At last year’s IAAM Cross Country Championships, the Maryvale Preparatory Lions finished fourth overall, narrowly missing third. This season, with twenty four returners, they look to continue their development; however, many runners on the team hope for a break out season. Looking to their 2023 XC season, Head Coach Jason Miller says, “We have talked a lot about individual goals and primarily using that to jump start the season. There are a lot of strong teams/runners in the league, and we are looking to compete and race with them. The coaching staff is looking to build the confidence not just in our Varsity but our JV athletes as well. Some of the athletes really put some good training in this summer and I am excited to have them put that on display. Also, I am excited to see who will step up from the shadows this season.”
The Maryvale Cross Country team starts each season with a one mile time trial as a fitness test. If this time trial is any indication, this portends a strong season for the Lions. This season, for the first time, three girls broke six minutes in the mile. All three of these athletes are seniors and they will be the leaders for the team.
Natalie Koors, who was fifth at last year’s IAAM XC Championships and third indoors in the 1600, cruised to a 5:40 mile. Following her was Kayley Harris, who ran a ten second personal best during this time trial. Her breakthrough race was in the outdoor IAAM Championship meet, where she finished third in the 800.  Finishing in third in the time trial was Lila Waldron, who was only two seconds off her personal best. She finished seventh overall in the 1600 at the indoor IAAM Championships.
Below Natalie, Lila, and Kayley talk about their upcoming season and what expectations they have for both themselves and the team.
Heat 1 Time Trial
Heat 2 Time Trial
Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQEqPvE1bLA&list=PLqrXWWxYp6uZi8HQuTSyRCniIfsYCpWWU