Head Coach, Scott Mastro, is in year 2 as the Head Coach of the Cross Country program. After a successful first season, the team has grown in size with over 40 runners on the high school team. The philosophy is no different. “Our philosophy is to develop a student-athlete’s aerobic power over the course of their high school career. We do this by emphasizing discipline, effort, skill, teamwork, and self-control. There are no magic workouts. The magic is in consistency. We believe if we create a family environment and provide a structured, progressive, goal-oriented plan, athletes will form strong bonds with each other, and want to come to practice everyday.And the team that practices everyday, works hard with great focus, and has fun along the way, is difficult to beat in competition.”

The Vikings had a successful year in TAPPS 4A last year, producing a State Champion on the girls side, Charlotte S. The Vikings are now jumping up to TAPPS 6A and competing against some of the best competition the state has to offer. When asked about his expectations for the season, Coach Mastro said, “My expectations are for both Girls and Boys Varsity to begin the season in the top half of our district, and finish in the top two.”

The team is returning some key pieces from last year’s team. “The Viking Boys’ harrier squad returns two from last years state meet team, but has almost doubled in size. Many of these new athletes are freshman and taking training very seriously. Between these freshman and our returning veterans, there will be intense competition for the Boys number 4-7 spots. I expect great things from this group this year. Our girls team returns four runners from last year’s state meet team. While injuries have been a problem for three of them, two appear healthy and are beginning to train hard again. And with the addition of a couple of talented freshman, the team looks to be competitive in its new large school division, TAPPS 6A.”

More to come from Coach Mastro and the growing high school cross country team. The team’s first meet is on Saturday, September 3rd. Good luck and GO VIKINGS!