Cross country will be competing in the district meet on Oct. 15 at North Lakes Park starting at 9:00 a.m.

“It’s a tough district that we’re in,” head cross country coach Chance Edwards said. “Our district usually produces a state champion team or medal stand team at the very least, so getting out of [district] is challenging.”

Though the district is difficult, senior Ashlyn Kaupp said she feels confident in what she will be able to do with the support of the team.

“The team is well put together,” Kaupp said. “The coaches are doing a really good job; they keep our morale up. [They] let us know what we need to do and they stay on top of everything.”

This season has brought many new challenges to the team, one of which is the introduction of a new head coach. This is Edwards’ first year coaching for Hebron.

“Anytime you have a new coach come in, the changes are difficult,” Edwards said. “You may do [things] a little differently. [The team] getting used to [these challenges] and acquiring trust is probably the biggest hurdle.”

Athletes at the district meet will be racing in a 5k race, which is about 3.1 miles. There will be four different races: varsity girls will be the first race with varsity boys, JV girls and JV boys following afterward in order.

“Since it’s a fast course, I expect [a personal record,]” Kaupp said. “Once you get to a good place, and ‘beat bodies,’ [which means to] get in front of the girl in front of me.”

In order for the team to make regionals, runners have to be a part of the top three teams in districts.

“Districts is always a harder race for us to get out,” Kaupp said. “This becomes a harder race than regionals and state.”

Edwards said he has trained the team all season with district in mind. If the team is able to get out of district, Edwards is confident in the runners’ abilities for regions.

“They’ve worked their butts off all season long,” Edwards said. “If we can get out [of districts,] we will be quality competitors at the regional level.”