By Cooper Chadwick
After placing 11th at 5A state last year senior Will Niederee is ready to lead a talented Kapaun Mt. Carmel cross country team to a state championship.
“As a senior, I hope to lead our team, especially the underclassmen, in improving our performances throughout the season. I am always working to improve my personal marks,” Niederee said.
Niederee and the rest of the crusaders put in lots of time in the offseason to prepare for the season as well.
“The team has been working hard, building our mileage and doing strength training. We have set high expectations for our season,” Niederee said. “Together as a team, we met more than five times a week and worked hard together, whether that was doing workouts or lifting weights.”
Head coach Gage Garcia also expressed how much of a leader Niederee is on this team, saying how Niederee leads the team by his actions not necessarily his voice.
Leading through actions, being one of Niederee’s strengths means he continues to push himself to be better.
“I have challenged myself to place in the top 5 at city, regionals and state, as well as running sub 15:25,” Niederee said.
Apart from placing 11th at state last year Niederee who also runs track qualified in three events and even helped the crusaders win the state championship in the 4×400.
Garcia also stated that Niederee is one of the main reasons that the crusaders have record numbers this year.
“Will is an excellent young man. He is a hard worker, great teammate, and is also very smart. Will is someone that everyone on the team really enjoys having around because he is truly one of the funniest guys on the team. He brings a light hearted spirit to the team that makes everyone enjoy the sport even more,” Garcia said.
