Fairview High School Cross Country Season Preview

As the cross-country season approaches, the excitement builds for the team at Fairview High School. Coach Ryan Root is confident in his returning veteran line-up on the girls' side, while also recognizing the untapped potential of his relatively untested boys' team. With new players joining the team and a challenging schedule ahead, the Fairview cross-country team is poised for success this season. The top returning players from last season, particularly on the girls' team, are expected to make a big impact this year. With summer training and consistent mileage under their belts, these athletes are primed for success. Coach Root notes that his girls' team will be "a factor when the State Championship comes around." This is certainly a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Fairview girls' team. But who are these top returning players and what makes them special? One name to watch out for on the girls' team is Sierra Wall. Wall recently helped Team USA to a runner-up finish in the U18 Trail Running World Cup in Spain. Her athleticism and determination have made her a top contender in the highly competitive 5A Girls race. Along with Wall, Molly Weber is also expected to make a significant impact this season. After showing promising improvement in the track season, Weber is ready to take her talents to the cross-country course. But it's not just about individual performances on the team. Coach Root also recognizes the importance of team captains and their role in leading the team to success. When it comes to selecting captains, he looks for qualities such as passion, drive, and a willingness to take risks. Athlete Zach Bean is a rising star on the Fairview boys' team and is already showing potential as a future captain. While the girls' team seems to have a strong and experienced line-up, the boys' team may face some challenges this season. With the majority of last year's state lineup graduating, the team lacks the same level of experience and depth. However, Coach Root has formulated a plan to build the team's confidence and prepare them for the State meet. One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been creating a balance between training and recovery. Coach Root acknowledges that his athletes are highly motivated and eager to improve, but it's important to avoid burnout and injuries. As a coach, he aims to ignite the natural passion and desire in his athletes and encourages them to take chances and learn from their mistakes.