Six seniors lead the way toward high expectations for the 2010 Cross Country season.

The Buccaneers return a talented group of runners, as well as some strong newcomers.

"We have six of our top seven coming back after qualifying for regionals for the third straight year, which means we have the potential to be very good this year," said Covington coach Josh Long." "Our seniors really have picked it up a notch this season and understand if they want to reach their goals they are going to have to work even harder."

Senior Willy Hoffert, the teams top runner for the past several years, will lead the way once again for the Buccaneers. Also returning is Senior and fellow all-league runner Brandon Flora.

Senior Zach Shilt and Sophomores Jake Sowers, Dale Brant and Dustin Fickert are all back from the top seven as well. Runners looking to make their way into the top seven this year include, Seniors Harry Hicks, Brian Hackett, Kody Spade, Sophomores Bryant Hicks, Isaac Canan, and Freshman Lane White and Nick Tobias.

"We have a solid group returning and we have some young runners that are going to challenge for a varsity spot, which will make everyone better in the end," Long said. "The upper classmen have had this year circled for awhile, because they knew that they would have some talented underclassmen joining them when they were seniors. Our team chemistry is as good as it has ever been and that is extremely important as our season progresses. We just have to continue to work hard and I believe this team has the ability to surprise a lot of people this season."