The 2024 girls’ cross-country high school teams have a mix of returning and new runners, and many squads are setting high expectations this year.
Apollo: A year after not qualifying for the State Championship as a team, Apollo enters the year with extra motivation.
“To make that happen, we will have to accomplish the larger goal of recruiting more of our student body to come out and give cross country a shot,” head coach Charlie Shoulta said. “To a large extent, this sport is a numbers game, and if our program is going to ultimately reach the level that I expect it to, our numbers will have to increase. We are working hard to create a buzz around our program to get more of our student-athletes out.”
Apollo only returns one runner who’s qualified for state before, Junior Ava Falloway. Falloway spent the majority of this past summer training and is expected to make some noise come the postseason.
Daviess County: Despite losing four runners from last year’s team, Daviess County returns a solid core. Leading the way are Lucy Spaw, Blakely Greer, Bentlei Stallings, Sally Tidwell, Haley Wolfe, and Mallory Raines. Joining them are up-and-comers Chaney Heady, Julia Zopiyactle, Riley Emmick, Kloee Gaynor, and Anna Kitterman — many of whom head coach Josh Bratcher expects to join the team’s top 10.
“Our main goals are to train hard and stay healthy throughout the season,” Bratcher said. “I would like to see us continue to win region and then go on to podium at state. Our team has the ability to place high, and I believe we are going to do it with the path we are on. We have had a great cross-country camp to start the year off right, and I think the team’s mindset is where it needs to be to accomplish our goal.”
Owensboro: After an injury-plagued 2023 season, the Lady Devils enter the 2024 cross-country season with a good mix of experienced athletes and new faces. Returning are juniors Abby Ladwig, Kiley Palmer, and senior Addison Edge. All three had solid offseasons and are looking to keep the momentum going.
Freshmen Jersie Kline and Fatima Landero-Luna are joining them, and they are expected to make a big splash for their team.
“We have some lofty expectations for the 2024 season that include being a top three team at the regional meet in October,” said Head Coach Matt Morris. “Last year left a bitter feeling for a lot of these ladies, and they have committed to a vastly different outcome for this season.”
Owensboro Catholic: Fresh off finishing fourth at state last year, Owensboro Catholic has its eyes set on taking the next step. The team returns its entire top seven from 2023, including Anna Booker, Emree Coomes, Ashlie Hayden, Scarlett Isenbarger, Peyton Reid, and Ainsley Sutter.
“Our program grew quite a bit this year,” Head Coach Jacob Reid said. “There are several girls who are just getting started running and showing some big potential. It’s going to be exciting to watch them grow as the season unfolds.”
As long as the team can avoid the injury bug, they will be in a prime position to contend for another region championship and surpass last year’s finish at state.
