The Avon cross country team is gearing up for the new season with plenty of experience and a wave of new energy. Under the guidance of head coach Lexi Jurrens, the team features ten runners ranging from fifth through eleventh grade.

Avon returns several standouts, including state qualifiers Rance Kuhlman and Zander Fathke, as well as Parker Podzimek, who narrowly missed qualifying for state last fall. Jurrens is confident the trio will again be competitive this year. The team also welcomes some fresh talent, with newcomer Cale Cooper—an accomplished runner in both cross country and track for the last several years, and Jacob Sassaman, who showed promise in long-distance track events last spring.

Although the Pirates don’t have any seniors this season, theupperclassmenhavesteppedupasleaders.Juniors,sophomores, and freshmen alike have taken on responsibilities by leading warm-ups, encouraging teammates, and setting a strong example for the younger runners.

Jurrens says the team’s biggest strength so far is its positive attitude and work ethic. “They all show up ready to work each morning at 6:30 a.m., and give their best effort,” she said. “It’s great to see them push themselves and each other.”

Training this year focuses on building endurance early, with more emphasis on improving times as the season progresses. Coach Jurrens shared she is mixing things up a little when she can in training. “Some days we run miles around town, some days we are out doing hills, sometimes we go to the track,” she shared. She tries to keep the athletes motivated by keeping practices varied and fun, celebrating team and individual successes, and building a strong team culturewhereeachrunnerfeelssupported. ThePirates’first meet in Beresford will provide a strong test, as it features a wide mix of Class A and B schools.

Coach Jurrens sums up this year’s squad with one word: united. With returning experience, exciting new additions, and a strong team culture, the Pirates are ready to make their mark this season.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 10AM | BERESFORD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 4PM | SCOTLAND WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 3PM | FREEMAN ACADEMY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 2:30PM | WAGNER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 1PM | FREEMAN

2025 Cross Country Pirate runners include back row, from left: Cale Cooper, Zane Rush, Tucker Tjeerdsma, Jacob Sassaman, Zander Fathke, Parker Podzimek, and Rance Kuhlman; front row, from left: Charlie Rush, Rex Baade, and Palmer Podzimek.

Courtesy Photo