Cross Country is off to yet another great start for the 2013 – 2014 school year.

Mark Busick, senior Chase Busick’s father, has taken on the job of the boys cross country coach, after former coach Jason Satwalekar took another position. Busick had experience as a runner in high school and college. Last year he volunteered much of his time to the team and was voted by all of the coaches Honorary Eagle Parent.  When the coaching position opened he seemed like the perfect fit due to his experience and commitment.

“The athletes enjoy him because he has new ideas and know a lot about running,” said girls cross country coach Steven Stefanick.

Busick has managed to double the size of the program in one year without being a teacher and seeing the students every day.

“Coach Busick is awesome,” said junior Patrick Irwin.

Both the boys and girls team have standout runners. Senior Chase Busick leads the boys’ team and junior Allegra Knight leads the girls. Both teams have a competitive atmosphere which keeps the runners motivated.

“The team is bonding really well and everyone is friends,” said junior Allegra Knight. “The practices are going really well.”

“We have the same great kids from last year, but we added some that did not think that they were great, but are now, to this year,” Stefanick said.

Athletic Director Mylo Miller shares his excitement for the cross country team’s improvement this year.

“Both teams have a goal to make the full team to go to the state meet this year instead of just individuals,” Miller said.

The participation is up this year making the team much more successful.

“The team is off to a great start this year with the participation up and more students trying out, which is a positive sign,” Miller said.

The cross country team’s next meet is in Kingfisher on September 14.