After taking eighth place in state last year, the Raiders Cross Country team kicked off their season Aug. 19 with their first practice of the year. August 24 the Raider Runners had a Family Picnic and Run, which is always a good way to begin the season. With the departure of runners like Curtis Cline, the team will look for new people to step up and be leaders. Senior Jersey Boydston, a returning varsity runner, is one of those new leaders.

“We did well last year, but we still have room to improve. We’ve worked hard this year and are excited for the new season to start up,” Boydston said.

Cross Country meets begin in early September, with the Emporia Invitational. After a series of meets and invitationals, the team will head to regionals Oct. 26. After that they will run in the state meet at Rimrock Farms.