Northshore High School Cross Country Season Preview

After qualifying for the state meet for the first time since 2015, Northshore High School’s cross country team, led by Head Coach Vincent Ruda, is determined to build on its success and continue improving performances. Offseason Focus and Training The team’s primary focus this offseason is improving times and final rankings, ensuring a return to the 2025 State Meet. With six out of seven state qualifiers returning, the team is in a strong position for another competitive season. Training Plan: Summer workouts: Three training days per week Two distance runs to build endurance One weight training session to improve strength and durability Special Offseason Events Several runners are attending endurance camps across the Southeast, aiming to enhance their stamina and race strategies in preparation for the new season. Returning Talent and Key Athletes to Watch Northshore’s strong core of 25 returning runners provides an excellent foundation for success. Keep an eye on these top performers: Kaden Bolmon (‘26) Sawyer Cooke (‘27) Jack Blanda (‘27) Desmond Bohacek (‘27) Jerry Smith (‘27) Logan Dardar (‘28) Maximo Mendoza (‘28) With multiple underclassmen gaining state-level experience early in their careers, the team’s future looks bright. Coaching Approach & Team Dynamics Coach Ruda describes the team as a tight-knit group of best friends, making coaching enjoyable and fostering a competitive but positive training environment. The biggest challenge this season will be selecting the top seven varsity runners, as the competition within the team remains strong. Looking Ahead With a mix of returning talent, strategic offseason training, and a determined mindset, Northshore High School’s cross country team is poised for another successful year. The journey back to the state meet has already begun, and fans can expect another exciting season in 2025.