The Fairbanks boys and girls cross-country teams are pictured from left, front row, Addie Thrush, Rachael Hoover, Bryce Nisly, Nathan Parks, Kayden Fields and Alondra Bosworth; back row, coach Nate Stewart, Nicholas Johnson, Caleb Wenger, Nicholas Powell, Camron Nisley, Zeke Gingerich, head coach Mike VanWinkle and coach Emily VanWinkle (holding Vivienne VanWinkle). Not pictured, Kinley Green. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The word limited can apply to the boys and girls cross-country teams at Fairbanks High School.
The boys squad is young with limited experience.
The girls are limited in numbers.
The boys will be led by three returning letter winners.
Caleb Wenger returns as the No. 1 runner.
He, however, also plays soccer, so he may be limited in cross-country competition.
Nathan Parks and Nicholas Powell will be in the top five mix and are expected to carry leadership roles during the 2021 campaign.
New additions to the boys team are Cam Nisly, Bryce Nisly, Zeke Gingerich and Nicholas Johnson.
“Our boys look stronger than they did a year ago,” said coach Mike Van Winkle.
The girls are led by Rachael Hoover.
She qualified for the 2020 state meet as a freshman.
“Rachael is set to improve upon her state appearance,” said Van Winkle.
Alondra Bosworth is the lone senior and the other returning letterman.
“Alondra will be looking to improve upon her best performances of a year ago as well,” said Van Winkle.
New to the team are Kinley Green, Adeline Thrush and Kayden Fields.
“These three ladies all have spring track experience and are working on improving strength and stamina by running cross-country this fall,” said Van Winkle. “Adeline is also playing soccer, so the team will have her running in limited action this year.”
The Panthers don’t have complicated goals for the upcoming campaign.
“We are focusing on completing workouts as planned,” said Van Winkle. “We want to run together as a pack, especially the boys.
“We also want to enjoy the journey along the way.”
The Ohio Heritage Conference should be strong at the top, the coach said, with West Liberty-Salem returning a good deal of talent.
“The rest of the conference will be looking to catch them,” said Van Winkle.
“The district meet and beyond is anyone’s guess at this point,” he said.
“When the boys team races as a pack, opportunities will begin to open up.
“The girls team is going to limited by numbers, but if the new runners develop across the season, there could be a surprise here or there.”