La Grande cross country plans to build off success

READY TO RUN: The LHS boys cross country team practices for the fall season. Observer file photo

After making another trek to the Class 4A state meet last year, the Tigers return the bulk of their roster for this season. They are hungry to improve on last year’s results.

“I think we are going to be a little stronger than last year,” second year head coach Laura Schwartz said. “The team is well focused and looks fitter than they were at this time last season.”

“This is an experienced group of kids that have been running together for a few years now,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz added that there are no real standouts on this team because they all run so well together.

“Conor Wood always seems to run good, but this team likes to run in packs so it just matters what day it is and who takes the course on that particular day,” she said.

The girls team also returns a solid core of runners hoping to feed off the results of previous seasons.

Freshmen standout Mollee Shaw returns for her sophomore season after a trip to the state meet.

“I’m just really excited for this season,” Schwartz said. “We have a lot of potential, and I’m eager to see how we compete all season long.”

The Tigers start their season  with a 3K run at halftime of the Vale-La Grande football game Sept. 4.

“It’s a short course, but it’s a nice way to start our season out,” Schwartz said. “Normally we don’t do a lot of 3K runs, but I think this is one that we enjoy doing.”