The Nederland High School Cross Country team ended their season before the snow started to fall this year. They might have been a team that was small in number, but they are big in heart and in keeping a positive attitude. Coach Gavin Coombs had nothing but positive words to say about the team.

Coombs said, “This year ended up being a great year! We graduated three seniors last year and so it was going to be a time of rebuilding in terms of numbers.” He added, “With Eliza and Abby as freshmen, I am really excited to watch them grow over the next three years.”

All three young women on the team were new to high school cross country this year. Coombs commented that they all ran great. Senior Megan Hess ran on the team as a way of conditioning for the Nordic ski team. She said, “This was my first year on the team, and overall it was a great season! I loved how supportive all the other team members were.”

Coombs had the joy any coach or teacher has when someone they work with continues to show improvement from one year to the next. He saw that in sophomore Lukey Mahorski-Bodley this season. Coombs shared, “Lukey had a great year as well and continued to improve from his freshman year. Lukey is the enthusiastic heart of the team and I am looking forward to watching him continue to improve.”

As a senior Noah Turner helped round out the team with his experience as a high school cross country runner.

Running on the cross country team at Nederland High School with Coach Gavin is not just about running on a trail or getting the fastest time. It is about developing a love for running. It is about developing a strategy for physical strength and mental strength. It is about positive encouragement. The athletes say Coach plays great music during practices, too.

Parent Kelly Hess commented, “The cross country team is such an amazing and fun team to watch. They are incredibly supportive of each other, and I love watching them cheer their teammates at races! They really build each other up. We are so lucky to have the coach we have at Nederland Middle Senior High School. The experience Gavin has for coaching these athletes is unbelievable at the high school level. He puts a ton of effort into taking a whole athlete approach, which as a parent I really appreciate.”

Nederland High School Cross Country history was made when freshman Abby Hess qualified for the State Cross Country Championship race in Colorado Springs. A freshman from Nederland High School had not gone to the state championships since 2016. Coombs said, “Abby ran a great race at State and it was a big learning experience for her. She definitely has a bright future ahead.”

About the season and going to the State Championships Abby Hess said, “I really enjoyed the whole season and I appreciate the effort and positivity of our coach and teammates. The State Championship race was nerve wracking but a great experience. I really hope more people join the team next year because just like any sport, running is better with more people.”

Congratulations to the Nederland High School cross country team on their 2022 season. Join the team, Nederland High Panthers! It is a chance to get into shape, learn from an experienced coach, and be part of an enthusiastic team. Some of the most beautiful training routes are included.

Nederland High School Cross Country team 2022: Seniors: Megan Hess, Noah Turner. Sophomore: Lukey Mahorski-Bodley. Freshmen: Eliza Brundege, Abigail Hess