Blair XC returns 12 starters, 20 letter winners

Bears start season Aug. 31 in Plattsmouth

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Darren Harsin's Blair High School cross-country team was the first to have its photo taken Thursday during Fall Sports Photo Day.
The coach's seating chart had the seniors across the front row.
“It's exciting because we've always been in the back,” Cayli Penner said, cracking a smile as Harsin placed underclassmen in the rows behind her. “It's kind of cool that we now have the opportunity to be in the front.”
The Bears return a wealth of experience this fall with 12 returning starters and 20 runners who've earned varsity letters.
“It hopefully means that we'll do well at state,” senior Nick Wayman said. “And that we'll be able to place at every meet. That would be a fun time.”
It's something he expects.
“Going to get some plaques,” the Bear said.
The BHS girls lost just one senior from last year's state team — Mary Roskens — and return everyone else, including state medalist Hailey Amandus. Sophia Baedke, Penner, Emily Lamoureux, Chloe Schrick and Allie Czapla join her as past starters who helped the Bears to a fourth-place Class B finish last October.
The three Blair boys who qualified for state a year ago — Dawson Fricke, Nolan Slominski and Wayman — are also back. Varsity starters Zyler Wyman, Zach Keeling and Peter Clarke are, too.
Overall, the Bears appear poised to medal and win meets this fall, starting with the Aug. 31 opener at Rhylander Park in Plattsmouth. For the front-row seniors, it's an exciting time.
“It's just crazy because time's flown,” Baedke said. “I feel like I was just a freshman. So, just being a senior and a role model is just crazy. I didn't ever think I'd be here.”

Blair cross-country