Overview

Juniors Amanda Moody and Shelby Stephens lead the team along with sophomores Caitlin Apollo, Rachel Campbell, Brenda McCollum and Ziara McDowell.

Last season Rachel Ash qualified for the 2014 national meet. Jillian Benson was also a strong asset last season; however, Ash and Benson are not returning to the team this year. Although these are big losses, the runners remain focused and are prepared.

Three freshman runners joined the team this year. Emma Grossner, daughter of head football coach Mike Grossner, from Baldwin City, Madison Dispensa from Chanute and Jenna Black from Johnson City are the newcomers.

“Our goal is to win conference and go to nationals in North Carolina even though we’re such a young team,” Apollo said.

First Meet

The first meet for the Wildcats is the Maple Leaf Invitational on Sept. 5 here in Baldwin City. Last year Baker took first at their home meet and they hope to repeat that accomplishment again. The Wildcats took second in the Heart of America Athletic Conference last season. In 2013 the team won the Heart conference and made an appearance at the NAIA National Tournament. Last season the men won the conference and made an appearance at nationals. This young women’s team is looking to continue the strength at the conference meet and make a run at Nationals at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte, North Carolina in November.