Boys hope to run to win
Balbach greets large numbers this season
The boys cross country team has one goal in mind this season: winning.
“The team is looking to advance to the semi-state tournament and compete very well in the race,” coach Nicholas Balbach said.
Balbach has reason to be optimistic. He welcomed one of his biggest squads he has coached and also brings back a group of talented seniors. Balbach is entering his sixth season as head coach.
The squad should be led by seniors Conner O’Day, Adrian Carter and Amanual Araya. Junior Noah Pumphery also has potential to become a leader.
The Giants open the season Aug. 23 in the Plainfield Relays. All their meets are scheduled for a Saturday, highlighted by the Ben Davis Invitational on Sept. 6. The Giants also host the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference meet on Sept. 27 and will host sectionals in October.
“The team has a record number of boys on the team this year and have been working hard all summer long and hope to show improvement in the meets this fall,” Balbach said.
Carter says the team has run for more than 75 miles per week all summer. The team looks to Balbach for inspiration, especially after the veteran runner completed a 100-mile challenged in 28 hours over the summer.
Carter is looking forward to seeing how those summer workouts will pay off once the season starts.
