After an offseason of hard work and making deposits, it’s time for the Washington cross country team to start cashing checks today when they open the 2021 campaign at Anamosa for a meet. 

The boys’ team is full of experience with the entire roster back from 2020 including two-time state qualifier Lance Sobaski. The senior was the program’s first Southeast Conference champ last year and is currently ranked 15th in the preseason poll by the Iowa High School Track and Field Coaches Association. Micah Rees is a fellow all conference runner back and 400m track and field champ Elijah Morris returns. Drew Horak, Quinn Wubbena, and Peyton Snakenberg are among other returners for a team that has 20 on the roster. 

The girls will have to rebuild this fall losing three of their top five runners. Abby Kleese will headline the team after a freshman season where she was an all conference runner and qualified for state track. Grace Voss, Taylor Bartholomew, Amelia Dahl, and Greta Rothe return for a squad that has just four juniors and seniors.

Head Coach Stefanie Haworth tells KCII Sports she is excited for this year’s group. “I want them to believe in themselves and continue to help each other. This first meet is going to be a tough one and we are one of the smaller schools there. That is a good way to see where we are at against stiff competition and what we need to do moving forward.”

The race gets underway at 8:45 a.m. this morning in Anamosa.