There may have been no races, but cross country coach Jon Welty couldn't be more pleased with his team as his newcomers adapted and impressed.
 
"It was a different season than any other, but I still feel like we progressed and found ways to stay motivated," said Welty. "The training was a good shift for everyone and allowed us to work on our training in a well-rounded manner."
 
Getting his first good look at his freshmen class, Welty is encouraged by the progression the rookies have made. He pointed to Neo Colter, Christian Hensley and Aaron Trier on the men's side and Lindsay Eaton on the women's team as reasons for his optimism come next season, and possibly as early as the track season.
 
"Neo put himself up there with the top group," reported a pleased Welty. "I believe that Neo, Christian and Aaron will have strong careers. On the women's side, I am happy with how Lindsay progressed throughout the season."
 
Welty could get another good look at his squad in a couple of months if the Midwest Conference permits the indoor track season to begin after the first of the year. The league's Presidents' Council will meet next month with an eye on the winter season. If given the all-clear, Welty is confident his distance group will be ready.
 
"The variety of our workouts should give them all a strong base for track, whenever that starts," predicted Welty. "I am giving them a little bit of down time from 'workouts' and just having them focus on running right now, but they should be ready whenever the season gets rolling."
 
The team will roll off campus next week, returning for the start of the spring semester classes on Jan. 25. That's two months away from workouts, but Welty is confident they'll put in the work needed to be ready to run when the calendar turns.
 
"They just need to be consistent in their running," he said. "If someone can run every day or even five days a week while they are gone, they will maintain a decent level of fitness. They just need to be consistent."