Bulldogs cross country team back with a positive attitude

COLFAX — The Colfax cross country team will look to build on last season’s success as all athletes ended the season with personal records last year.

Head Coach Jennifer Cooper is in her third year coaching and said her team has shown great strength in terms of attitude.

“These kids have a positive attitude toward running and working hard,” Cooper said. “They are encouraging to others on their team as well as other athletes.”

Cooper is assisted by Krista Boyd. The team graduated just one senior last season in Destiny Nelson. The Bulldogs have 12 runners on varsity this year.

High school runners include seniors Gabby Rabaiotti and JP McNally. Juniors are Paige Eads and Adalynn Penwell, and sophomores are Queenie Mayer, Vivian Riley, Ashley Morgan and Carter Hall. Freshmen include Jak Kuhl, Landon Little, Arri Vanek, Stone Mayer and Adam Scott.

“We have a full girls and boys team this year and we are excited to see how they are able to compete with other league teams,” Cooper said. “Depth has always been a weakness but we are encouraged by this year’s numbers.”

Cooper said the main goal is to have a team entry to State in November.

The Bulldogs kick off their season on Sept. 9 at the Josh Wright Memorial Jamboree in Spokane. The team will then travel to Lewiston on Sept. 21 for the Les MacDowell Invitational.

Colfax will host two home meets this year. At 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, the Bulldogs will host a league meet, and at 11 a.m. on Nov. 1, the team will host the Regional Championships. Both meets will take place at the Colfax Golf Course.