AMANDA WEHNES, COURIER CORRESPONDENT

Despite battling preseason injuries that have sidelined their only senior runner, the South Loup Bobcat cross country team is feeling optimistic and looking forward to building on last year’s successes on the course.

“We should have a competitive boys and girls team this year,” said head coach Nicole Recoy.

Last season, the entire girls team qualified for the state cross country meet, along with Logan Recoy from the boys team.

In order to count as an official team at meets, there must be at least four runners.

Last year South Loup boys only had three runners, so each meet was an individual event. With the addition of freshmen Eli Rogers and Josiah Coleman this season, the Bobcats now have enough runners to have an official boys team at most meets.

“I’m definitely excited for the boys team because they really have not had a team,” said Coach Recoy.

The Bobcats lost two female senior runners to graduation last year and with their lone senior, Halie Recoy, sidelined due to a slow-healing injury, the girls may not have a full team for most meets. But that hasn’t dampened their spirits or lowered their expectations for the season.

“We should have state competitors again this year because we got them back,” said Coach Recoy. “I don’t know that we will qualify for a team as girls. We need Halie (in order) to do that.”

The Bobcats take the course for their first meet at Burwell at the Calamus Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.