As the dog days of summer raged on intensely with heat and humidity each over 90, the Magzine Cross Country Rattlers and Lady Rattlers remained unfazed. As they do every year, both squads showed up to put in the work in hopes to continue building on their running legacy. The Rattlers alone have a healthy tradition with 18 Conference Championships, 2 State Champions, and 4 State Runners-Up’s. “Starting with our Jr Girls, who return basically the entire team, we are sporting a bunch of hungry and hard-working rookies that joined in June,” explained Coach Randy Bryan. “We are hoping to add just a few more when school begins.”
Returning lettermen for the Lady Rattlers include All-Conference performers Callie Nicholas, Carissa Webster, and Phoebe Hopper along with JV athlete Elizabeth Merritt. Newcomers include 7th graders Cecilia and Serenity Mora, Josie Oliver, and Audrina Fox. “They finished runner-up in a tight race with Mansfield last year and are hungry to strike at the Lady Tigers. It looks to be an epic matchup if all stay healthy.”
The Jr boys had to look at rebuilding this year as Dakotah Stafford was the only returning athlete. “He was named All-Conference last year and hopes to move up the ranks this year.” The Sr girls will be running light this year as well as Trinity Bull is the only returning letterman. “She is hoping her junior year is her best yet.” And the Sr boys are looking to defend their conference title with returning Conference Champion Connor Ryan plus All-Conference athletes AJ Malouf and Cameron Mattson. Magazine XC will begin their season at Ft. Smith on September 11.
Magazine Cross Country Schedule:
September 14 Magazine (Tuesday)
September 25 Mansfield
October 2* Caddo Hills*
October 12 Magazine (Tuesday)
October Acorn/Mena*
October 23 District Championships(Magazine)
November 4 State Championships(Hot Springs)**
November 13 All-Star Meet
