After a massive loss of runners due to graduation, the Mingus Union High School cross-country team looks to reload the program.

The team lost seven of the 13 runners on the team. Six of the seven boys last year were seniors. Yet, even with this loss, the team is expected to do well this season.

“Coach [Jim] Bostwick’s track record shows the cross-country team will always have success,” said Mark Owens, MUHS athletic director.

Bostwick starts his 16th year as the Marauders cross-country coach. He has been coaching the sport for 27 years.

The loss of runners does not worry Bostwick.

“Sometimes having freshmen and sophomores on the varsity line can be the most exciting time,” Bostwick said. “In a few years, they will be very experienced runners. It’s just a bigger challenge for me.”

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Aug. 15, issue of the Cottonwood Journal-Extra.