The cross-country season starts out for the Wagner Red Raiders with the Beresford Invite on Friday, August 30th at 10 a.m. Head Coach for the fourth year, Patrick Belling is assisted by Coach Mieke Slaba.

This year’s team has three seniors: Jackson Rolston, Presley Slaba, and Lydia Yost. Lone freshman of the team is Taya Stone. Middle Schoolers are Grady Bartunek, Alex Reiter, Braelyn Jones, Cooper Slaba, Atreyu Almaguer, Luquese Eagle Road, Brody Krcil, Sean Roberts, K’drian Weddell, and Mason Tjeerdsma. Leadership this season will come heavily from the team’s three seniors.

In their off season, cross-country runners had the opportunity to engage in the Fort Randall Running Camp. Highlights of last season include a lot of medal winners as well as top 20 finishes for the team members. This year’s top goal is to get their athletes qualified for the state cross-country race in Rapid City.

As the head coach, Belling is most looking forward to watching the student athletes improve and have fun. Coach Belling’s coaching philosophy is believing in the process; failure teaches one how to deal with adversity. He also believes that kids being happy and healthy leads to success. In order to be successful, one must work for it. Both Coach Belling and Coach Slaba feel honored and fortunate to work with and coach these wonderful student athletes.

Best of luck on your 2024 Season Raiders!