West Platte senior Julia Pattison has a chance to be the first 4-time all-state runner in school history.
The West Platte cross-country team has been coached by Mike Lowe for more than a decade but will have a new leader this fall.
Mitch Giger is the new head coach and has big shoes to fill as West Platte’s cross-country program has made numerous state appearances – some that ended with banners coming back to Weston – in Lowe’s tenure. There were some talented seniors that need replaced following a season where the boys took eighth place and the girls ended in 10th place in the Class 2 State Meet.
“On the girls’ side we have (Julia) Pattison that is looking to become the first four-time all-state runner in West Platte History,” Giger said. “On the boys’ side we graduated two senior leaders, Charlie Kinslow and Tristan Newkirk, who will be missed.”
The West Platte boys will have three state qualifiers coming back with juniors Jonah McGivern and Thomas Deffet, along with sophomore Noah Rees. Filling out the remainder of the lineup will be Nick Snodgrass, Xander Snodgrass and Wyatt Larsen.
“We have great kids that have been working really hard. We have a few experienced boys and girls, and I am looking forward to seeing them grow throughout the season as individuals and as a team,” Giger said.
As for the Lady Blue Jays, senior Julia Pattison is the top runner after three all-state outings up to this point. After being the runner-up in her freshman and sophomore campaigns, Pattison took 17th place at state in her junior year.
“The keys to our success will be working hard every day in practice and focusing on achieving goals that we set. It is my hope that by focusing on running for our teammates we will be able to achieve team and individual goals,” Giger said.
Pattison has a chance to be the first 4-time all-state runner in West Platte history. Seniors Maggie Howard and Kaitlyn Reinke will be joined by the sophomore duo of Payton Reber and Addison Bailey who all ran at state last fall.