The Columbus Junction cross country program has 11 meets scheduled this year.

The Wildcats have a busy schedule at the start of the season with four different meets scheduled within 13 days.

They will start the season with a race at Cedar Rapids Prairie on the 25th, before moving on to a varsity only meet in Pella on September 1st.

First year head coach Steve Riley says he wants this season to be about two different types of runners, the ones that are out to be a part of something and the competitive ones, but most of all he wants everyone to enjoy themselves.

“We’re going to have about 30 kids on the high school team this year, so not all of them are going to be hardcore serious runners, and we take every runner whatever their goals might be. We’re going to be a competitive team, but we’re also going to have good numbers and have those kids who are just out to be a part of something and stay in shape,” Riley said. “We want to try and keep it fun, but at the same time to make it demanding and challenging enough to make us a good team.”

Columbus Junction will run the Southeast Iowa Superconference conference meet on October 4th, and will run one more race at Mediapolis before the 2A district meet.

Also, today is the second and final Columbus Junction fundraiser race at the Chinkipin Bluffs recreation area. Registration is at 4:30 with the race starting at 5:30.