“Our expectations are similar every year which is to perform to the best of our abilities at the end of October and hopefully qualify our team for the state meet at Rim Rock Farm,” stated Coach Brad Dix of Salina Central’s cross country team. As the cross country season is closing in on its post season meets, Coach Dix shared things the team needs to do to finish the season out strong.

For the girl’s side of the cross country team, Coach Dix wants to develop three to five runners to create depth to go with Katelyn Rupe and Kaylie Shultz. Rupe, who is a junior, is the defending class 5A state champion. She has also posted the fastest 5K time in the state of Kansas with a time of 17:33. Shultz, a freshman, is ranked in the top 15 in the state.

The boy’s side of the team has runners Liam Deniau-Young and Jack Burt leading the way. Deniau-Young is a sophomore and has been the team’s number one runner for the boys in every meet this season. Burt is a junior and has shared a lot of experience with the young team.

Last season Rupe was the only girl to qualify for the state meet from Salina Central. Coach Dix told VYPE, “I would like to see Katelyn defend her state title from a year ago, but if the kids can walk away with the pride of knowing they gave everything they had for their teammates, I’ll be happy with our results and feel like the season was a success.” Pack running will help the boys return to the state meet again this season after an 11 th place finish last year. Salina Central finishes out their busy schedule by competing in their home meet October 7th followed by league and then regionals.