With a new school year beginning this fall, so is another cross country season. The OCS Saints Cross Country team competed this Saturday, August 26 at Deer Creek High School for the season opener meet. There was major competition to face this weekend, but it was well met with the intensity that the Saints brought.

Although the Lady Saints lost 3 seniors from last year, including HAILEY NESSELRODE, Stella sage, and LUCY WEBB, they were still able to put on a show this on the Deer Creek Cross Country Course. The boys team also lost one runner, TRIGG SARGEANT, who was a key in taking the team to the 5A State Championship race last year. Despite this loss, many of the athletes came with a newfound speed.

Many high placements and personal bests were set on the course with some of the highlights including JULIET CROOKS getting a 5th place finish, and KATE LAWRENCE, BLAIR ROWLETT, LOGAN AUSTIN, ISAAC ANDERSON, and TITUS RUSSELL all receiving medals for placing in the top 30 of their respective races.

Along with these medals there were plentiful amounts of personal bests set. On the girls side, BLAIR ROWLETT set a big personal best, running a 22:20 for the 5K. The boys also got some new best times with LOGAN AUSTIN leading the pack running a 16:48, while ISAAC ANDERSON, KOWI SUNRAY, ASHER DENNIS, and Dyland Fisher followed with their fastest times ever on any cross country course.

"The course was tough, but the team persevered, and I think the times really showed how much effort we put into the meet,"said varsity runner RYLAN CARTER.

JULIET CROOKS was also asked how she felt about this most recent meet.

Crooks replied simply, "A lot of pr's, and all the girls did great."

With a great start to the season the Saints Cross Country team is hoping to add another state title to the trophy case.