The Young Lady Tiger cross country team is hoping to show growth
With only two returning runners on the roster, the Cowley College women’s cross country team will attempt to progress as the season goes along.
The freshmen are Euvia Bennett from Jamaica, Zuzana Bokova and Linda Filipova from the Czech Republic, Marta Herreo-Lombardo from Spain, and Jasmine Calvo from Ark City.
"Recruiting went well," Rieth said. "The group is gelling well together. Jasmine will be stepping into one of our top positions eventually. She had a big step forward over the summer as far as fitness goes."
Along with Jasmine Calvo, Rieth believes Filipova has a chance to be a solid contributor.
After gaining valuable experience by competing at the 2024 national championships, Pauline Althoff returns to the team. She had a really good summer and enters the season as one of the team's top runners.
"I want Pauline to continue to develop as a competitor," Rieth said.
Daynel Calvo is another returning runner who competed in track and field as a freshman and wants to put in the work to improve.
"Ideally, I just want to see them continue to develop and make the right steps forward to get better every day," Rieth said.
After capturing the Region VI title and placing second in the Jayhawk East Conference in the 2024 season, Coach Rieth is eager to see what this year's team can accomplish.
"The season will be a grind, so we will need them to fall in love with the process," Rieth said. "We could be pretty darn good, or we could struggle. We just need time. The freshmen just need to continue absorbing what we are teaching."