The 2025- 2026 Cross Country team had their first meet on Aug. 22 against Cheyenne Mountain, and the season will come to a close in November. Last year the girls ended in second place at state, and the boys finished in 12th at the state level.
Andy Sherwood, the high school cross country coach, has been coaching for five years. He is currently working on getting the runners ready for the season. “We just continue to focus on increasing running volume in the summer so we’re prepared for the fall,” Sherwood said.
Sherwood has high hopes for the team this season. “I want the girls to finish in the top two again, and I think it’s possible that the boys could sneak into the top two, if not top three at state,” Sherwood said.
Sherwood feels that it will be tough to lose the current seniors this year. “This group is a really special group. I have enjoyed working with them and have great relationships with them,” Sherwood said. “The good news is, it’s going to be a lot of fun because the majority of them are going to run at the college level.”
Killian Vasquez, a freshman on the cross country team who has participated in cross country for 10 years, is excited for team running and workouts this year. “High School cross country just feels more free and open,” Vasquez said, “You can train by yourself, and it seems like the training is a lot harder so that you actually get faster.”
Yonas Hanson, who is a senior at MSHS, has been on the cross country team for three years and is one of the three team captains. “Some of my goals on the team this year are to be the best teammate I can be to set the best example I can for all of our underclassmen on the team” Hanson said
Hanson also hopes to succeed at state championships this November. “I want to be first team all state by placing well at the state championships this November,” Hanson said.
Hanson recognizes lots of potential for the team this season. “I am excited for the potential that our team has,” Hanson said. “This is such a young, fun and excited group. Everyone is always happy to come to practice and get better.”
Hanson’s favorite part of cross country is the team oriented environment. “You cannot be a runner and not be hardworking,” Hanson said. “I think that the fact that nothing about our sport is particularly easy influences the bond between everyone on the team and makes it so tight. The relationships are so genuine.”
Hanson has high hopes for the legacy of this year’s cross country team. “I think that this will be a phenomenal team for many years to come,” Hanson said, “and I believe they can do anything they set their minds to.”
