The XC Bills were out on the trails of St. Louis this summer, putting in the miles in preparation for their upcoming season. Coming off a second place finish in 2018, the Bills have their eyes on another podium finish.

Although St. Louis U. High graduated Patrick Hetlage (25th at State), Chris Staley (42nd), and Reed Milnor (53rd), the team returns five varsity runners, including two who were all-State in Noah Scott and Lucas Rackers. The team hopes that this previous experience plays a large role in their success this year, though a state title is not the only thing they want out of their season.

“This year we’re focusing on improvement and enjoying the sport,” said head coach Joe Porter. “As rankings come out, I think guys might feel pressure, but if we’re getting better every day and enjoying going out there and running, everything else will take care of itself.”

Having put some cumulative thousands of miles down over the summer (16 runners even spent a week in Brashear, MO., where cows outnumber people 5:1, running through the hilly farmlands and hanging out as a team), it would be an understatement to say that the Jr. Bills are ready to let loose on a course, though where they land on the results sheet is not of importance.

“Right now, I don’t want to worry about rankings. I just want to get better and enjoy my last year running with the fleur de lis on my jersey,” said senior captain Rackers about his mentality coming into the season as No. 2 in the state.

There is definitely a strong sense of brotherhood throughout the ranks, and the culture of the team is built around enjoying the sport and getting better.

“I’m incredibly excited for what this team can create this season. We have a strong sense of brotherhood that guys want to be a part of, and I can’t wait for our work to pay off,” said senior captain Noah Scott.

The team is looking forward to its first race at the Granite City Invitational on Sept. 7, where they will face off against top competition from Illinois such as O’Fallon and Edwardsville. Though they will start their season against strong programs, they trust in the work they have put in so far and are excited to run together as brothers.