The Andes Central/Dakota Christian Cross Country team is looking for a hopeful season. Head coach Larry Lucas is hopeful that the season will be as normal as possible considering the impacts the COVID-19 virus is having on schools and sports teams. Lucas is hopeful his runners stay healthy and injury free. And, Coach Lucas is hopeful to have a competitive girls’ varsity team. Leading the way will be 10th grader Isabelle Brower, who has ran in three state meets, 11th grader Sonya Hansum, and 8th grader Kalee Dykshorn. “We are also looking to have some younger runners at the 7th grade level to mature and help build a solid team by the end of the season.”

Tony Hansum and Peter Backes will be our leaders for the boys’ runners. Both Tony and Peter will be 9th graders, and this is the year for them to step up and make things happen.

“Because of the summer contact restrictions around the pandemic, we did not have a summer running camp, noted Coach Lucas. However, during the month of July we had some training runs at the state park by Pickstown with some other area runners also attending. This was a good time for the runners to talk and socialize with other runners and have some summer fun. We all know the pressure athletes have been under this summer. We will be going into the start of the season with a positive outlook.”

Practice will begin on Thursday, August 13. Anyone can call or text 605-208-8333 for more information on practice times and locations.