The River Bluff boys and girls cross country teams are aiming to reach their top form as the season comes to a close. With just a few weeks left until the region and state title meets, the Gators are racing against the clock to get there. 

“I still don’t think they’ve all had their best days,” Gator boys head coach Garrett Roberts said. “ Hopefully, we see some of the payoff for the work that they've put in. It should be a good season.”

Both the boys and girls teams are experienced and rely on returning runners to lead them in competitions. 

Roberts is in his second season as the head coach of the boys. This season, he’s spent more time focused on meet strategy and athlete development, as opposed to making changes to the program itself. 

This difference has made practices smoother and given athletes more opportunities on and off the course. 

“ I think the first year is definitely a lot more just making changes constantly,” Roberts said. “This year, still some changes, but not as much. We’re just trying to get into a little bit more of a groove than what we had last year.”

The boys are led by veteran runners Daniel Campbell, Parker Branham and Hudson Brown. Jack Dooley, Bryan Cope and Will Cohoon are names to watch for as well. 

River Bluff’s girls are off to a great start this season, coach Cameron Starr said. This Gator group is familiar with competition and showcased their abilities at a couple of meets already.

“ I think we’ve gotten off to a strong start. Our summer training went extremely well, and we have carried that into the season,” Starr said. “ We've been lucky enough to probably have some of the most consistent training that we've ever had.”

Madelyn Cathey is the top returning senior on the girls squad. Savannah Davis is a senior running cross country for the first time. She was part of the River Bluff track team and has made quite an impression earlier in her cross country career. 

“I think, in a lot of ways, we feel like she’s that missing piece,” Starr said. “She’s been really good.”

Abby Tinsman and Leah Esber are also key pieces on the team. 

“ When I look at those four, they have, in school history, four of the top seven fastest times,” Starr said. 

So far this season, the Gator boys and girls have competed at the Skyhawk Invitational, Eye-Opener Invitational and Lake Murray Invitational. 

The teams have a few weeks left to prepare for the county, region and state title meets. Both teams have lofty goals and expectations, seeking to compete for a top spot in all future events. 

“ We're always gearing up for region and states. Those are the two meets our main focus is on,” Roberts said. “I just wanted to be running our best. I felt like last year, we ran our best more in the middle of the season and then, kind of had a rough spell around the region championship.”

Their opponents won’t make it easy. Teams like Lexington and Chapin will be running right beside them, seeking the titles themselves. However, Roberts and Starr both said their teams can stack up with anyone.

“We know what they’re capable of,” Starr said. “It’s taking that next competitive jump.  We have a really good sense of team. We have a great group of athletes and parents and support system.”