The Peyton Panthers cross country team pleased that they will have a season

Day one of cross country practice, the Peyton Panthers thankful they get a shot to compete, "It's really awesome. I'm excited. I think our team is going to be doing super awesome this year because we have more girls than last year, and the girls are really good. I think we're going to do in state," says Eowyn Dalbec. Not everyone was as lucky, cross country is one of only four high school sports in action this fall and the Panthers are hungry. The girls look to build on a top seven finish at state. While the boys look to claim a state crown after finishing second in in 2019, "I was disappointed when they canceled track season. I was kind of looking forward to running. I was very happy that we got to have cross country. Especially since it's my senior year and we're going to be very competitive this year," says Joel Schluessler

"I am grateful that we get to have a season. So that's exciting. We're going to have to work a little harder because the season is shorter. I think we're up to the challenge," says Cecilia Richardson. Coach Anthony Martinez says he has more runners than usual since some of the other fall sports athletes decided to join. The kids are excited and the expectations are high, "We can do a lot better than we did last year. We can beat Lyons if we work hard," says Schluessler, "I'm hoping top three," says Dalbec, "I think we'll be in the top three for sure," says Richardson.