A mixture of youth and experience leads to high expectations for the boys cross country team.

The boys cross country team has every reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season as 13 boys are on the roster after only losing one senior to graduation.

Leading the team will be seniors Curtis Dysinger, Zack Gibson and Andy Hittle along with sophomore Levi VanDeGrift, and junior Darrell Thobe. Two more runners return as letterman in junior Tyler Moody and sophomore Michael Rosengarten. Sophomore Aaron Devonport also provides potential to the lineup.

The experience and leadership has Buccaneer coach Josh Long excited about the season.

"We've put in the miles over the summer and have set individual and team goal," stated Long. "We are hoping to build on the success of last season and improve on our individual times."

There are new faces are on the roster as five freshman look to make a name for themselves.

The list of freshman include Brandon Flora, Willy Hoffert, Harry Hicks, Zach Shilt and C.J. Poling.

"That's a solid group of first year runners looking to make an impact," Long said. "We're excited and ready for the season to begin."

The Buccaneer runners begin the season on August 25 at Milton Union as they compete in the Bob Schul Invitational.