COLCHESTER - West Prairie head coach Jacey Roper has literally hit the ground running as the Cyclones prepare for their inaugural season of high school cross country.
An alum of the Western Illinois University track and field program, Roper welcomes seven student-athletes to the West Prairie squad as it prepares for the Macomb Early Bird meet at Spring Lake on August 27.
The squad is young including freshmen Erza Bithos, Ian Fentem, Brynlee Finch, Ayden Lacey and Milo Rodeffer, along with sophomores Mason Sorrells and Jacob Foust.
Roper, who is entering her first season as a head coach, is excited for the program and its future.
“We hope to grow the program,” she said. “We hope to get more kids out and get them excited about running.”
Although her team expectations are limited at this point, Roper hopes to get the community excited and will come out to support the program.
The Cyclones will participate in nine events prior to regionals in late October including one home meet at Argyle State Park on Sept. 9.
“We’re hoping to have people come out and support us,” said Roper. “I think we will start at the Sunset Shelter (Argyle State Park). It will be three miles, kind of out in the back. I’m very excited.”
