In Coach Andrew Chasteen’s first year, he had 16 athletes on his cross-country team. Last year he had 23, and now he’s coaching a team of over 30.
“I love a smaller team because we get to know each other so much,” Chasteen said, “But now, at our varsity level, we’re in the ‘we’re very good now’ phase. These guys are ready to roll.”

In his third year coaching the PGHS and PGMS cross-country teams, Coach Chasteen is looking to take state.
“The past couple of years it’s been about raising our mileage, getting comfortable, now, it’s time to show off,” Coach Chasteen said.

Cross-country athletes run anywhere from 25-35 miles a week depending on varsity status and gender. Students run through Spring Lake Park, Bringle Lake Park, the PGMS track, and other places around town.
“We run at different places to keep it from getting boring,” Chasteen said, “Also, each course offers something different that can help us train.”

Runners have to be fast, endurant, and strong. Athletes start with endurance building before moving on to speed and speed endurance training.
“Our mileage picked up a lot quicker than it normally does because now they’re ready to handle it,” Chasteen said, “The goal is at the first race that those guys aren’t ready to just compete but to win.”

The first meet is Sept. 7 at Texas A&M, the first-ever home meet for the PG cross country team.