Cross Country ready to start under new coach
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Cross country will look a little different at the helm this year, despite having a familiar name behind “Coach”.
Previously, Coaches Deb Larsen and Sally Young led the Raider and Raiderette teams, but they have passed the “torch” to Dustin and Kinda Larsen.
Dustin is the son of Deb and John Larsen and is a graduate of Mount Ayr.
Dustin will be coaching with his wife, Kinda, as they look to build upon the legacy of Mount Ayr Cross Country.
Last season, the Raiderettes placed second at the Pride of Iowa meet and lost MaKayla Jones to graduation.
The Raiders lost Briar Knapp in May to graduation, but both teams bring back a lot of experience.
Returning letterwinners include Will Newton and Ashton Benesh, MaKenna Jones, Natalie Schaefer, Karlie Larsen, Lauren Triggs and Taylor Clymer.
Karlie Larsen was also named to the All-Conference team last year.
“A good core group of returnning girls and looking forward to seeing what they can do this year,” said coach Dustin Larsen. “Looking for the boys to be competitive individually this season and be fighting for a medaling position each meet.”
New prospects for the Raiderettes are Kyleigh Conklin, Aubree Reed and Karly Elwood.
The Raiders will welcome Adan Trujillo.
“We have had a good pre-season with decent weather and the kids working hard,” said coach Dustin Larsen. “If we can stay healthy and work hard as a team, pushing each other in practice, beyond our comfort zone, and run as a strong pack in meets, I think these guys and gals will surprise themselves with that they are capable of accomplishing by the end of the season.”
The cross country season begins in Maryville at 4:15 p.m. on August 31 before heading to Wayne, September 2.
Mount Ayr will host the Ron Landphair Invitational at 4:30 p.m. on October 14 and will be the only home meet this season.
The Pride of Iowa Conference meet will be held in Bedford at 4:30 p.m. on October 12.
Districts have yet to be decided, but will take place on October 21, with the State Meet happening in Fort Dodge on October 30.
