MHS junior John Blodgett has been a leader for the successful Rams cross country team this season. Photo by Adam Wolfe

The Maricopa High School boys and girls cross country teams have seen success early in the season and look to be contenders to qualify for the state meet.

The boys’ team has won three meets so far this season, and runners such as junior team captain John Blodgett, sophomore Sam Coles and sophomore Jesse Gaines are serious contenders as they improve throughout the year.

“We’re having a very good season so far,” MHS cross country Head Coach Heather Abel said. “Our boys have won [three meets] and we’ve had lots of kids get personal records, so we’re actually running very well right now. Our boys’ team is a lot more competitive than it was last year, and the girls’ team, since we didn’t have one last year, is doing very well. Better than I expected actually.”

The boys’ team has followed Blodgett’s lead and put in extra effort and work throughout the summer and early season. The bond between the runners is clear at practice, and they use their cohesiveness to help each other in meets.

“The team is a lot bigger than last year,” Blodgett said. “It’s pretty good to see everybody [setting personal records] and coming out for the first time. We have a couple of veterans, but everyone is just having a good time.”

On the girls’ side, just having the ability to field a team is an improvement. Like the boys, the athletes on the girl’s team put in extra work over the summer, and the team is seeing tremendous results in the first half of the season.

The standout performer is Jada Wright. Injuries have only allowed her to run in two meets so far this season, but she has been in medal position for both.

“Jada was a track star and she is a senior this year unfortunately, but she’s doing very well,” Abel said. “I think she is one of the candidates that could individually qualify for state.”

If Wright can stay healthy, she could turn some heads at the state meet.

“As far as cross country in general, it’s my first year, so I don’t expect to be the state champ, but I still want to get up to that level,” Wright said. “I still want to go to state in general.”

Both teams seem to believe they can improve and make a run at state. They will get their next chance to prove they belong with the sport’s elite on Wednesday, Sept. 23 in Apache Junction.

“I think if we put in the effort we could sure have a shot,” Blodgett said. “You know, anything can happen.”