When the Cedarcrest High School cross country team zooms across the countryside this fall, you can expect big things from the team—and from leaders like seniors Cody Wanichek and Molly Hammontree, and junior Logan Orndorf.

All three are highly experienced from past years. Orndorf was a state cross country competitor last fall, and a first-team conference nod. Wanichek was an all-conference second team nominee last fall. Hammontree was a relay conference champ last spring; she made second-team all conference last fall.

“We have a lot of competition this year, so we have to run well,” Wanichek says. He wants to see the entire team push themselves to compete. He wants his fellow boys runners to go all the way to state.

“For the past five years, our girls have made it to state,” Hammontree says. “We’ve never had six in a row before. That would be a record for our school.”

Such a coup would definitely end her high school career on a high note.

“You want to finish strong,” Hammontree says.

Both Orndorf, Hammontree and Wanichek are running addicts.

“I like the reward that comes out of it,” Orndorf says. “Running on a team feels good.”

“It works for every single sport,” adds Wanichek. “There’s running in every single sport. You can do it year-round. It’s nice to be in shape.”

Once you fall out of shape, it can be tough to get back in. That’s why Hammontree won’t stop.

“It’s better just to maintain it,” she says.

• Follow Red Wolf Cross Country schedules at http://www.chs.riverview.wednet.edu/XC%20Page/cross.htm