On Sat. Nov. 2, Francis Howell North’s cross country team will face its next challenge on the road to state

sectionals. The meet will take place at Blackburn Park in Webster Groves. The Varsity boys team will go first at 10:30 a.m. and the Varsity Girls team will go next at 11:00 a.m. Head coach Sean Fowler thinks that his team has what it takes to do well.

“I’m confident in the team’s ability to succeed but I am not cocky about it. We had to step it up for districts and I we are going to have to do it again for sectionals,” Fowler said.

Something different about this year is that both Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls qualified for the meet as teams  instead of individuals. Fowler feels that there’s something unique about what each team that’s going to allow them to do well at sectionals.

“The girls last year were good and this year they are just continuing the success,” Fowler said. ”What’s different about the boys is that they run like a pack, always together. I think that they’ll perform well because of it.”

 Many of the runners feel prepared to do their best at the meet. They have been practicing everyday after school and most say that they have been trying to eat healthy. However, some are still battling injuries and sickness.

“I’ve been sick with bronchitis which makes things a little tougher,” senior Alexis Happe said. “ I’m still pushing through it though and trying not to let it affect my running too much.”

Despite everything, the team can’t help feeling nervous about the meet and the competition.

“I just don’t want to see all of our hard work go to waste. There’s going to be a lot of competition there on Saturday, including the state champs,” junior Dominique Meyer said. “ It’s going to be tough but it would definitely be a huge accomplishment if we advanced.”