The College Heights Christian cross country program reached new heights in 2020, as both squads won Ozark 7 Conference titles before the girls team captured the Class 1 state championship.
The College Heights girls lost three runners from last year’s championship squad, including their top performer, Grace Bishop.
But CHC coach Phillip Jordan has a solid group back.
Jayli Johnson, Madelynn Jordan, Madi Carson and Sophia Moore all return with prior varsity experience.
A junior, Johnson placed fifth at last year’s district meet and finished 32nd at the state meet. She also had a fine track season, contributing nicely as the Cougars won a state championship.
Madelynn Jordan and Carson are both sophomores who competed at state as freshmen. Jordan took ninth at the district event and finished 61st at state, while Carson placed 15th at the district event and was 80th at state.
Newcomers Stella Moore and Cloee Shackleford are expected to contribute.
“The girls’ commitment and positive mindset will push our team success,” Coach Jordan said. “We will rely on several young athletes who haven’t competed on the varsity level.”
The College Heights boys return a large group from the conference championship team.
The team’s lone returning state qualifier is sophomore Caleb Quade, who advanced to state as a freshman after a 14th place finish at the district meet. He placed 76th at state.
Also back are juniors Derrick McMillan and Corban Thomas and sophomores Rolen Sanderson, Steven Calandro and Brayden Youngberg.
McMillan was 17th at last year’s district meet, while Sanderson, Thomas and Calandro were 21st, 24th and 28th, respectively.
During the spring track season, CHC’s 4×800-meter relay team featuring McMillan, Sanderson, Thomas and Quade placed second in Class 1.
Newcomers are Jace Edwards and Dane Sanderson.
“We are young and have more confidence coming off a successful track season,” Jordan said of his boys squad. “The majority of our team will play soccer and will not have the full conditioning they need to be at their best. However, they are all hard working kids who will give their best.”
The Cougars will kick off the season on Sept. 4 at the SWCCCA Invitational in Bolivar.
