ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs High School cross country program is entering the upcoming season with increased numbers, a strong summer training base and a mix of experienced runners and promising newcomers.

Head coach Eric Urlacher said 57 student-athletes from seventh through 12th grade participated in the Rock Springs Cross Country Summer Running Club, making the summer program a key part of the team’s development.

The emphasis was twofold: building participation throughout the program and preparing the top runners to compete at the varsity level.

“Our focus on differentiation for ability level and FUN will bolster our numbers and we are looking at our biggest freshman XC class in my tenure,” Urlacher said.

The summer mileage has also been a major focus. Urlacher pointed to former Rock Springs coach Brad Dekrey’s philosophy that “mileage makes the man,” with the program emphasizing the development of an aerobic base before moving into more race-specific training.

Several runners are expected to surpass 300 miles during the summer, including returning varsity runners Owen Berry and Jake Swensen, returning Wyoming High School Activities Association All-State runner Aria Wheeler and freshman Kiefer Crompton. Other runners are expected to finish the summer with 100 to 200 miles.

The program’s first team pillar is “UBUNTU,” a South African phrase that Urlacher describes as meaning, “I am a person through other persons.”

Urlacher said the coaching staff expects athletes to support and encourage one another throughout the season. Senior runners help reinforce that philosophy by giving speeches, running back to encourage teammates and participating in team-building activities.

Individual development is another major part of the program. Urlacher and assistant coach Louderback plan to establish individual goals with every athlete, ranging from pursuing All-State honors to completing a 5-kilometer race without walking.

The Tigers return six seniors who have been part of the program for four years.

On the boys side, Swensen and Berry are expected to lead the team after putting in more than 300 miles during the summer. Brandon Swigart, a Wyoming state track medalist in the 400 meters, is expected to provide a strong finishing kick, as well as Damon Hodges, who is also a drummer.

The girls team features a strong group led by Wheeler, who is coming off a third-place finish at the 4A West Conference Championships and earned All-State honors last season.

Urlacher said Wheeler is healthy entering the season and is looking to repeat as an All-State performer.

Deagyn Sperry is another returning varsity runner expected to make an impact after putting in more summer mileage than she has previously.

The girls’ potential top five also includes Hazel Wheeler, Stevie Miller and Macy Harmon. Urlacher said the Tigers have a strong opportunity to contend for a conference team placement, with the remaining varsity spots still up for competition.

Rock Springs also has plenty of youth entering the program, particularly on the boys side.

The freshman class is expected to challenge for varsity spots, led by Crompton. Urlacher described the freshman group as “absolute mile eaters” and said several could compete for positions in the Tigers’ top seven.

Crompton enters high school after being named Rock Springs Junior High Student of the Year and qualifying for the RSJH Best of the Best track meet in both the mile and 800 meters. He also put together a 400-mile summer.

The early portion of the season will continue to emphasize mileage and aerobic development under the Daniels running formula.

The Tigers’ first day of practice will feature what the program has dubbed “UBUNTU Banana Monday,” including a run through the splash pad and banana splits. Berry is scheduled to give a speech about the team’s first pillar while wearing a banana costume.

The training will become more demanding as the season progresses, with workouts including time trials at the Western Wyoming Community College track, hill sprints on Art Castillo Way and long runs in the desert.

For Urlacher, however, the goals extend beyond times and team results.

“We thoroughly enjoy setting personal goals for each student-athlete to reach the best-version of themselves as a person (UBUNTU) and in the objective realm of 5k time,” he said.

The Tigers’ season will include a community event before the competitive schedule gets into full swing. The team will participate in the ninth annual Coats for Kids Trail Run on Saturday, Aug. 22. The event serves as a team fundraiser and charitable drive in partnership with Knights of Columbus Council No. 2441.

Rock Springs will also host a meet at White Mountain Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 2, with races scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

The season will build toward the WHSAA State Cross Country Championships on Oct. 24 in Cheyenne, where the Tigers hope their summer mileage, veteran leadership and influx of young runners will translate into a strong finish.

For a program centered on UBUNTU, the goal is not simply to see individual runners improve. It is to have the entire group push one another toward becoming better runners and teammates.