The 2022 cross country season has arrived and teams from every corner of Oklahoma have put in the tough miles in preparation for the new season. The Owasso girls cross country team is no different and under the leadership of head coach Blake Collins, this team is shaping up to be a true contender.
“We have a terrific group of returning runners this season for our ladies and several very talented young runners moving up as freshmen. We were also incredibly fortunate to hire coach Rachael Graddy to work with our girls. We are very excited about the season and can’t wait to get started,” said coach Collins.
Making her return to the team after suffering an injury last season is senior Andie Humes.
“You don’t really realize how much a team means to you until you’re unable to compete with them. Last year was incredibly hard for me so I’m so excited to be able to run with my girls again. This season is definitely a redemption season for me, and I cannot wait to lead this group of girls alongside the other five seniors,” said Humes.
Coach Collins said Humes is a “tenacious runner who is back to full strength.”
Olivia Graham is another senior looking to have her best season in her final year of prep competition.
“Olivia Graham has a chance to be one of our top girls this year. She has had moments last year where she looked amazing. I think, with a little more consistency this season, she could be great,” said coach Collins.
One of the underclassman standouts is sophomore Quinn Thomason.
“Quinn Thomason will be a sophomore this season and has unlimited potential. She is one of the most competitive runners we have and hates to lose. She will be a huge part of our varsity team this year,” said coach Collins.
Everyone loves to see Rayna Kucharyski succeed as well. Her continual improvements on the course has elevated her to become one of the better runners for the Rams.
“Rayna Kucharyski came out for cross country in the middle of last season and has done nothing but improve week after week since she’s been with us. She is an incredibly tough runner who is also very soft spoken and humble. She is a fantastic teammate and we’re thrilled to have her for a full season this year,” said coach Collins.
Other team members include Sophie Anderson (Jr.), Hannah Barten (So.), Sara Cobb (Jr.), Gwyneth Collins (Fr.), Brooklyn Garafola (Sr.), Kasha Graham (Jr.), Erin Hendrick (Fr.), Lilith Johnson (Fr.), Katie Massera (Sr.), Wretha McDaniel (Fr.), Pippy Newell (So.), Sam Phelps (Sr.), Arianna Reeves (So.), Rilee Shea (Fr.), Maggie Snap (Jr.), Taylor Snyder (Fr.), Ashlyn Stephenson (Jr.), Kate Stocksen (Jr.), Sarah Swofford (Jr.), Tristan Yates (Fr.), and Campbell Zumwalt (Fr.).
