With five runners returning on each of the state-qualifying boys and girls teams, optimism is high for cross country this season at Helias.
And when you add in a large group of talented newcomers, both squads are thinking big heading into this morning's opener in the Jim Marshall Invitational at Cole County Park.
"It's incredible, we have a lot of depth this year," Helias coach Mary Haskamp said. "We've got some kids who ran varsity in the past that aren't right now because of some very talented youngsters."
The Lady Crusaders are coming off a third-place finish in the Class 3 state championships last November at the Oak Hills Golf Center. They enter the season ranked No. 2 in Class 3 rankings by mo.milesplit.com.
"I think if we can get a couple of kids to make a strong statement early in the season, I think we can make a run at it," Haskamp said.
The Lady Crusaders will miss two qualifiers - Kaitlyn Shea, who is now running at Southeast Missouri, and Molly Light, who will run her senior season at St. Francis Borgia. But the team figures to be strong from spots 1-7. In last week's time trial, the group was less than one minute apart.
"That's a good split, rare for us only because we often have that No. 1 who is so far ahead of everyone else," Haskamp said. "We may miss the front runner, but we will make up for it with our No. 6 and 7 runners staying right with our No 5."
Kayla Yanskey enters the season at No. 1 for the Lady Crusaders. The junior, a two-time all-state performer, missed almost the first three weeks of practice after spraining an ankle in soccer.
"She can tell she's getting better daily," Haskamp said. "It's better to sprain your ankle in August than in October."
Kylie Mulholland, a senior, is at No. 2.
"She always crept into the varsity for a couple of races in the past," Haskamp said. "She has worked her tail off this summer and is probably our team leader. She gets everyone going."
Alli Wieberg, a senior track veteran who is out for cross country for the first time, is No. 3.
"She is goal-oriented, you tell her something and she does it by the book," Haskamp said.
Abby Hake, a state qualifier as a freshman, will hold down the No. 4 spot.
"She could use a little more confidence in her ability to run with the top three, because she can do it," Haskamp said.
Lanie Hentges, a junior in her third year on the varsity, will be No. 5. She has been practicing through foot injuries.
"She's a good runner, a good motivator," Haskamp said. "When the others see her running through pain every day, it makes everybody else complain a little less."
Alicia Engelbrecht, a sophomore who saw some varsity time last year, is at No. 6.
"She trained a lot during the summer and I was really impressed with her," Haskamp said.
Katie Lorang, a freshman, will start the season at No. 7.
Kylie Frank, who finished 13th at state last year as a sophomore, broke a toe during the summer and is still getting into running shape, Haskamp said. She will run in the shortened JV race today.
"She's probably the most talented runner in the school right now," Haskamp said.
Other seniors on the squad this season include Maddie Casten, Paige Castle, Makayla Kennedy, Claire McDonald, Katherine McDonald and Liz Stumpe.
Today's girls varsity race begins at 9 a.m.
The boys team, which features 19 runners, will be led by senior Elliot Knernschield.
"He's a machine," Haskamp said. "He is so fit, he's done everything I asked of him. His speed is so much better."
Knernschield was 48th at state last year as the team finished 15th.
"He wants to be all-state so bad he can taste it," Haskamp said. "His time was good last year, it was just a very good year for runners."
Brian Kichhoff, a sophomore, will be the No. 2 runner, while freshman Connor Frank will be No. 3.
Nathan Wieberg, a sophomore, will hold down the No. 4 spot.
"His strength is he never slows down," Haskamp said. "We want to him to challenge the guys in front of him."
Joe Bruemmer, a senior, returns to the varsity at No. 5.
"He's matured and is focused on having a great season," Haskamp said.
A pair of freshmen - Jack Hentges and Riley Scott - will be the No. 6 and 7 runners today.
Also bidding for varsity spots are senior Zach Smith, junior Ethan Rackers and freshmen Colby Kroll, Blake Kirsch and Ben Stumpe. Rackers was a state qualifer last season, as was senior Jordan Wieberg. Other seniors incude James Vignola, Aaron Scheppers and Sam Allen. State qualifier Justi Frese, a junior, is battling a knee injury.
Today's boys varsity race will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The Invitational is the first of seven in the regular-season for Helias.
"We don't really care if we win the first one, the second one or the third one, we want to win districts," Haskamp said.