MHS Cross Country Girls putting in the hard work as they keep an eye on state goals

Finishing the 2022 season, Marlow's Cross Country girls team reset their focus on a bigger goal this year. "So far this season, the girls on this year's team are really competing well and have made a name for themselves," said Head Coach Mikey Eaves as he shared his mid-season report.

"With last year's goal of making it to State as a team being achieved, this year's team had higher hopes in mind. With a mix of both experienced runners in our program and incoming runners, the combination is working really well and we are learning to compete daily."

Seniors Skylar Ramsey, Lauren Ivory and Kimsin Daniels have taken on the role of leading the team this year which is showing in the overall team success.

"All of these girls are really stepping up and leading this team. Skylar has really dug in and taken the reigns as the leader. Her struggle with her health last year has really motivated her this year to do her best and she is really doing a great job," Eaves said.

"Lauren Ivory is one of our biggest leaders on the team and an extremely good teammate. She is helping mold the younger teammates and knows what it takes to succeed with hard work. Kimsin Daniels is improving week to week."

Marlow girls' team is ranked 16 on the state level out of 35 teams.

"The girls have made great showings at all the meets we have attended this year with the most recent being at Velma where they finished runner up, behind top 4 team in 4a Pauls' Valley," Eaves said. "We have a couple more regular season meets left being at Lindsay and then at Waurika then we will begin our preparation for post season. Excited to see them compete at a high level with a few weeks remaining in the season."

Brileigh Soell and Britney Mackey are the two Juniors on the team this year. Eaves said they also are dedicated, working hard in practice and really getting better every meet. "Cross Country is such a mental sport and both girls with the right mindset have done great this year and look forward to seeing them the rest of the year."

Gracee Ottinger, Carson Lovett and Katleyn Reynolds the three sophomores of the team, are some really competitive athletes. They do not like to get beat and are learning what type of work that takes to get that achieved.

"Gracee is making a name for herself by finishing as one of our top runners all year. Carson Lovett decided to take a leap and join back up this year with last year's focus of basketball, and we are all glad she did. She is mentally getting stronger every meet and really competing at a high level contributing big to our team. Katelyn Reynolds is a great runner with a great attitude, she helps lead in so many ways and is really work hard to make this year's team."

Completing the team are freshmen runners: Jaci Mckay, Sunny Dennis and McKenna Austin. Eaves said all have made great contributions. "They all have had varsity spots on the team and all are showing that age doesn't matter when it comes to hard work and effort and how that can make you great in so many ways. Extremely proud of all three of these young ladies and excited to see them compete the rest of the year.

"The Marlow Lady Outlaw Cross Country team is ready to make a statement as we approach postseason meets and see what we can do as individuals and as a team."