The Andes Central/Dakota Christian Cross Country team began their practices last Thursday, August 12. “We have a lot of challenges in front of us this year," noted Coach Larry Lucas. "We will be competing in Class A this season which will give us different competition at the Region and State Meets, COVID is still at a pandemic level in parts of the United States, and it has been a hot summer that presents challenges for long distance runs. However, our runners have strong character traits and they will be up to whatever obstacle they may encounter in competing in the sport of cross country.”

The Thunder runners will be led by two seniors Riley Houseman and Sonya Hansum who will be the team captains. Eleventh grader Isabelle Brouwer is a strong runner and will look to be a state qualifier for a fifth time. Eighth grader Lexi Schoenfelder also made it to the State Meet last year and will be a top placing runner on the girls’ team. New to the girls’ team this year will be sisters Anna and Eilie DeHaan who have moved into the area from northern Minnesota.

Tenth grader Tony Hansum is the other returning runner who will be looked at as a contender to qualify for the State Meet.

The first meet of the season will be on August 28th at the Wild Oaks Golf Course in Mitchell. Anyone can call or text 605-208-8333 for more information on practice times and info on meet dates and locations.