Pantigers distance runners chomping at the bit

Following a victory at State Cross Country last season for the 1A/2A Boys, Coach Rex Hohnholt has a repeat in the sights for the boys team this year.

"We're lucky because we have two All-State kids with Joey Gonzales and Jarom Herring back on the boys side," said Hohnholt. "We're missing Logan (Seahorn) this year from playing football, but we got some young, hungry kids and good four freshman that can make a huge impact."

That freshman group includes twin brothers Grant and Grady Bartlett, who competed in the Nike Cross Country Regional Championships for the Northwest Region in November. Last year, Grant went nearly his entire season competing in junior high undefeated.

"I guess, with us, we're looking forward to seeing which kids step up and help us be at the same level we were last year," Hohnholt said.

Also joining the team this year, on the girls side, is Encampment's Amber Stubbs. This is Stubbs' first year on the cross-country team, but the athlete is no stranger to long distance as she did plenty during the 2018/2019 track season.

One of the biggest challenges for the team this year will likely be the state championship, which will be held in Afton this year. A handful of members from the boys team previewed the track last year, which provides its fair share of obstacles.

"Very tough course, high altitude. It'll keep people honest, it'll surprise people how hard it is. Our kids are just chomping at the bit because we're high elevation, we do a lot of hill stuff. So, we'll be prepared," said Hohnholt.