McCook girls start as Class C No. 3-ranked team

All signs are pointing up for the McCook cross country team with junior Maryann Kassner.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

LINCOLN, Neb. — McCook High's girls have earned a Class C No. 3 team ranking from the Nebraska Cross Country Coaches Association.

The defending C-5 district champs are listed only behind Auburn and Lincoln Christian. McCook finished sixth among all Class C teams at Kearney Country Club last fall.

Sophomores Emma Cappel, Brecken Gale and junior Megan Miller have returned from last year's C-5 district champs along with junior Maryann Kassner and a new state track-tested runner in senior Izzy Renner.

Douglas County and Fort Calhoun follow the Bison in Class C's top five. Aurora, Arlington, Kearney Catholic, Milford and Chadrom complete that top 10.

Southwest Conference rivals Broken Bow and Minden are both listed as Top 10 contenders along with familiar foe Sidney.

McCook makes its season debut on Saturday at the Sutherland Invitational.