Freedom cross country coach Bob Thear is looking to build his girls roster this season, currently carrying just three runners for 2021 while the boys team is currently at 15.

“Some graduated, and some are banged up from last year,” Thear said, “but I’m trying to get some from track. The boys side is fine. Fifteen to 20 is nice.”

All is not lost, however, because the PIAA scoring system makes it possible for the Patriot girls to win a dual meet.

Sophomores Aubrey Yeager and Natalie Fihlman will be leading the way for the girls, joined by freshman Bailey Barber.

Most notable for the boys will be the return of district medalist Alex Heidemann, now a senior.

“Alex should be a contender for leagues and districts and make states,” said Coach Thear. “He’s excited, yes. These should be on his radar and things he should be aiming for. He had a good summer.”

Other top runners returning for the Patriot boys are Joe Bauer and Eli White.

Unlike last year when cross country teams competed only against squads from within their county, all will compete against the entire East Penn Conference.

“I think it’s going to be great again,” Coach Thear said. “There’ll be larger meets with better exposure so they’ll naturally have better competition and run better times.”

Freedom’s first competition will be the Lion Invitational scheduled for Sept. 3 at Moravian Academy.