GR Ottawa Hills High School Cross Country Season Preview

Offseason Focus Our offseason is dedicated to building base mileage. For year-round runners, this is the time to gradually increase weekly mileage and training minutes while incorporating turnover and strength work. It's all about laying the foundation for a strong season ahead. Special Offseason Events We host a week-long cross-country camp either just before or during the first official week of practice. It’s a critical time for training, team bonding, and setting the tone for the season. Notable Additions & Departures There have been no major roster changes or coaching staff updates this offseason. Players to Watch Kelton Hoover is expected to step up as the team leader for Fall 2025. His steady progress and work ethic make him a key runner to watch this upcoming season. Weight Lifting & Fitness Strength training is a consistent part of our program, with routines 5–6 days a week. We rotate through core, upper body, and lower body workouts to support injury prevention and overall athleticism. Nutrition We offer guidance on healthy eating and encourage athletes to take a daily multivitamin. We also recommend they have their iron and ferritin levels checked during annual physicals—something that can be crucial for endurance athletes. Coaching Perspective We’re always refining our approach. Each year, we make small adjustments while keeping our primary focus on base building and gradually incorporating structured workouts in early to mid-August. Fan Engagement & Community Impact Our parent community is instrumental. They help at meets we host, assist with XC camp prep, and contribute to our team culture. We organize several large meets during both the cross-country and track seasons, which help fund our team camp and other essential expenses. Biggest Challenges Ahead There are no significant obstacles at the moment. Our focus is on the continued development of each runner and increasing participation to grow the program further.