By Hannah Ross
Throughout the past few seasons, the girls cross country team has been vying for a spot at state, and this year they’re proving they have a shot.
“This year’s girls cross country team has bonded like no other team in past years. The girls all have strong friendships and strive to push each other to do their best,” said captain and junior Peyton Cottingham.
Cross country is one of the few sports that does not have a set JV and varsity team. The varsity team is the “starting seven which changes weekly, but the top five have remained consistent so far this season,” said Coach Megan Peterson.
The starting five are sophomore Maddie Roberts, freshman Catherine Liggett, junior Marlena Long, sophomore Lauren Moden, and sophomore Ryan Sotebeer.
“Times have improved because of a stronger bond within the girls and we have more support for each other,” said Cottingham.
“I love it! I have great friends on the cross country team. We are like a family!” said Sophomore Sarah Bergford.
The girls also have a “better chance at going to state than the boys. We might not beat their times, but we will definitely try to be at state with them!” said Cottingham.
“The girls team has had a lot of successes this season,” said Coach Peterson.
Some of their top meets were at the Pueblo Invitational on Sept. 15, the varsity girls finished second. The Varsity girls team won the Arvada West Invitational last Friday, Sept. 21 and the JV girls team finished in 3rd place.
This season is shaping up to be one of the best.
“The girls cross country team has continued to improve since Legend opened and this year’s girls team is the biggest and most competitive we have had so far. I’m excited to see what those girls can do together,” Coach Peterson said.