Jackson Rolston, the son of Annie and Jerrod Rolston, started his senior season by setting a single goal, which was to beat his personal record time in every race possible. Jackson started off the season 45 seconds over his personal best time; however, nearing the end of the season, Jackson was able to beat his personal best time by 20 seconds in multiple end of the season races. One of the best parts of Wagner’s cross-country team for Jackson is how the team feels like a family. Everyone is very supportive, loving and happy for everyone whether they place or not. He had his best race at the Elk Point Jefferson Invite with a time of 20:13 for the 5K. The Beresford course is Jackson’s favorite not only because it is a nice, mainly flat course, but as it is the first meet of the season, his adrenaline is built up and he is always pumped for that first race. For Jackson, running will always be a part of his life. It is a great way to stay in shape and be fit. Someday, he would like to run a half marathon. Jackson would like to thank his coaches for always pushing him to try his hardest at every meet as well as being proud of Jackson even when the meet does not go very well. He is grateful to his teammates for making cross-country such a special sport and always supporting him. Not only did Jackson have amazing support from his coaches and teammates, but his parents and grandparents came to every meet to cheer him on as well.

Presley Slaba, the daughter of Matthew and Mieke Slaba, started her senior season by setting goals that included improving her run times, building new friendships, and finishing the season proud of herself. When asked which goals that she felt she achieved this season, Presley said 'I truly believe that I achieved all of the goals that I set.' Presley had her best race of the season at the region meet in Elk Point which happened to be the windiest race of the season. She ended her season with a time of 22:21 running a 5K. Although Presley enjoys running, it was the companionship of the team that she enjoyed the most this season. She feels that the Wagner Cross Country team is the most supportive and understanding group and she is very proud to be a part of it. Her favorite course was the golf course in Platte because there are not a lot of hills and the last leg of the race is downhill. For Presley, the best part of running is that it does not have to stop after she graduates, she can continue to run for the rest of her life which is exactly what she intends to do until she is no longer able to. Running has become a great outlet for Presley and she sees it helping her greatly in the future.

Lydia Yost, the daughter of Matt and Amy Yost, like every other runner came into this season wanting to improve upon her times from last season. Unlike other runners, Lydia’s main priority was focusing on her overall physical fitness in order to complete her physical fitness requirement test for the ROTC scholarship. After graduating, Lydia will be joining the Army ROTC program, contracted as a 2nd Lieutenant upon the completion of the program. Lydia ran her best race of the season at the Elk Point Jefferson Invite and Beresford is her favorite course to run as it does not have a lot of hills and the runners do not have to run the same route several times in the race. For Lydia the absolute best part of the cross-country team are her amazing teammates that she ran and worked out with daily. Even though it was a hot and windy season, her teammates showed up every day with a positive attitude. In addition to encouraging each other, they also held one another accountable to do their best. Lydia is hoping to stay a life-long runner. Running has taught her a lot about herself as a person and as an athlete. Lydia is truly thankful for her coaches, Mr. Patrick Belling and Mrs. Mieke Slaba. They know how to inspire the team to achieve their full potential as well as truly care about their student athletes. For Lydia, they will always hold a special place in her heart for all of the ways that they have helped her grow.