Maricopa High cross country races to find runners

The Maricopa High School cross country team is in need of both boys and girls for the fall season.

Coach Duane Anderson said he needs at least two more boys and three more girls to have full teams for the season. Maricopa lost five runners during the summer due to moves out of town.

Anderson said he currently has four strong runners for the boys’ team and is confident the team will do well if they can fill the roster. The current members have been practicing for several weeks together, and some have been working out all summer.

“I have one runner who lost around 85 pounds this summer getting in shape for the season,” Anderson said.

Not every team member is expected or required to lose weight, but it is a lot of work to get into proper shape to run cross country.

“It takes a little running ability and a lot of guts,” Anderson said.

His biggest goal at this point is to find students that match those criteria. Then he can focus on the season’s goal to qualify for the state meet. The top four teams in the region will make it.

A highlight of the season will be the cross country meet here in Maricopa on Sept. 26 at the Duke Golf Club. Anderson encourages the town to come and cheer on the high school runners.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the cross country team, contact Anderson at Maricopa High School or call (520) 568-8100 starting Monday, Aug. 13.