischer and Alison Wright, while the boys welcome Carson Bohl, Jackson Griffin, Cooper Maschler, and Conner Ousley to the squad. It’s always thrilling to see how new athletes can shake things up and potentially become stars on the team.

Aiming for the State Championships

Blair Oaks has set its sights high this season, with the goal to qualify for the state championships, both as a team and for many individual runners, with hopes of advancing to Gans Creek in November. The sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among these budding sports stars is a notable motivating factor, as everyone strives to achieve personal bests and reflect on the joy of running together.

As practice sessions begin to heat up, the team is filled with the determination to build on last year’s achievements, where the Lady Falcons secured a commendable second place at the Tri-County Conference, while the boys finished right behind in third. Yet, the season ahead is unwritten, and with a roster full of enthusiasm and talent, sky might just be the limit for Blair Oaks cross country this year!

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