As the new season approaches, Lee's Summit North High School cross-country team is gearing up for a challenging and exciting year. With strong returning players and promising new additions, this team has its sights set on qualifying for the State tournament and making a statement in the conference. I sat down with Coach Adrienne Ray to get a preview of what we can expect from this group of talented runners.
One of the key strengths of this year's team is their strong returning players. According to Coach Ray, the team's top returning players from last season include Grace Cronk, Kylie Binger, Brenley Webb, Norah Mason, Anaya Ruhl, Azery Schwindt, Harper DeMoss, Lillie Williams, and Shyanne Watson. These players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team, having previously qualified for State tournaments and being voted as either returning varsity sophomores or varsity seniors.
What sets these players apart, according to Coach Ray, is their commitment to team culture and their ability to keep the time in their pack low. This is essential for a successful cross-country team, as runners rely heavily on each other for motivation and support during races. In addition to the returning players, the team also has some new additions that are expected to make an immediate impact.
These include Grace Cronk, who qualified for State last year as a returning sophomore, as well as Kylie Binger, Brenley Webb, Norah Mason, and Anaya Ruhl. Coach Ray believes that these new players have the potential to add depth and strength to the team, and she is excited to see how they will contribute to the team's success. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Ray looks for players who possess qualities such as good sportsmanship, communication skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
This year, Azery Schwindt, Harper DeMoss, Lillie Williams, and Shyanne Watson are all in the running for this leadership role. These players have been recognized by their coaches for their positive attitudes and ability to motivate and support their teammates. Team chemistry and camaraderie are important aspects of any successful sports team, and Coach Ray is aware of this as she prepares her players for the upcoming season.
To promote a positive team culture, she emphasizes the importance of acceptance and positivity among the players. This creates a welcoming and supportive environment for all team members, regardless of their skill level.
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