By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel High cross-country will return four letter winners from a team that finished sixth at state last year.

Those boys are expected to lead this year’s team.

Much is expected of brothers Timothy and Jacob Schrag and Ben Olsen, all seniors.

These three will try to break the 19 minute barrier by the end of the year.

“If we can get four runners under 19, we hope to make a return trip to the state meet and make a push for the podium,” coach Brian Lightner said.

Sophomore Javin Schmidt is expected to improve as the season progresses, giving the Bluebirds valuable points.

Seven boys reported for practice and Lightner has set high marks for the team.

The Goessel girls’ cross-country team finished first in the Wheat State League and fifth at regionals, missing a chance at running at state by one position.

Eight girls reported for the Bluebird team, doubling the size of last year’s team, but the only returning runners are Cheyenne Sawyer, Braylyn Hoopes, and Alyssa Boden.

“We will be very inexperienced this year and look forward to consistent improvement throughout the season,” Lightner said.

The Bluebirds anticipated their first competition of the season at Abilene but lightning forced organizers to cancel.

Goessel’s season opener will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Hesston’s Golf Park.