EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers Cross Country team is already hard at work to be in top shape for the 2026 season. With a strong group of returning runners alongside a solid group of new faces, the Tigers are eager to hit the ground running this year. 

“I’m feeling energized,” said Tigers Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts. “We’ve got a good group, one of the largest groups we’ve had in a long time.” 

The Tigers roster has over 50 athletes that have been participating in early season practices between the boys and girls, who Roberts said have all been mixing together well.

Key returners on the boys side include multiple runners that were state participants last season, including Caleb Fitz and Nico Diaz. The girls side will see a strong returning group with players such as Hanah Malone, Abigail Chamberlain, Savannah Harper and Rebecca Wiser. 

The coach also highlighted the potential he is seeing from the younger runners on the roster that he’s expecting to develop even further as the season progresses. During the early season the coach is seeing a great mix between the upper and lower classmen who are all developing and willing to push their limits this season. 

“As long as we keep healthy, we’re going to be really competitive on both the boys and girls side, ultimately with goals of making it to state,” said Roberts. 

Hannah Malone, who is returning to the Ephrata Cross Country team for her senior season, is eager to get out and compete this year. Malone has been a strong runner for the girls as she has competed all four years and has made state the past three years. 

“It’s bittersweet because I know this is going to be my last year part of this team and this program,” said Malone. “But it’s a really cool and unique experience for this to be my senior year and everything from my freshman year has just been building to this year with our team being the best it’s been in a long time.” 

Through the years, the experience of going to state with more of her teammates has been exciting for Malone as she watched this program grow. This year she expects it to be even more so as more girls have joined the team. 

This season also brings the responsibility of senior leadership for Malone. She said her goal is to utilize her own experience to help guide the next group of runners. 

“There’s a lot of people that either this is their first time, or they’re scared freshmen and I can see myself in them where I was a scared freshman,” said Malone. “I wish there had been someone that was there for me when I was a freshman to not have me worry as much and help me grow in my season and not have to do it on my own.” 

Throughout Malone’s senior season, she wants to work on improving her mental strength and pushing herself to dig deep during races as she aims for new personal records. She also expressed interest in seeing the Tigers girls qualify for the state tournament as a team for the first time in years. 

“I think it’s just the people I’m excited for and just being able to do things with them,” she said. “All the fun crafts we can do, make posters for each other, put glitter on before races, pray before races and just grow with each other.” 

Building culture around the team has been the primary focus as the athletes prepare for the season, said Roberts. The cross country team features a large group of quality runners who all have different ambitions and goals for the season, so it’s important to have a culture that tackles the mental aspect of the sport. 

“Making sure everyone is still supported and valued on the team,” said the coach. “It’s a tough sport and that’s a big part of the early season is meeting each athlete where they’re at.” 

The Tigers first meet will be Sept. 11 at 4:15 p.m. at Ellensburg Irene Rinehart Park. 

    Tigers Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts chats with his athletes during practice early in the season.
  

    Hannah Malone, left, jogs alongside her fellow Tigers during a warmup at practice early in the fall.
  

    Ephrata cross country runners take a lap around the Johnson-O'Brien baseball field during an afternoon practice.
  

    A group of boys from Ephrata’s cross country team complete a lap around Johnson-O'Brien stadium.
  

    Two girls from the Tigers jog side by side in a warmup at practice early in the season.