In 2013, the Chillicothe Cross Country teams failed to qualify anyone for the State Meet for the first time since the sport was re-established in 1994. Coach Tim Riekena, in his 8th season as Head Coach, hopes that will change this season thanks to the return of several key runners and an influx of new athletes.
     On the girls side, four girls return led by last season's top runners Karson Keithley (So)  and Kaili Ward (So). Two other runners return for their second year and have already shown great improvement.
     "With Cross Country, it just takes at least half a year or a  year to be able to contribute at a varsity level" explained Riekena. Two new girls are on the team meaning that once again, Chillicothe will be able to compete in the full team standings.
     On the boys side, Cody Saville, (Sr) returns as one of the top male runners for the Hornets. Riekena also pointed to Robbie Parkey (Jr), Zach Holland (Jr) and Lane Worman (So) as top competitors on the team. Worman is currently recovering from a foot injury, but should be ready to go soon.
     Last season the girls finished 3rd in the MEC and the boys took 4th.
     Riekena has good numbers to work with. Four girls and eight boys return from  last season with two girls and seven boys coming out for the first time. Several members of the team were members of last spring's track team which Riekena says helps.
     "It's not just about running three miles" said the Hornets Coach. "You have to run that at a fast pace and be competitive."

      Several members of the team worked hard in the summer and three or four are expected to earn their 300 mile patch, given to members who run 300 miles in 100 days starting at the end of the school year. Riekena was also pleased with the two summer camps that many team members attended. One at Truman State University and another Hornets Team camp.

      While Riekena is confident his team will turn in a good season, he expects Smithville to be the team to beat for a Conference title for both boys and girls. He also said Benton should be good and to watch out for LeBlond again this year.
     Chillicothe's only home  meet of the year will be Tuesday Sept 9th at 4:00pm at Simpson Park, which will be a two lap race under the heavily shaded park. More than a dozen schools are expected to take park. The regular season opens on Sept 2nd at Maryville.