With just over a week of practice under their belts, the 17 Dawson County High School athletes out for cross country this year are working hard to prepare for their first meet in Bowman, N.D. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

“I’m excited to see how we will do. Not everyone will have enough practice for Bowman, so we won’t score too well there, but by Mandan (Sept. 2) we should be up to a full roster. Both teams are stronger than last year, I think. The boys have very good talent and could be in the top three in the division,” Coach Tom Temple said.

There are 10 boys and seven girls out this season.

The girls are led by senior Abigail Stinnett and junior Sage Sportsman. Other returning letter winners are Abby Barnick and Jenna Brown.

The boys are looking to be a strong team this year, returning several letter winners including senior Sheldon Rod, junior Aydin Jackson and sophomore Wyatt Robinson.

“We’ve added two really talented juniors to the team including Anthony Ackerman, who came back from Billings Central, and a Baker coop athlete Hunter Bailey who placed 4th at state last year in the 800 meters,” Temple said.

Both the boys and girls have some new freshmen and additional upperclassmen who are also doing very well, Coach Temple added.

The Red Devils will host a meet on Sept. 9, returning to the Cottonwood Country Club after holding the event for several years at Jaycee West Park.