Tiger cross country team hoping to continue string of region titles
Despite having a limited number of athletes on the roster, the Cowley College men’s cross country team has high expectations for the squad after placing eighth at last season’s national tournament and capturing its fifth straight region title.
Returning All-American Esteban Boisseau highlights the list of returning athletes. After an impressive indoor and outdoor track season, the coaches have high expectations for Boisseau.
Connor Walker, an area athlete from Wellington, was also among the Tigers' top-six runners at last year's national meet.
"Esteban and Connor have championship experience and do a lot of the right things," Cowley head coach Cameron Rieth said.
Elijah Roberts gained valuable experience as a freshman and has the potential to be an even larger contributor as a sophomore.
This will be Alexis Realland's first cross country season with the Tigers after running indoor and outdoor track at Cowley. He has the potential to be among the team's top runners.
Wilson Navarrate, a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, is expected to make an immediate impact.
"Wilson will be solid. I believe he and Esteban will be up front spearheading the team," Rieth said. Along with the five sophomores, there are two freshmen on the roster who are talented but unproven at the collegiate level.
The freshmen are Samuel Lovell from Rose Hill, TX, and Herson Rodriguez from Lexington, NE. Lovell was a First Team All-League runner at Rose Hill High School, while Rodriguez has the ability and talent to develop into a solid cross-country runner.
"Samuel and Herson have the potential to be pretty good as freshmen," Rieth said. "They will need to learn how to train right and listen to their body."
With only seven members on the squad, the Tigers must remain healthy and have everyone chip in.
"I think we have the ability, but we have some work to do," Rieth said. "With it being a smaller team, we will have to individualize the training."