EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers Cross Country team is preparing for another year of competition after finding success last season but just missing out on the state tournament. 

“This year we’re looking to go for some redemption to earn a state spot,” said Tigers Head Coach Lyndsey Roberts. “We’ve got most of our runners returning and we’re really excited about the potential.” 

Last year, the boys team finished second in the Central Washington Athletic Conference and qualified for state, but missed out on the championship by a few points, said Roberts. The girls team was in the middle of the league, but had strong front-runners, including Abigail Chamberlain, Savannah Harper and Hannah Malone.

Coming into this year, the girls have a few transfers onto the team, such as Rebecca Wiser from Moses Lake Christian along with three seniors and some younger runners, said the coach. The boys have a strong returning core with four seniors and sophomore Caleb Fitz, who is coming off a successful track season. 

“Our big goal for both teams is to try to earn state berths this year,” said Roberts. “Only two teams from the league do out of the nine teams.” 

One of the seniors on the boys side, Maddox Iverson, said the team last year was a lot younger but is now more experienced.  

“A lot of freshmen that stepped up and really helped the team out, it’s really cool to see them (return),” he said. 

The senior said the experience of the large group of returning runners will play a major role in their efforts to make it to state. This year the Tigers are trying to work even better as a team.  

“We like to have fun, we all get along and it’s always fun to be around,” said Iverson. 

Malone is returning as a junior this year on the girls side and has been running cross-country since her freshman year. She said the bond for the girls is akin to that of a family and she looks forward to everyone improving this season. 

She said she has grown more confident which will help her push herself and her teammates to new limits. She’s learned a lot during her time with the team. 

“I’m excited to use that knowledge this year and help other people like all the freshmen that came up,” Malone said. 

This season she is excited to build relationships with the runners that the Tigers compete against throughout the season. 

“It’s really fun to see everybody,” she said. “It’s a really healthy league that we’re all in because we have good sportsmanship with each other, so there are other people that’ll pick you up if you don’t have a good race.” 

Roberts said the number one challenge is staying healthy. 

“Just putting on the miles that are required to be successful, we want to do it in a way that they get strong, but they also stay healthy,” he said. “So, we work nutrition, being smart about running, sleeping, the whole process.” 

Early-season practices have been spent figuring out where each athlete is at. Roberts said some players spent all summer running and training are ready to compete, while others are just starting again now that practices have officially begun. He’s trying to meet each runner where they are, and setting bespoke goals for each athlete. 

“That’s what’s great about cross country is everybody can watch the improvement,” said Roberts. “Everyone’s in their own little spot and we’ve got the definite crew that’s going to be racing for varsity spots and then we have some that are out here to just improve and challenge themselves mentally.” 

The Tigers’ first meet of the season will be at Rotary Park in Ellensburg tomorrow at 10 a.m. 

    Tigers’ head coach Lyndsey Roberts runs with one of the student athletes as they finish their run around Beezley Hills. Roberts said this season will be a redemption season as they aim to make another push at the state tournament.
  

Tigers’ Isaac Avila makes his way over a small bridge at the Beezley Hills hiking trail. Coach Lyndsey Roberts said the team consists of a large number of experienced returners.

Tigers’ runners Ryan Tempel, left, and David Malone, right, make their way around a turn during a practice run out at Beezley Hills. Last year the boys team finished second in the CWAC and qualified for the state tournament.

Tigers' Jillian Bair finishes her run through the Beezley Hills Hiking Trail during practice. The girls team consists of a group of strong returners who have grown a strong bond during their time with the team.

    A Tigers’ runner makes her way through Beezley Hills Hiking trail during cross-country practice. Coach Lyndsey Roberts said the goal for both teams this year is to earn berths at the state tournament.