Kennedy Boys Cross Country is off to a fast start in 2019, and with the number one runner in the state, they have the momentum to keep it going. 

Jacob Greene, senior at Kennedy and number one runner in the state, got first at the Eastern Iowa CC Classic with a time of 16:01.42. Teammate and senior Lucas Middlekauf came in eleventh (17:06.40) and right behind him was senior Kayde Bowers (17:09.38). The team came in second with a total of 64 points. 

“We have a great group of kids who just keep improving and hopefully getting ready for the end of the year.” said Brian Annis, boys varsity cross country coach.

Greene and Bowers are working towards individually qualifying for state and in the end winning a state title. Last year Greene was close to making it to state for track but unfortunately got pneumonia right before the race. This year Greene is healthy and ready to work.

“I remember (in) Kindergarten at Viola Gibson Running Club just running away. Coach Pak said I was going to be something great and I didn’t know what it meant at the time. Right now it’s just coming in a full circle.” said Greene. 

The team’s ultimate goal is to make it to state again. Their biggest competition is Iowa City West  but Kennedy’s team has numerous strong runners who are helping to improve their overall team score. 

“Jacob Greene is our strongest runner. He’s ranked number one in the state but we also have varsity runners like Kayde Bowers, Lucas Middlekauff, Jack Schissel, Miles Wilson, and Kenzie Reed.” said Coach Annis 

Cross Country is a sport that requires a lot of teamwork on and off the course.

“No matter what school your from your always gonna have support. If you go out and your running against Xavier people, Xavier will be on the line cheering you on. It’s a whole unified meet.” said Greene.