Crawfordsville has been the team to beat in the Montgomery County cross country scene and in 2023 the Athenians are looking to continue their tradition of success. With a meet already under their belts this past Saturday, CHS is off to a solid start.
On the boys side Cville will return it’s core group of runners that features seniors Ryan Miller and Tyson Fuller and juniors Hutton Haas and Max Brumett. Longtime CHS distance coach Megan Craig while excited about the potential that her boys have, isn’t getting complacent with this team.
“I’m excited about the returning talent on the guys side this year,” she said. “We have a number of runners who have experience and have been successful in the past. This experience will be valuable as we head into the season. However, I don’t want us to rely on experience alone. We need to be hungry and motivated to improve. We can’t settle for good, we need to be great. “
On the girls side the Athenians will look slightly different without leading runner from a year ago in Sophia Melevage. Returning for CHS includes Gabby Warren and Skylah Strawser return for their senior seasons. In their first meet of the year, sophomore Remy Swinford led the way. Fellow sophomore Caroline Novak and freshman Soren Olofson and Li Li Yeung round out the girls team for the Athenians.
“We have a few returning runners who are eager to improve and we are also bringing in some new talent,” Craig said of her girls squad. “Our goal for the season is to emphasize growth that comes from consistency. We have a great group of girls that are committed to working hard and improving. I’m excited to see what they can accomplish.”
Overall Craig notices how her team brings a great work ethic to practice every single day and how she’s sees the dedication they put in to wanting to get better.
“It is not easy to train every morning during the summer but we have dedicated runners that show up and want to be better,” she said. “The positive attitude and cohesion on the team has been fun to be a part of. This group understands the balance between keeping it fun and staying committed to their goals.”
