Bethany has plenty of returning runners as the cross country season begins Aug 22.

“I am excited for this fall, I bring nearly everyone back from last year and we had a talented freshman class,” Bethany coach Zac Coulson said in the preseason questionnaire. “The girls group I am looking for a top-3 finish at state, which would be school history.

“The boys I am excited to watch the growth they learned from last season,” Coulson said. “I believe this is a top-8 team at state.”

Both squads qualified for state last season with the girls landing in fifth place and the boys finishing 18th.

HEADING TO THE TOP 3

Returning runners include sophomore Morgan McNutt, who finished eighth at state last year.

“(McNutt) was an All-Stater in her freshman year and she is hoping for a top-3 individual finisher at state.”

Junior Shayne Vonfeldt finished 14th at state last year but tore her ACL in basketball in January.

“I am hoping she is racing in October. Looking to be an All-Stater this fall.”

Sophomore Kayden Wright also returns.

“I’m really excited to see what Kayden does after a really solid freshman year and gaining experience,” Coulson said.

Senior Ava League is another returner and Colson is “looking forward to Ava having an amazing senior season and know she will be great for us.”

Junior Savannah Ayers is recovering from a torn ACL.

Coulson is hoping she is racing later this fall as well “I am excited to have Savannah running.”

Junior Hattie Adkins also returns.

“I know Hattie will have a great season for us and I love that she is part of this program,” Coulson said.

Coulson highlighted three freshmen primed to make and impact, Addison Bernhard, Cambria Morris and Olivia Barron.

On Bernhard, Coulson said,” I am really excited to watch Addison run in her freshman year, she has grit and I feel will compete to be a top-15 finisher at state.”

On Morris: “I am so excited Cambria is running cross, she had an amazing track season and I feel that confidence built from that will pay dividends this fall.”

On Barron: “Olivia shows up and is consistent, and I know that will pay off this fall.”

BOYS LOOK TO MAKE A LEAP

Senior Artur Calderon has been a mainstay for the squad. Coulson said Calderon is in Boot Camp for the National Guard.

Fellow senior Clay Powell alson returns.

“I am excited to watch Clay have a great senior season and I know he will be great for us.”

Coulson said of junior Salyer Stayton, “Looking forward to the leap he makes this fall.”

The Bethany coach expect a “massive jump” from junior Aiden Donoghue.

“(Donoghue) will have a big impact as a runner.”

Coulson is looking forward to see sophomore Davis Toler “make a jump after a solid freshman season.”

Newcomers include sophomore Cooper Austin.

“Cooper is brand new to cross, but I am so excited to watch this kid run. He has grit and loves to push himself.”

Another sophomore new to cross country is Cam Mathew.

“I am excited to see how he races with 5ks,” Coulson said.

Also new to the squad is freshman Cody Clemmons who Coulson said is “looking to grow and learn as a runner.”

Fellow freshman Jett Dickerson had a lot of success in middle school.

“I believe he will make an impact as a freshman. He could be a top-5 runner for us,” Coulson said.

Freshman Canaan Hodam also joins the team.

“Canaan is a hard worker and I feel could compete for a Varsity spot this fall (top 7).”

UP NEXT

The Bronchos open the season at Bridge Creek Saturday (Aug. 22) at 8 a.m.

2026 BETHANY CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE

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