Northwest Explorer: What goals do you have for this season?

Ron Russell: Girls in particular I think have a chance to be one of the best–if not the best girls team we’ve ever had in 25 years. My job is helping them live up to their potential.

NE: Postseason?

RR: Making and placing at state. I believe we have the potential to do that.

NE: Anything on the boys side?

RR: Boys, we’re in a rebuilding stage. Graduated 2 of our 3 runners, and then Bryce Griggs moved to Georgia. The kids we do have coming back are hard working. Many athletic sophomores.

NE: Any runners we should keep an eye on?

RR: Gabby Reyna, she had a great summer; Alysa Frosto? From Maize South, she’s outstanding. Just as fast as Gabby in the mile, faster in the 800. Cross country she isn’t as fast, but she’s a hard worker. Then all the returning girls, Anna Kunz, state qualifier, Madeline Keller. Great freshman girls class, probably the best ever. And that’s saying alot because we’ve had a lot of really good ones.

NE: Any races you’re looking forward to?
RR: Southeast is where we’ll really get to show our full strength. The first two races is where we’ll get to find ourselves.