TF Cross Country practice

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thompson Falls Bluehawk Cross Country team is shaping up to be pretty solid, although coaches are still figuring out the skill levels of those participating.

“I’m figuring out the foundation everyone has so we can kind of figure out how many miles they can do, what they can do and how far we can push them,” said Head Coach Sarah Naegeli.

Last year the team was not able to come up with a girl’s team, having three girls in total. In order to create a team, one has to have five members in the ranks, something the Thompson Falls Cross Country team will have this year.

“We have a girl’s team so that’s pretty exciting. We hope to have a healthy girls team finish, that would be great,” said Coach Naegeli.

And for the boy’s team, Logan Naegeli and Josh Wulfekuhle are returning athletes, two runners that seem to have a strong and promising future for the season.

But even with the returning athletes, Naegeli said the success will not be limited to them.

“We also have some new kids coming in who look strong,” said Coach Naegeli.

Experiencing their first practice on Monday, August 19, the team was still trying to place runners and find their limits.

Naegeli explained the team usually has three or four different levels to practice at because of the varying skill levels stretching from junior high to high school.

“We kind of have to figure it out and find where we can push them,” said Coach Naegeli.

Their first event will be the Plains Time Trial on Saturday, August 31st where they will then go on to compete at the Eureka Invitational on September 6th.