One Mile at a Time

Big things are ahead for the boys and girls cross country teams in Bixby. The head coach of the Spartans, Mike Staton, knows that his teams are young this year but very passionate about competing at a high level.

Leading the way for the Bixby girls is Sarah Mason.

“Mason will be in the 11th grade,” Staton said. “She qualified for State in 2021 and excels in the classroom as well as in cross country.”

Another runner to keep an eye on is sophomore Abigail Cothran who returns this year after injuries limited her opportunities in 2021.

“Cothran was all conference in middle school cross country, but was injured most of her freshman year,” Staton said. “She is hoping to have a breakthrough season.”

Staton is also expecting to see Sarah Mason and Kaelyn Southall have success throughout the fall.

“The boys team is very young,” coach Staton said. “We do not have any seniors and only one junior. The rest of the team is freshmen and sophomores.”

Evan Craig, beginning his junior year,  is the sole upperclassman this year for the Spartans.

“He will be a great leader,” Staton said.

Although the Spartans are young across the board, they are not lacking in conditioning or racecraft. Two runners to keep an eye on are sophomore Xander Dawson as well as Kai Yagami. Staton expects both to have good performances this season.

“Dawson ran for Bixby during middle school, but did not run for Bixby his freshman year,” Staton said. “He is hoping to make a big impact for the team this year.”

Freshman Eli Horeled is also expected to make an immediate impact as he begins his high school career.

“He was an outstanding middle school runner and excels in the classroom as well,” Staton said. “He has a great work ethic and expects a lot from himself.”

Bixby cross country begins the season August 13 with the Riverside 5000 kicking off fall competition. For more information on Bixby cross country, athletics, and other news visit www.bixbyathletics.org