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Expectations are high for both the boys' and girls' cross country teams said head coach Henri Whitehead. Though only in his first year as head coach, Whitehead is no stranger to the program. He served as an assistant coach last year as well as head coach of the Mustang track team. He also coached this years seniors when they were in junior high. "We have a great core of senior boys and we have a lot of talented freshmen coming in," Whitehead said. "We want to build the program for the future, but we also want to capitalize on the very successful group of seniors. They have worked hard and had success in track (conference championship) and they want to finish out their senior year strong. Our goal this year is to win conference – both boys and girls." Senior boys returning are a core group of four who have been together since junior high. They include Garrett Spears, Jackson Behm, Tyler Moritz and David Lazalde. "Garrett showed up last year in track with his ability," Whitehead said. "He had a good year in cross country last year, but had a breakout year in track. David wants to have another huge season for us. He was injured most of last year and wants to comeback this year to where he was as a sophomore. Jackson and Tyler have been in cross country for six years which gives us four guys we can count on. This is the season they built their whole careers for. They are eager to come out and do something special." Also back from last year for the boys team are Matthew McCall and Justin Smith. The girls will rely on a bunch of newcomers along with senior returning starter Addy Mick. "Addy has been a four-year committed runner," Whitehead said. "She will lead a good group of freshman girls. They are very capable and Addy is a strong leader who will guide them to do the right thing." Whitehead said this year's freshman call is one of the strongest he has seen. "Both the boys' and girls' eighth grade teams last year were really good," Whitehead said. "The boys' won confer- ence and Melissa McCrory was third in conference and is one of the best young runners in the area. We also have a transfer from Rogers who is really good." In addition to Whitehead, the program has all new coaches. Longtime MCHS long distance coach Darbi Stancell joins Whitehead at the varsity level as an assistant while Melanie Bowers and Josh Hunnicut will lead the junior high program. "We want more kids out and have a bigger and stronger team than last year," Whitehead said. "Hopefully that will turn into a conference victory. We have a whole new group of coaches and we want to build the program for the future." McDonald County will again be road warriors with no home course to host a meet. The teams' first action will be at the Carthage Warm-Up on Aug. 31. The first meet is at Seneca on Sept. 12. The Big 8 Conference meet is set for Oct. 14 at East Newton with districts set for Oct. 26 at a site to be determined. "We really want to get some kids to state this year," Whitehead said. La Oficina Habla Español 204 S Jesse James | Pineville, MO 417-223-3232 • wsg@geedinglaw.com HAVE A GREAT SEASON MUSTANGS! Thursday, August 29, 2019 McDonald County Press 11C F a l l S p o r t S p r e v i e w Expectations Up For Cross Country 2019 Mustangs Cross Country Schedule Date Opponent Level Time Aug. 31 at Carthage Warm Up Varsity/JV 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Seneca Varsity/JV TBA Sept. 14 at Cottey College Invitational Varsity/JV 8:30 a.m. Sept. 21 at Clinton Invitational Varsity/JV TBA Sept. 28 at Pre-State Meet Varsity/JV TBA Oct. 5 at East Newton Invitational JV 10 a.m. Oct. 10 at Cassvile Varsity/JV 4 p.m. Oct. 14 Big 8 Conf. Meet at East Newton Varsity 4 p.m. Oct. 26 Districts Varsity TBA Nov. 2 Sectionals Varsity TBA Nov. 9 at State Varsity TBA Rick Peck Special To McDonald County Press RICK PECK/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS The 2019 McDonald County High School boys' cross country team. Front row, left to right: Ryan King, David Lazalde, Garrett Spears and Jackson Behm. Middle row: Levi Smith, Jackson Harrell, Justin Smith, Matthew McCall and Cross Spencer. Back row: Braxton Bishop, Kyle Hairl-Killion, Andrew Moritz, Hunter Leach and Isaac Behm. RICK PECK/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS The 2019 McDonald County High School girls' cross country team. Front row, left to right: Haley Mick, Addy Mick and Bailey Miller. Back row: Melysia McCrory, Anna Belle Price and Haley Walczak.