After finishing 3rd, 2nd, and 2nd in County, District, and Region last season, Lake Wales High School Cross Country has made it clear: they’re on a mission. And Head Coach Caleb Willis is keeping the focus razor sharp this offseason, with sights set on something even bigger in 2025.
Offseason Focus: Building Depth and Momentum
The top priority this spring and summer? Depth.
“We’re developing the best spread amongst our Top 7 Varsity boys to help with scoring,” said Coach Willis. “But we’re also focused on growing our JV squad so we’re ready if injuries, sickness, or other hurdles show up during the season.”
With new runners stepping up and proven athletes continuing to progress, Lake Wales is cultivating a system built to last—and thrive.
Rising Stars: The Next Wave of Impact Athletes
Two names are turning heads early in the offseason: Gabriel Harris and Sam Zellers.
Gabriel, a sophomore, has already clocked 16:20 in the 5K and 9:40 in the 3200m. Coach Willis says he has the tools to become one of the best runners in Florida.
Sam is making his leap—from breaking 20:00 to being on pace for an 18:30 5K this fall.
“They rarely miss a day, compete hard, and stay eager to improve,” Willis said. “Their consistent progression over the past two years tells the full story.”
Training Culture: Strength in Consistency
Lake Wales may not have flash, but they’re building grit the right way—with aerobic strength, steady volume, and shared experience.
“We train moderately to high volume, always with purpose,” said Willis. “We keep it fun too—summer long runs often end with breakfast together.”
The real story, though, is in the rise of the program itself. Three years ago, Lake Wales was a middle-of-the-pack team. Now, they’re contenders, pushing for 1st-place finishes across the board and dreaming of a Top 3 State Championship finish.
Coaching Evolution: Timing is Everything
This past year, Coach Willis revamped his entire approach to training cycles, prioritizing peak performance in October and November, rather than pushing athletes too hard too early.
“It’s tempting to train hard all summer and peak in September,” he said. “But we waited—and it paid off. We’ll replicate that smarter progression again this year.”
Culture & Character: Staying Grounded in the Grind
For Coach Willis, success is not just about speed—it’s about mindset.
“I remind the kids every day: ‘You haven’t proven anything yet.’ We can’t let our egos get in the way of our goals.”
He knows the toughest challenge will be staying humble, staying hungry, and choosing to love the process. Whether they place 1st or 4th, the goal is to leave it all on the course.
Offseason Outreach: Building a Team That Gives Back
From team newsletters to summer breakfasts and hosting local meets, Lake Wales is creating a tight-knit culture that connects both athletes and the broader community.
“I want this to be more than running,” said Willis. “I want these kids to be part of something they’ll remember.”
Share With