As the cross country season starts a new dynamic is being introduced. In contrast to prior years seniors Owen King and Robbie Ashurst are taking leadership roles in hopes to add continuity to this team not only for this year but for following years.

“What’s significantly different from other years is that I’m a leader, the other seniors and I have to make decisions that best benefit our workouts and training, along with just trying to make a good influence on the younger runners so that leadership is better this year and the following years,” Ashurst said.

With this change of culture has come with a lot of adaptation, not only for the runner but for the coaches. Looking from the outside in you’ll see coaches Jimmy Adams and Danny Smith taking pride in their team.

“Coach Adams has played a huge role in the progress I have made and the growth I’ve had as an individual. After taking a year off I thought there might be some disconnect, but both coaches have surely proved me wrong.

A new change in culture has helped all runners on this team and these seniors have taken that to heart to help lead this team. King and Ashurst hope that this work outside of the sport will translate for them this year and go on for years to come.