As the 2026 cross country season approaches, the Ephrata Tigers are diligently preparing to make this their most competitive year yet. With a robust roster that includes over 50 athletes, the team is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, bolstered by a blend of experienced runners and fresh talent.
Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, noting, "I’m feeling energized. We’ve got a good group, one of the largest groups we’ve had in a long time." This sense of optimism is palpable among the athletes, who have been actively participating in early season practices, fostering camaraderie between both the boys' and girls' teams.
On the boys' side, the Tigers boast several key returners, including state competitors Caleb Fitz and Nico Diaz, who are expected to lead the charge. The girls' team is equally strong, with standout runners such as Hanah Malone, Abigail Chamberlain, Savannah Harper, and Rebecca Wiser all returning to the lineup. Their experience will be crucial as the team aims for a successful season.
Roberts highlighted the potential of the younger athletes on the roster, indicating that he anticipates significant development as the season progresses. The early practices have shown a promising mix of upperclassmen mentoring underclassmen, creating an environment where all runners are encouraged to push their limits and improve.
"As long as we keep healthy, we’re going to be really competitive on both the boys and girls side, ultimately with goals of making it to state," Roberts stated, setting a clear target for the team. This ambition resonates particularly with senior runner Hanah Malone, who is eager to make her final season memorable. Having competed for four years and qualified for state three times, Malone is looking forward to leading her teammates and sharing her experiences.
Reflecting on her journey, Malone remarked, "It’s bittersweet because I know this is going to be my last year part of this team and this program. But it’s a really cool and unique experience for this to be my senior year and everything from my freshman year has just been building to this year with our team being the best it’s been in a long time." Her leadership will be vital, especially for the newcomers who may feel anxious about their first season.
Malone aims to use her senior year to not only enhance her own performance but also to support her teammates. She recalls her own experiences as a nervous freshman and hopes to provide guidance to those who may feel similarly. "There’s a lot of people that either this is their first time, or they’re scared freshmen and I can see myself in them where I was a scared freshman," she explained. Her goal is to foster a supportive environment where all athletes feel valued and encouraged.
As the season unfolds, Malone plans to focus on building her mental strength and achieving personal records while also aspiring for the Tigers' girls team to qualify for the state tournament for the first time in years. "I think it’s just the people I’m excited for and just being able to do things with them," she shared, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the fun aspects of being part of the team.
Creating a positive team culture has been a priority for Coach Roberts as the Tigers gear up for the season. With a diverse group of runners, each with their own ambitions, fostering a supportive atmosphere is essential. "Making sure everyone is still supported and valued on the team is a big part of the early season," he noted, underscoring the mental aspect of the sport.
The Ephrata Tigers will kick off their season on September 11 at 4:15 p.m. at Ellensburg Irene Rinehart Park, where they will look to set the tone for what they hope will be a historic year.
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