BETHANY – Hopes are high for the Bethany cross country team with the new season. The boys squad will try to repeat after capturing the Class 4A state title in 2023.

With new runners added on the girls team, the Lady Bronchos will compete as a team this season.

Bethany coach Zac Coulson will have a young squad on the boys side but with some experience from the championship run. Coulson told West Metro Sports that he is excited to see the progress his team makes during the season.

“What is great about having a young team is watching them learn their racing style, watching them improve week to week is the most fun part about being their coach,” Coulson said.

Returning for the boys team are sophomores Artur Calderon and Oliver Thompson. Both Calderon and Thompson have experience during the title run and coulson expects Calderon and Thompson to be leaders on the team despite being sophomores.

Newcomers on the boys team include sophomores Clay Powell and Ian Redinger. Also debuting with be freshmen Michael Clemmer, Aiden Donoghue, Salyer Stayton and Hunter Wyett.

The girls team has enough runners to compete as a team in 2024. Like the boys team, the team is young.

“I am beyond excited for my girls team,” Coulson said.

Coulson is high on the team’s lone senior, Gracie Sparks. He said Sparks is “is a great leader and brings a lot of joy to this team will help encourage these young and new lady runners.”

Juniors Sonya Murphy and Ava League return for Bethany

Newcomers include junior Maddison McNutt, sophomores Peyton Selsor, Jocelyn Balderas, Hattie Adkins. Freshman Shayne Vonfeldt is also new to the team.

“I have many new faces, and a couple trying cross country for the first time ever!” Coulson said.

Bethany begins the new season Saturday (Aug. 24) at the Bridge Creek Invitational.