While the boys cross country continues to get stronger, positive steps were taken last year for the girls squad as well.
Platte County won a Suburban Conference Blue Division title last year on the boys side, while the girls were the runners-up, which came in a year where Chris Stubbs had to replace three of his top runners from 2016. Both teams finished fifth in districts – one spot away from advancing a team to sectionals.
Headlining the returnees on the boys side is Jackson Letcher, now a three-time state qualifier who has a pair of top 50 finishes – including 43rd last year and 38th as a sophomore. The senior was an all-conference and all-district runner, along with teammates Evan McPhatter and Matt Sullivan, while Keegan Cordova, who was all-conference. Cordova and McPhatter were part of Platte County’s 4x800-meter relay team that won a state championship in the spring and hope to carry that momentum over this fall.
Citizen file photo
Platte County’s Jackson Letcher leads the pack at the start of the Suburban Conference Blue Division Championships last year at Jesse James Fairgrounds in Kearney, Mo.
Also back are Parker Doole, Blake Bjustrom, Sam Smith and Robbie Noe.
“We have one of the most experienced boys teams we have ever had and have the chance to be very successful,” Stubbs said.
The girls will return all-conference runners Taylor Giger, Kaylee Major and Mara Gullett, as well as Maddie Klippenstein and Mycah Schmidt. The Pirates had 10 freshmen last year, so that group will be sophomores who will vying for better times during races.
“Our girls team will still be young, but if they can stay healthy, we feel we could surprise some people,” said Stubbs, who is entering his 22nd year coaching.
Goals for the team, according to the veteran coach, are to win conference and advance a team to sectionals out of districts. Another item of note is the Platte County Invitational on Sept. 13, when 30-plus teams come to Platte Ridge Park to compete.