The Neosho High School girls cross country team returns four starters, including its top two performers from last fall, while the boys squad is entering a rebuilding mode after big losses to graduation.
“Overall, I think everyone is very excited to be starting a new season,” Wildcats coach Emily Abell said. “Our girls team has some great goals and they’re working together as a team to make this season great. On the boys side, it will definitely be a rebuilding year for the program after losing 10 seniors, but we’re getting there. They’ve been working extremely hard to meet expectations and fill those varsity sports. They’re all so close and all right there. I’m very pleased to see them working hard yet continuing to be supportive of one another and having fun along the way.”
Abell noted both squads have been working hard in preparation for the upcoming season. She added the team is having a lot of fun, too.
“On both sides, I think this season will be a really fun one,” Abell said. “We have a bunch of goofy, fun-loving kids who are also willing to work. That’s a great combination. We’re able to have fun and get things done at the same time.”
GIRLS OUTLOOK
Junior Riley Kemna and sophomore Chloe Wood are once again expected to lead the way for the Neosho girls.
At last year’s Central Ozark Conference championships, Kemna finished eighth and Wood was 16th. Wood placed 10th at the district meet, with Kemna 13th.
At the Class 5 state meet, Wood took 45th and Kemna was 77th.
Kemna is coming off a stellar track season, as she stood out in the 1,600 and 3,200.
“Riley has been my No. 1 varsity runner the last two seasons,” Abell said. “She’s making great strides this season so far. Chloe was my No. 2 runner last season and I’m expecting great growth from her this season.”
Neosho has four returning starters overall, as seniors Makenna Davis and Lakyn Prough were also in last year’s lineup. Both are expected to once again be key contributors.
With so much experience returning this fall, Abell noted the goals are set high.
“I’m anticipating top-two finishes throughout the regular season, minus MSSU,” she said. “I believe they can move up in the conference meet and have a solid fifth place finish.”
Also listed on the roster are senior Isabella Mabrey and junior Makayla Peters.
The Wildcats lost Bailey Miller to graduation. Last year’s No. 3 runner, Miller is continuing her athletic and academic career at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
BOYS OUTLOOK
The Wildcats must overcome the graduation of a talented senior class that was led by standout Kaden Cole, who finished sixth at last year’s Class 5 state championships.
“We took a big hit this season,” Abell said. “I lost five of my seven varsity runners. We are looking to fill all of those spots. Specifically, a huge spot to fill will be Kaden Cole’s No. 1 spot as he moves on to compete at MSSU. He’s a great athlete and his 15s in the 5K will be tough to replace.”
Neosho’s returning starters are junior Carson Newell, who was the team’s No. 2 runner last year, and senior Gabe Mabrey, who was in last season’s top five. Newell placed 37th at last year’s conference meet, with Mabrey 62nd.
The Wildcats will have several new faces competing at the varsity level this fall.
“Since taking such a big hit to our boys team, we’re basically rebuilding the team,” Abell said. “My goal is to be in the top five during the regular season, with the exception of MSSU, and then to maintain our seventh-place position in the conference. Our conference is one of the toughest in the state.”
Top newcomers include senior Brandon Cargile.
“Brandon has worked extremely hard all offseason and he’s jumped right into my toughest workouts with ease,” Abell said. “He’ll make a great addition to our team.”
Abell noted Christian Lindsay is just one of the team’s promising freshmen who may be contributing at the varsity meets.
With the season’s first meet quickly approaching, Abell noted she’s confident both squads will make steady progress throughout the fall and put together memorable and successful campaigns.
“Goal setting is going to be a priority this season for us all,” she said. “I think that will really pay off as the season progresses. We have a lot of maturing to do on the boys side and that’s something we’ll be continuing to work on throughout the season. That’s where our goal setting sessions will come into play. Having cross country specific goals is going to be an important aspect, but we’ll also be looking at academics, leadership skills, and overall personal character. Time, dedication, growth and persistence is what this season will be all about.”
The Wildcats will host a warm-up meet on Aug. 27.
