McKinney Cross Country Sets the Pace with Growth, Grit, and New Talent
Offseason Focus: Stronger, Faster, More United
For McKinney Cross Country, this offseason has been all about strength, stamina, and speed. Head Coach Katie Watson has emphasized time in the weight room, building mileage, and honing race-day performance.
"Our goal is to continue improving across the board—physically and mentally," said Watson. "We want to hit the ground running when the season opens."
Summer Training: More Than Just Miles
Summer isn’t just about logging runs—it’s about building a team. The Lions train together all summer long and mix in team bonding activities like pool parties, games, and bowling to build chemistry that will translate to championship-caliber cohesion come fall.
Roster Shake-Up: Welcoming the Next Wave
Big changes are coming to McKinney’s lineup, with 14 new runners expected to join the program. The team bids farewell to key leaders Ibrahima Traore and Trey Bachman, who helped power a record-breaking relay squad. Their legacy leaves big shoes to fill, but the next generation is ready to rise.
Runners to Watch: The Future Is Bright
McKinney’s 4x800m relay team—Trey Bachman, Ibrahima Traore, Martin Storaker, and Spencer McGuire—broke the school record twice this year, setting a new bar for speed and teamwork.
Top returners for 2025 include:
Martin Storaker, Spencer McGuire, Liam Swendson, Abel Meza, Carson Staiger, Caleb Starnes, and Joseph Cope on the boys’ side, and Cope on the boys’ side.
Ellie Bumpus, Grace Ellis, and Molly Smith for the girls.
“Liam Swendson and Abel Meza have made huge improvements already this offseason,” Watson noted. “I can’t wait to see what they do this fall.”
Strength & Conditioning: Building Faster Bodies
The Lions’ offseason training includes a steady dose of lifting, running, and plyometrics to help athletes develop explosive power and durability. This foundation is critical to both injury prevention and championship performance.
Fueling the Fire: Nutrition & Recovery
Athletes are encouraged to take in extra protein, multivitamins, and prioritize hydration and sleep—with a goal of at least 8 hours of rest per night. “You can’t perform at your best without fueling your body and giving it time to recover,” said Watson.
Coaching Corner: Setting Goals, Tracking Progress
Coach Watson and her staff are focused on goal-setting, record-tracking, and pushing each runner to unlock their full potential. It’s a data-driven, athlete-focused approach that puts personal improvement and team success side by side.
Support System: Fans and Family Behind the Team
The Lions enjoy tremendous support from their families and community. While they may fly under the radar compared to some high-profile sports, McKinney Cross Country is earning fans the old-fashioned way—through hard work and heart.
Challenge Ahead: Building Depth on the Girls’ Side
One of the key challenges this season will be increasing varsity depth among the girls’ team. But with returning leaders and promising newcomers, McKinney is optimistic. “We’re on the right track, and I believe this group is capable of something special,” said Watson.
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