An all-time low number of participants for cross-country athletes has struck the West Branch Area School District program. Since the boys’ team won the ICC North two years in a row, one could only assume cross country would see an uprise in participants. 

Head West Branch Cross Country coach, Josh Carr said, “I think all the seniors last year scared away the lower classman since they went through such strong workouts to become the two-time ICC champs.” Carr also said, “Cross country is just a hard sport; you must have high endurance and a strong mindset to become a successful runner.” 

The Warriors have raced in two meets so far this season. The first meet was at Big Valley on August 31st where West Branch had 8 runners in total. Six of them were on the Jr. High roster. Only two varsity runners ran in the Big Valley Invitational for West Branch. Ashley Causer placed 20th overall with a time of 23:36:00. Following her was Alexis Condon, running a time of 25:33:00, which placed 32nd. With the addition of 3 more girls, West Branch could have a full team awaiting competition. After high temperatures caused their original meet to be rescheduled, the Warriors ran against Philipsburg-Osceola. Taking place at West Branch, Ashley Causer, ran away with first place in the girl’s varsity race.

With the season just beginning, there is still hope for the West Branch Cross Country team to have more participants. Husband and wife coaching team, Josh and Tabytha Carr, said, “We are still accepting runners for the 2024 cross-country season.” If one might know a friend who likes to run, the cross-country team desperately needs participants”. For more information, the team has practices after school on the cross-country course.

The Warriors’ next meet is at West Branch on Wednesday, September 11th, at 4:30. Make sure to come and support the Warrior runners!