Will Snider

Q: What are you looking forward to now that you are a senior on the team?

A: “I look forward to becoming a leader for this team. There have been a lot of seniors before me that I have looked up to and tried to model myself after, so being in that spot and filling those shoes feels special. This team has a lot of new people, so I’m excited about being the person they might look up to, just like I did when I started.”

Evan Watterson

Q: How do you think the East XC Team ranks in the GMC this season and why?

A: “I think the East Boys are currently one of the best in the GMC and can be the best if these things shake out the way I think they will. We have the fastest runner in the conference in Reilly Meyer and our #2 and #3 are both going to be first-team GMC.”

Matthew Hoelscher

Q: What does the senior class hope to improve upon from last year’s season?

A: “ I think what the senior class would like to improve this year would be the overall morale of the team. I think last year it was lacking a bit because of the new coaches and having to adjust, and also the small number of seniors.”

Luke Huggins

Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year as a senior?

A: “My number one main goal is for us to qualify for state as a team. I also hope for us to have good performances at races such as GMCs and districts, but a state qualification is the main priority in my mind. I also hope to improve personally on my times this year, and just to have a fun season with all my teammates.”

Steven Troutman

Q: What mindset do you want to pass down to the underclassmen when your senior class leaves and they become the new leaders?

A: “I want to pass down the mindset of never giving up, no matter how tough it gets. In cross country, there will be hard moments that may break you, but it’s important to keep pushing and not quit. Supporting each other as a team is key because we all get stronger when we lift each other up. Being a leader isn’t just about running the fastest; it’s about encouraging your teammates, setting a good example, and ensuring everyone feels included and motivated.”

Micah Wanamaker

Q: Since most of the team consists of seniors this year, will that put the team at an advantage against other schools?

A: “I think our team, mainly being seniors, gives us a huge advantage in experience. We understand how to calm our nerves and anxieties before races and use the adrenaline rush to its fullest potential. I also think as seniors, we will be working harder than most teams because it’s our last year to do so.”

Larkin Willis

Q: What leadership traits do you want to portray this season while being a leader to the underclassmen?

A: “The three traits I want to portray as a senior are discipline, perseverance, and purpose. In any sport, especially running, discipline can come in many forms like making an effort in practice, being disciplined in the food one eats, and missing out on other things. For practice and races, I also want to portray perseverance. Whether it’s in the moment, just finishing a workout, or in the long run like recovering from injuries, the last trait I want to portray is finding a purpose. Like anything in life, people need a purpose and my purpose in cross country is to better myself.”