“Our family like atmosphere is unmatched of any sports team I’ve been around,” said head coach Ryan Schipper. “Cross Country is the hidden gem of FHC athletics.”

The Boys and Girls Cross Country team both finished 7th in the region, but had no runners that qualified for the state meet. However, Schipper did not view this season as a failure. Rather as a very successful season in development and growing closer as a team.

“I was very happy with the outcome of our season,” Schipper said. “The Boys team saw a ton of improvement throughout the year. Our seniors pointed the program in the right direction.  Our ladies team was tremendous, and the culture built and sustained by this years seniors will help keep our lady runners as one of the best teams in the area. Our team grew into better runners and athletes this year. We have a great core group returning next year to make the future of FHC XC bright.”

FHC is losing key seniors Eryn Ho and Katie Allen on the girls side and Daniel Tomko on the boys side. The team may be losing these key runners, but they still have a bright future. Underclassmen, such as sophomore Susannah Bennett, will need to continue to step up. Susannah finished 19th in the region posting a time of 19:39.60. Another key underclassmen was All-Conference freshman Gabe Carlson. He finished 16th in the region with a personal best time of 16:48.10 at regionals.

“The season went pretty well,” junior Linnea Eastburg said. “Overall, every girl ran amazingly; we had a lot of all time PR’s . Also, we only lost one jamboree and placed second in conference. It was kind of a bummer because we got first last year.”

The cross country teams on both sides, the boys and the girls, grew collectively as a group. They set many personal records and grew together as a team.

“The girls team was really close,” Linnea said. “I think it was the closest it’s ever been. Everyone is so accepting, and we have a lot of fun at every practice. These people are some of my best friends, and I can’t wait to run with them next season.”