With the postseason fast approaching, the West Plains Zizzers varsity boys cross country team took advantage of a strategic weekend away, capturing first place at a meet in Branson on Saturday.
West Plains opted not to field its varsity girls or junior varsity squads for the event, using the weekend to rest several athletes while giving others valuable varsity racing experience.
"We decided to go to smaller semilocal meet this weekend, and this meet was a good fit for our needs," Zizzers Head Coach Alicia Gunter said of Saturday’s cross country meet in Branson.
Rather than focusing solely on overall times, the Zizzers used the rugged terrain to fine-tune their strategy ahead of a busy postseason schedule. The Branson course provided a specific physical challenge that Gunter said will benefit the runners down the final stretch of the year.
"This course allowed us to work on our hill and downhill running as we prepare for the championship season of conference districts and state," Gunter said. "The kids ran well. We are getting better at the right time."
The Zizzers will head next to Bolivar Friday to compete in the Ozark Mountain Conference.
