Cross country season kicked off Monday morning at Brownwood High School as the Lady Lions and Lions both held their first practices of the season.
Lady Lions head coach Chesney Neely reported 35 girls at the first practice.
“I have high expectations for this group,” Neely said. “We have some freshmen that have come in and already made a statement. We’ve got Emma Stegemoller coming back who’s a returner and I think she will be a good leader for us. We’ve got high expectations and big goals for this team this year.”
The Lady Lions’ first meet of the season is slated for Aug. 12 at Birdville.
“The first week of practice is about getting everybody back into the groove,” Neely said. “We’ve been off for a little bit, so you’ll see us doing some longer, easier runs, but we’re really just trying to build mileage underneath our feet, aerobics under our feet with some strength stuff, too.”
The Lions, led by first-year head coach Will Parker – also the new head coach for Lions basketball – also start their season Aug. 12 at Birdville.
“It’s the first day and some guys have been running and some guys haven’t and it shows,” Parker said. “It’s always good to get out there the first day and see where everybody’s at and set new goals and get ready for the season.”
Parker reported nine runners at practice Monday with a couple more expected to join the team.
“Their attitude’s are great and I really love coaching them so far,” Parker said.
