Middleton High School Cross Country Season Preview

As the upcoming high school cross-country season approaches, the team at Middleton High School is gearing up for another exciting and challenging season. Led by Coach Brian Finnel, the team is determined to achieve its goals and bring success to the school. Coach Finnel is no stranger to success, having guided the Middleton High School cross-country team to numerous victories in the past. But this year, he has his sights set on a bigger goal than just winning races. "A big goal is that I want this group to have fun and enjoy the process," he says. "Additionally, I think a major goal for this group is to grow in confidence, leadership, and performance." To do this, Coach Finnel will be relying on his top returning players from last season. This includes Zachary Tang, Jack Johnson, Ben Schulz, Owen Winkelmann, and Eric Thuesen. These five runners were part of the top six runners in last year's state squad, and Coach Finnel believes they will play crucial roles in the team's success this season. But what makes these players special? According to Coach Finnel, each one brings something unique to the team. Zachary Tang has shown significant growth as a runner, while Jack Johnson's work ethic and leadership skills make him an integral part of the team. As for Ben Schulz, who missed last season due to an injury, Coach Finnel believes he is extra motivated and poised for a big senior year. Owen Winkelmann's consistency in training has impressed Coach Finnel, and Eric Thuesen's explosive progress on the track makes him a strong contender for an impact runner this year. In addition to the returning players, Coach Finnel also has high hopes for a few new players who could make an immediate impact on the team. These include Nethan Kaluarachchi, Cougar Harkins, and Ian Mottram. Despite being a freshman, Coach Finnel believes Nethan could have a similar impact to Zachary Tang last season. Cougar has put in good work over the summer and has shown growth in his transition from running shorter distances to a 5k. Ian, who switched over from soccer, has the potential to contribute to the team's success with his strong track performance. Apart from individual talent, a team's success also depends on strong chemistry and camaraderie.