With most of last season’s team returning, the Fredonia boys cross country team enters the new season with experience and a strong foundation to build upon.
The Yellowjackets finished second at the league meet last season, giving the team something to build on as it looks to take another step forward.
“We are returning the majority of the athletes from our team last year,” coach Timothy Clausen said. “Last year we placed second at league and are hoping to build off of that result this season.”
Senior Hunter Jankoski will provide leadership for Fredonia as he enters his third year of cross country. Jankoski has established himself as a dedicated runner and will look to make the most of his final high school season.
“Hunter is a senior who has three years of experience,” Clausen said. “He is a great leader and a dedicated runner. He is looking to have a strong summer of training and finish his career off on a high note.”
Fredonia also returns sophomore Hayden Harding, who gained valuable postseason experience as a freshman. Harding qualified for the state meet last season and will look to build on that accomplishment while contributing to the Yellowjackets’ team goals.
“Hayden is an impressive athlete,” Clausen said. “He qualified to state last year as a freshman and is looking to build off of his success as well as help the team achieve new goals this year.”
Izzy Cole is another Yellowjacket who has made significant strides since taking up cross country. Last season was Cole’s first year in the sport after being away from athletics for several years. Her positive attitude and determination helped her make considerable improvements throughout the season and continued into track season.
Cole also brings a different type of leadership to the team, leading through her actions and work ethic.
“She always had a positive attitude and gave her full effort,” Clausen said. “She is such a focused and determined young lady, because of that she showed great improvements throughout the season and has shown big improvements during track season as well.”
As Fredonia prepares for another season, the combination of returning runners, experienced leaders and developing athletes gives the Yellowjackets an opportunity to build on last year’s league runner-up finish.
With Jankoski providing senior leadership and Harding continuing to develop after his state qualification, Fredonia will look to turn its experience into another successful season.
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