Highland High School Cross Country Season Preview

It's that time of year again – the start of the high school cross-country season. As we gear up for another run, the team at Highland High School has high hopes and a strong determination to bring home wins. Coach Mark Van Orden is confident in his teams and has set high goals for them this season. For the boys' team, the top returning player is Cody Christensen, a junior who has been a consistent performer for the team. Alongside Christensen, the team has a solid quartet of seniors – Kash Jensen, Graham Johnson, Trevor Lintvedt, and Jarom Tryon – who have a strong bond and a lot of experience under their belts. These seniors are a crucial part of the team's leadership, and Coach Van Orden couldn't have asked for a better group to guide the rest of the team. On the girls' team, there is a bit of a dilemma – a nice one to have, according to Coach Van Orden – as there are too many talented runners to choose from. With only seven spots available on the varsity team, there will be some tough competition throughout the season. But this group of girls is special, with a strong bond and a supportive attitude towards one another. Sophomore Brynli Knudsen is the top returning player and is expected to have a stellar season. Coach Van Orden's main goal is to see both teams win the district championship this year, as has been the case for the past three years. But he has even bigger aspirations – to see both teams finish in the top 5 at the state level, with a possibility of bringing home a state trophy. With the level of talent and dedication on this team, it's a realistic goal. To motivate his players, Coach Van Orden emphasizes camaraderie as one of the guiding principles of the team. He acknowledges cross country as one of the most grueling sports, and it's even harder without the support of your teammates. That's why his policy is for every runner to immediately turn around and cheer on their teammates after finishing their race. This team truly embodies the idea of a Ram Family, and their strong bond is what sets them apart from other teams. The team has a big schedule this season, with a roster of around 80 students. It can be challenging for Coach Van Orden and his small coaching staff to give each student the individual attention they deserve, but they are up for the challenge.