GREEN RIVER — The Green River High School cross country teams begin the 2026 season Monday with high expectations after a summer of consistent training and development.

Head coach Craig Leavitt said the Wolves had a productive offseason, with runners putting in significant work ahead of the start of the season.

“Offseason training for the Green River High School Wolves has been highly successful, with the team demonstrating immense growth and collective accountability through consistent, high-elevation summer mileage,” Leavitt said.

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Green River will look to carry that work into a competitive 4A West Conference season. Leavitt said expectations are high for both teams as they work toward postseason success.

“Heading into the new season, expectations are exceptionally high as both the boys’ and girls’ teams look to climb the ranks in the competitive WHSAA 4A West Conference and position themselves for podium spots at the State Championships,” he said.

The girls team will be led by returning varsity runners Ellie Quiroz, Adri Curtis and Angalina Veys. On the boys side, Jesse Kimble, Arden Lamb, Hunter Rushing, Cade Toolson and Tavin Vendetti are expected to provide leadership.

Leavitt also pointed to several younger runners who could make an impact this season.

“They will be heavily supported by a hungry group of younger runners, including sophomore Kaylee MacLagan and a talented group of incoming freshmen from Lincoln Middle School who have transitioned seamlessly to high school training,” he said.

As practice begins, Green River will focus on building fitness while developing its approach to racing as a team.

“During the first few weeks of practice and early meets, the primary focus will center on building an aerobic engine through hill circuits and mastering pack running tactics to reduce the scoring time gap between the first and fifth runners to under 60 seconds,” Leavitt said.

The Wolves will also emphasize success away from the course. Leavitt said the program is prioritizing academic performance alongside its athletic goals.

“Beyond aiming for peak postseason performance, the program is prioritizing academic excellence off the grass,” he said.

Green River will host its first competition of the season Aug. 28 at the Green River Invitational at the Stratton Myers Park course. The Wolves will then travel to Cheyenne for the Wyoming Invitational on Sept. 4 before competing at the Berry Bryant Invitational in Riverton on Sept. 10.

The schedule continues with the Rawlins Invitational on Sept. 18 and the Saratoga Invitational on Sept. 25. Green River will return to Sweetwater County for the Rock Springs Invitational on Oct. 2 before competing at the Mountain View Invitational on Oct. 8.

The postseason begins Oct. 16 at the 4A West Regional meet in Star Valley. The season concludes with the state championships Oct. 24 in Cheyenne.

Leavitt said the team is particularly looking forward to several meets throughout the season.

“Everyone eagerly anticipating key calendar highlights like the home Green River Invitational, the 4A West Regional battle against Sweetwater County rivals, and the final State Championship meet,” he said.

With practice beginning Monday, the Wolves will have the next several weeks to build on their summer preparation and work toward their postseason goals.