The Owen-Withee cross country team will be led this year by Colton Paczkowski. Paczkowski qualified for State Track last spring in the 800 and hopes to build off of his track success this fall. But it isn’t just his athletic ability that will help the Hawks this season.

“Colton Paczkowski is one of the best leaders I’ve been around in my years coaching,” Head Coach Brian Lewison says, “He is very committed to the sport, which his teammates recognize, and they are following his lead in training and preparation.”

In addition to Paczkowski, Lewison made note of fellow junior Steven Negron as a runner to watch as he has been much improved in early practices.

Owen-Withee did not have a complete girls team last season and that seems like it will be the case once again this year with only two girls running this season. They are freshmen Adelynn Petersen and Riah Rendeman.

Despite the numbers, only two girls and four boys, Lewison is optimistic about the chances for individual accolades this season.

“Only one runner earned honorable mention all-conference recognition last year,” explains Lewison, “’[But] we have the potential for multiple all-conference kids this year.”

The Hawks first meet was last Saturday at Wildwood Park in Marshfield. The meet was after press time, so no results were available. Their next meet is this Saturday at Loyal, the start time is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. The Hawks host their home meet on Tuesday, October 1, the start time is scheduled for 4 p.m.