For the first time in more than 15 years, the Sidney cross country program will have a new coach as Katie Haase will take over the reins from long-time coach Virginia Dschaak. Haase, a 2007 Sidney High School graduate, re-joins the Eagle cross country program after participating in the sport during her sophomore and junior seasons.

“It’s so exciting to be able to be a part of that again and for this group of girls to know that I’ve been literally in their shoes and I know how to help them and push them,” Haase said.

Her experiences on the team has already had an impact on her coaching, Haase said. “I learned so much from having Ms. Dschaak as a coach,” she said. “And with my degree in Massage Therapy, I took a lot of physical therapy classes. Both have been very helpful so far this year.”

The team has good numbers with a total of nine participants featuring six high school runners and three in the middle school.

“It takes five runners to make a team so we’re really pushing to get the word out about our sport at the junior high. We would always love more high school runners too,” she said.

Three athletes return from last year’s team in senior Andi Brunsvold along with juniors Lizzy Gangstad and Deserae Wirth. Newcomers include senior Alex Hammer and sophomores Molly Wilkinson and Olivia Hintz, The middle school runners are eighth graders Lexi Hernandez, LaKayla Nentwig and Draven Partridge.

“We have such a great group of girls out,” Haase said. “They all have great attitudes and are so talented. I’m full of optimism for the upcoming season.”

Haase has tried to change things up to make practice more interesting including new routes and adding weight lifting and yoga.

“The girls have been just great to work with,” she said.