The boys’ cross country team is ready to run into a new season and they are facing high expectations, making it to semi-state. The Cards were one place away from qualifying for semi-state last year.

“We just barely missed out on (semi-state) last year,” Senior James Sheets said. “(We) definitely want to make it to semi-state, maybe even state.”

According to Sheets, the key to getting to semi-state is teamwork. Whether it’s through team-bonding events or simply running together more, being a cohesive team is what will take the Cards to the next level of competition.

Sheets says the seniors play a pivotal role in the team’s chemistry and that they need to take charge once again.

“The juniors that are seniors now stepped up last year,” Sheets said. “The underclassmen are used to (us).”

The Cards will open their season on Aug. 18 against Perry Meridian at home.