The Monett Senior High Boys and Girls Cross Country teams couldn’t be more different, with one group having years of experience and the other being very young.
However, it’s clear that longtime Cubs and Lady Cubs Head Coach Kelly George is thrilled about how much both teams want to succeed.
Coach George says, “Our boys’ team has four seniors and a junior.” “The most interesting thing about them is that they are good friends and hang out together when they’re not practicing.”
“Every day in practice, they push each other and check on each other to make sure everyone is getting enough miles.” We have a whole group of leaders. On any given day, each person could lead by himself.
In contrast to Monett’s senior guys, who have a lot of experience, Coach George says, “Right now, I only have freshmen Isabell Coffey and Jailyn Fernandez on the high school girls’ team.” I believe they add a lot to our show. They push each other during practice and meets because they are good friends.
“I believe both girls are very skilled and have done a lot of hard work this summer.” Their work attitude and the way they lead are both great.
Coach George is proud of what each of these players brings to her teams on their own. For example, she says, “Victor Salas (senior) made it to state as a sophomore and had a good start to last season.” He hurt his Achilles and couldn’t play for the rest of the year. I want him to have a great last year of high school.
The senior Henry Barrientos Perez has been running well for the past year and keeps getting better. He’s going to be fun to watch this year. Junior Diego Castillo has been putting in the miles this summer so that he can have a good year. He’s always happy and a great boss.
There are more, and Coach George says, “Diego Ortega (senior) and Aaron Arreola Salas (junior) know what it takes to compete in Class 4.” San Diego is a good runner who keeps getting better. Aaron has been putting in the miles needed to fight at a high level.
“Junior Bradley Land has gotten a lot better at running long distances.” I can’t wait to see where he is when the season starts. This summer, he ran more miles and is now ready to fight.
Isabell Coffey and Jailyn Fernandez have never played at the senior level before,
George, the coach, says, “They helped the junior high team win the Big 8 Conference title last year.”
According to Coach George, Isabella is a natural runner who can do great things and make an immediate effect. She has a lot of faith in her dynamic duo.
“Isabell leads by example and works hard.” This past track season, she broke a lot of records. I can’t wait to see what she does this season.
Jailyn is new and always wants to do better. She knows how to get to the top and works hard to do it. Everything is possible for them.
Everything is very exciting now that the new year has begun. Coach George says, “All of the boys are great.” We’re ready for the season to begin.
“It’s also fun that our two freshmen girls are leading our senior girls’ team and pushing each other.” It’s fun to be with Isabell and Jailyn. “It’s fun to work with them.”
It’s not easy to get ready for these long distance runs, but Coach George knows that these runners are ready to go. “This year, the boys worked hard to do well. They get along so well. It’s our goal to get our top five closer together.
“The girls have worked out hard in the weight room and while running.” They really push each other in practice and on the course, which makes them work so well together.
Monett Senior High Cross Country Teams Fast Facts
Head Coach: Kelly George, 14th year
Conference Big 8
Class: 4
Number of Meets: 10
First Meet: SWCCA Meet, Saturday, Sept. 7
at Bolivar, Missouri
Monett Invitational: Tuesday, Sept. 17