Another fall, another Boys’ Cross Country season with Mike Costello at the helm.

The 2017 season will be Costello’s 22nd year as head coach. Costello is joined this season by assistant coaches Katie Halvorson, and, returning from a one year hiatus, Ryan Ping.

After finishing last year “middle of the pack for conference and sections” said Costello, Cotter Boys Cross Country has new goals for this year.

“We… want to build numbers in the program and have the junior high boys have a successful year and the underclassmen take a step up in terms of commitment,” said Costello.

However, his goals also translate to off-the-track. “Finally, we hope [Cross Country] is a piece of the puzzle for their growth as students, citizens, and people.”

To achieve these goals, cross country has implemented a different training program that Costello said focuses on “variety in the workouts…as well as strength training.” Overall, Costello believes “the workouts have been difficult but… rewarding.”

Costello cites Garet Grant, Timothy Zehr, and Will Modjeski as leaders of the team.

“Their work ethic and attitude have been the highlight so far and the other guys are taking notice,” said Costello. Garet Grant and Timothy Zehr are both seniors, while Will Modjeski is a junior.

Will Modjeski was busy over the offseason attending a few running camps as well as watching informational videos on running technique. His goal this season is to run a 18 minute 5k, and try to achieve All-Conference honors.

Timothy Zehr also stayed active over the offseason by joining long distance skiing, which Cotter co-ops with the Winona Senior High School. He also participated in track and field in the spring, running in long distance. Zehr states his personal goal for the season is to qualify for the state meet. Zehr ran a personal best 5k of 17:48 in the first meet at Stewartville.

Both Will Modjeski and Timothy Zehr describe their leadership styles as “leading by example, and always trying to do [their] best”.

Upcoming meets include a meet in La Crescent, and also the Jim Flim meet, which takes place in Winona.

“The Jim Flim meet is fun, despite a really difficult course, because it’s in Winona,” said Costello.

All other varsity members of the Boys’ Cross Country team include:

Chris Kwak (11), Andrew Hinz (10th grade), Luke Broghammer (10), Brendan Donnal (10), Joseph Costello (9), James Greshik (8), Corbin Andow (7), Parker Singer (7) and Carver Heiring (7).