• Cross-Country running requires a lot of hard work and determination, with a little self-motivation thrown in. Groton's Cross-Country team will need plenty of the first two this season.
• The team returns six starters: Jasmine Schaller, Jordyn Opsahl, Luke Smith, Erin Smith, Jocelyn Peterson and Ashley Larson. But they also lost five of their letterwinners, Josey Helmer, Katelyn Hawkins, Eric Milbrandt, Seth Duncan and Darrick Lone.
• "Because of the fewer runners this year," Head Coach Adam Franken said. "It will require each student/athlete to perform at their top level to compete as a team. We also lost a lot of seniors last year, which some would consider a weakness, but it is going to give the younger runners that opportunity to step up and take hold of that leadership role."

• Redfield and Roncalli will give the team the toughest challenge.
• "Redfield has been traditionally good," Franken said. "Roncalli's program had a great season last year and I expect them to look even tougher this year."
• The team has been preparing for the season.
• "Some of the runners have put in some miles over the summer, they are looking fast." Franken said. "We would like to qualify as many runners as we can for the state meet in Huron. To do this will take extra hard work and dedication. The runners will need self-motivation to want to get to that level."
• The team will be at home on September 24 for the Groton Invitational at the Olive Grove Golf Course. The meets start at 4 pm.

• -Char Telkamp