Necedah Area Schools Cross Country Season Preview

As we approach the new cross-country season, there is much anticipation and excitement surrounding the Necedah Area Schools team. With strong returning players and promising new talent, there is no doubt that this season will be one to remember for both the boys' and girls' teams. Last season, Delilah Hedden made her mark by qualifying for the state tournament for her third consecutive year. Her impressive performance and strong work ethic have made her a standout player on the team. Delilah's dedication and determination are what make her a valuable asset to the team and a top returning player to watch out for this season. However, Delilah is not the only one to keep an eye on. The boys' team has a strong lineup with players like Jake Hite, Max Vogele, Spencer Cernicka, and Aiden Noth making a major impact already this season. Jake and Max were both first-team all-conference players last year, showcasing their talent and potential to contribute to the team's success this season. In addition to these returning players, there is also promising new talent joining the team. Freshmen Ricky Smith and Beckett Hedden have moved up to varsity and are expected to bring a new level of skill and determination to the team. Their addition will no doubt help elevate the team's performance. But beyond individual talent, Coach Amanda Hedden emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie on and off the field. With team bonding activities and off-campus field trips, Coach Hedden is determined to create a strong and supportive team dynamic that will help push the players to their full potential. And speaking of potential, Coach Hedden strongly believes in the importance of the off-season in creating success. She encourages her players to continue to train and work hard even when the season is over, as she believes it takes dedication and sacrifice to achieve one's goals. This mindset is reflected in her approach to team captains. Instead of appointing captains at the beginning of the season, Coach Hedden believes in observing and nurturing leadership qualities throughout the season. For the boys' team, potential captains include Jake, Max, and Aiden, while the girls' team is fortunate to have three strong leaders already in place. One of the biggest challenges for the team this season has been maintaining a strong and consistent roster. With declining numbers in all sports at Necedah, Coach Hedden had to work hard to ensure that the team was not impacted too much by this.