HS Cross Country: Woodrow Wilson primed for another strong season

Woodrow Wilson makes its return to the Mountain State Athletic Conference this year

Last year, youth was the theme for Woodrow Wilson cross country after being hit hard by graduation the previous year.

Although the season started slow, once the regional meet rolled around, the Flying Eagles were ready to shine.

Both the boys and girls teams exceeded most expectations with a runner-up finish at the Region 3 meet, to one again advance to the state meet at Cabell Midland.

Both teams still have a bevy of young runners, but once again, Beckley expects to shine by the end of the season.

The boys will be led by a pair of junior stalwarts in Vance Lindley and Kyle Peters, while the girls will be anchored by Leah White, Ava Thomas and ZiMeng Ren.

However, the Flying Eagles roster is deep this year and will provide some intense competition.

Rounding out the boys team will be Drew Breeden, Ethan Houck, Chase Dominick, Tyler Cook, Alex Mullens, Luke Bair and Preston Lana.

Morgan Booth, Lilly Bostwick, Maya Panta, Violet Hartsock, June Bradley, Taylor Hilton, Lakin Houck, Cortlyndt Maupin, Reese Hambrick, Ava Marshall, Jamiyah Rogers, Taylor Murdock and Jennaleah Toney complete the girls roster.

Coach Barbera talked with me about the team and the upcoming season which has a few changes with the newly adopted four-class system and Beckley's return to the Mountain State Athletic Conference.