A year after the West Plains boys captured a Class 4 state championship and the girls finished as state runner-up, Zizzer cross country head coach Alicia Gunter is keeping her teams focused on the work ahead.
The Zizzers are looking to build on a stellar season in which both squads also captured Class 4, District 6 championships.
The boys team returns nearly its entire varsity lineup from last season's championship run, losing only Trevin Smith to graduation. While that depth provides a strong foundation, Gunter noted the dangers of complacency.
“Our biggest strength of the boys is our experience,” Gunter said. “As experienced coaches know, that can also be a curse, because sometimes we think things are ours, but we're going to have to go out and get everything.”
The girls team enters the fall with a smaller roster and less varsity experience after three runners graduated. Returning varsity runners Lena Finke, Libby Hart and Kaebrynn Gunter will serve as the heart of the team, while Abby Mongillo is expected to make a significant impact following a strong summer.
“Lady Zizzer Cross Country has a longstanding tradition of making it to state, and on the girls side that's our goal,” Gunter said.
The Zizzers open their season Friday at the Bolivar City Municipal Golf Course. The schedule also features a return to the Marshall County Invitational in Benton, Ky., and the traditional Southern Stampede at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, which Gunter uses as a key measuring stick before the postseason.
Ultimately, the boys are chasing a third consecutive state championship — a feat accomplished only once in program history — while the girls aim to keep their state streak alive and secure another trophy.
“We just need to keep working hard and keep taking care of the little things and then we'll accomplish our goals,” Gunter said.
Readers can find the full-length feature story, additional photos and season schedule in the Quill’s free 44-page Zizzer Fall Sports Preview Magazine. Copies may be picked up at area businesses and home games.
