Good Sports: Buchanan girls' cross county aims to take back state title

Buchanan High School's girls' cross country is a team used to the championship feeling.

"In Division I, we're ranked number one," says coach Brian Weaver. "Depending on what poll it is, we're anywhere from fifth to seventh in the country."

The program has 25 section championships, with even more league titles. Now, they're chasing a win at state after back-to-back second-place finishes.

Even though the Bears were the runner-up last year, Coach Weaver didn't leave Woodward Park disappointed.

"It was the second fastest team in the history of Woodward Park," he said. "The team that beat us is the fastest team. I don't know how you can ask for much more than that."

The girls are trying to top that performance. Junior Molly Sundgren says this is the healthiest the group has been all season.

"We're all kind of at a peak right now, feeling really good and practicing really well together," she said. "I'm just excited."

A majority of the team are underclassmen, but it doesn't take long to realize what it means to wear the "B" on their chest.

They've got the talent and have done the prep, even the state week tradition of a fresh team manicure. Now, it's a countdown to the starting line.

"I think we just need to stay as close together as possible," Sundgren said. "It's the best feeling when you can see your teammates around you, and you're running with them."

If all goes well this weekend, the Bears could go for another run on the national stage in Portland.

When it comes to the pre-race pep-talk, there's no pressure from Coach Weaver.

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