Staff writer
The Goessel cross-country team will be rebuilding with a new coach, and a mostly new lineup.
Brian Lightner, Goessel’s athletic director, will lead a squad of 12 — eight girls and four boys — in his first season as head cross-country coach.
Last year, the girls qualified for and placed fifth in the state cross-country meet, while the boys team had one runner qualify who has since graduated.
Jennifer Meysing returns for the girls, and will lead the group in her sophomore season. Aaron Woelk and Zach Wiens are returning letter-winners for the boys team.
“As a first-year coach, I am looking forward to getting to know the kids and excited to watch them improve throughout the season,” Lightner said. Lightner has experience coaching track and field at Peabody-Burns High School.
The Bluebirds’ season begins Sept. 4 with a meet at Clearwater High School. All their meets will be away meets this season. The team will compete approximately once a week until the state meet Nov. 2.