Panthers On The Run

Saratoga's distance runners are hoping for a successful year with 10 returning high school student athletes to continue the cross country program.

This year, the Saratoga boys' and girls' cross-country teams are working to do their best and put in an honest effort. Rex Hohnholt, head coach for the Saratoga Panthers cross country team, said he wants to set his goals with his boys' and girls' cross-country teams without putting any pressure on them.

"My goal would be to have a couple of kids under 19 minutes for a 5k (3.1 miles) and the rest under 20 minutes," Hohnholt said. "I think those are legitimate goals from the boys' side. There is steady progress on the girls' side. Aspen Sewell and Maddie Dunning have done cross country before but we have a young girls' team with new freshmen."

Hohnholt said it would be challenging for the boys' and girls' teams to switch to a different running distance, but he believes the leadership on both sides will help the team persevere.

"To be realistic, I do not expect the team to win a state title," Hohnholt said. "Then again, I can never underestimate kids' hearts. We have had this before when our team was ranked fifth and sixth in the state, and we came out in second. To win it, I do not want to put any pressure on the boys' and girls' teams. If they are steady and consistent, they will surprise themselves."

Hohnholt said he just wants his team to do their best and do everything to the best of their ability.

"What I am looking for from our team is cohesiveness, unity and ensuring we are consistently picking the other one up because that is a big key to winning a state championship," Hohnholt said. "When you walk into the state championship, and you don't feel alone out on the island, you have a group of people supporting each other and running for each other; I think this is a big part of cross country's colossal success."

Hohnholt said he knows his students want to set their goals in winning individual titles, but he reminds them people will only remember what they do for the team and not for themselves.

"Everyone is running for another," Hohnholt said. "There is an individual part, like the all-state or the top 10, and those are reasonable goals to have. I tell my students years from now, no one will remember if they placed fifth or not, but they will remember if you win a state championship. As a coach, I think I am responsible for keeping the drama out of it, going hard and better for one another, and rooting for each other. It's okay to beat the kid before you, but when it is over, make that kid feel appreciated so they know they can do better the next time."