First-year head cross country coach Brandon Hampton understands that his young club has endured some growing pains, but they persevered through it fairly well.

“The season has gone well,” said Hampton. “Our records aren’t where we would like them to be, but we know we have a young team on both sides. We have seen a lot of progress from just about everyone.

“Kids are learning to run and race harder. When that’s coupled with their conditioning and fitness increasing each week, it brings their time down.”

Hampton has been pleased with the progression from freshman Kihan Resto, sophomore Habib Leyos, and junior Jackson Rozycki.

“Kihan and Habib are two newcomers who have pushed each other, and Jackson has been getting stronger and racing smarter each week. They all have pushed the upperclassmen into running harder and faster as well.”

On the girls’ side, freshman Marli Jacobus has been impressive and has been running in the same lanes as senior Tessa Hopkins, the girls’ number one runner.

Other girls who have been lowering their times are juniors Kathy Chen and Grace Tsimutalis, and sophomores Emma Sargent and Janelle Kies.

“Marli has been pushing herself to run as close as to Tessa,” added Hampton. “Kathy, Grace, Emma, and Janelle have been running extremely well, and Emma, Janelle, and Kathy set personal bests within the last three and four meets.”

Hampton also noted the contribution of newcomer sophomore Felicity Coulthard, who is coming off an injury. Before she was hurt, Coulthard was the team’s No. 2 runner and ran well.

Overall, Hampton has a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.

“The team as a whole is buying into what cross country is and learning how to push themselves out of their comfort zone to do well for themselves and their teammates,” stressed Hampton. “My assistant, Gene Konno, and I are excited to see where this culture and progress we’re building leads going into the postseason and beyond.”