As the end of the season nears, the Wildkat cross country runners are preparing themselves for the NCC meet next week and the sectional meet two weeks later. For head coach Jordan Ousley, focusing on the individual runners has helped his team be successful.
“My coaching style is more player friendly. I work with each of my athletes to set up the best plan for them and their goals,” he said. “This also helps our team be more successful as well.”
This strategy served the Kats well on Saturday, Sept. 22 as the boys’ cross country team took home 1st place at the Tipton Invitational. The girls’ team ran to a 2nd place victory. Cooper Cage led the Kats, finishing as the meet’s runner-up. In the girls’ race, three Kats finished in the top 10. Freshman Alaina Thompson led the way with a 4th place finish. Juniors Morgan Rakestraw and Gretchen Riggle finished 6th and 7th respectively.
For Ousley, seeing his runners be successful and make improvements is the most rewarding part of coaching cross country.
“I enjoy seeing my athletes succeed and reach their goals,” he said. “I also enjoy seeing my athletes overcome their challenges and become lifelong runners.”
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams will compete at the Logansport Sectional on Saturday, Oct. 19.
