River Valley High School Cross Country Season Preview

Offseason Focus Currently amid track season, the focus for the team has shifted depending on the training cycle. After wrapping up a solid base phase during the indoor season in February, the team is now deep into a build and speed phase. Come June, they’ll return to base mileage building as they prepare for the fall cross-country season. The goal is consistent development with a smart progression of training intensity. Special Offseason Events Coach Smith is aiming to send athletes to the All-Ohio Camp in July, a key opportunity for both development and team bonding. Notably, standout runner Jansyn Smith is expected to attend. He’s coming off a remarkable indoor season where he ran an All-Ohio 800m and placed 27th in the nation at Adidas Indoor Nationals. He’s already a two-time Regional qualifier in both cross country and track and is preparing to elevate to the next level. Notable Additions & Departures There have been no major roster changes or coaching staff updates this offseason. The team remains focused on developing its current roster. Players to Watch Jansyn Smith (Junior) – A rising star, Jansyn is primed to contend for a league title, return to Regionals, and make a strong push toward qualifying for the state meet. His consistent effort and dedication to the sport set him apart. Braden Bennett (Senior) – A veteran presence on the team, Braden is looking to return to All-League honors and play a crucial role in pushing the team toward a Regional qualifying berth. Weight Lifting and Fitness One of the key changes this offseason is the return of weightlifting. Last season, the team did not incorporate as much strength training, which may have contributed to some injury concerns. With lifting reintroduced, the goal is to build durability, strength, and help prevent setbacks during the season. Nutrition Coach Smith provides ongoing nutritional tips to his runners, though he notes that most start to seriously adopt them around their junior or senior years. Education on fueling the body for peak performance is always part of the process. Coaching Perspective While the foundation of the training program will remain the same, Coach Smith is mixing in new elements from another program this year to help his runners break through previous ceilings. The goal is continued improvement while staying adaptable to athletes' needs. Fan Engagement & Community Impact Fan support is largely rooted in family engagement. While small in number, the support system is strong and consistent—a close-knit community that always backs the team. Biggest Challenges Ahead The biggest challenge for the team will be the internal pressure to improve. With no external obstacles currently standing in the way, the focus is on personal and team growth. As Coach Smith puts it, “The only challenges we face are the ones we put on ourselves to get better.”