Panther cross country can go the distance

The Creston Panthers boy’s and girl’s teams start their seasons on Saturday at Glenwood, where the Rams are hosting a co-ed meet at Glenwood Lake Park.

Originally, the Panthers were set to compete Tuesday at the Shenandoah Early Bird Meet, but heat postponed that meet to Aug. 31, when the Panthers will be running at the Burnett Complex for a co-ed meet hosted by Dallas Center-Grimes.

First year head coach Maggie Arnold sees junior Riley DeGonia as the top returner this fall.

“The time lost six of the top seven varsity runners from the season, we have a big junior class that is going to provide some experience for this team,” Arnold said.

Coach Arnold has some newcomers on the girl’s cross country team as well.

“Payton Davis, Amber DeGonia and Caytlyn Wipperman are freshman that are joining our team, Tristen Rice is back on the roster after taking last season off,” Arnold shares.

The team recently had a 5K time trial.

“Riley DeGonia and Carly Green were at the front of the pack,” Arnold said.

Anthony Eblen and Riley Wipperman are the only two returning letterwinners for the boy’s team.

“Everyone else is a new face to our team,” Arnold said, “We’re looking forward to seeing seniors Triston Barncastle and Tyson Smith go out for cross country for the first time.”

Arnold, who coached most of the girls in junior high, is succinct in her goals for them this fall.

“Score low, place high,” Arnold states.

For the boy’s team, just getting experience is going to be the way to go this fall.

“We’re looking to get a couple races in under our belts, they’ve worked really hard and showed up to practice these three weeks,” Arnold said.