The Norwalk boys and girls cross country teams both return several experienced varsity runners as they prepare for next week’s season opener. The Warriors will travel to Ankeny on Tuesday, August 22, for the DMACC Invite.

The Norwalk boys harriers earned a third straight Little Hawkeye Conference Meet title last fall and placed fourth at the Class 4A State Championships in Fort Dodge. The Warriors start the season ranked ninth by the Iowa Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches.

Three runners that competed at state are back to lead the Warrior pack. Senior Noah Buhrow, who placed 26th in 4A, begins the year ranked 13th individually by the IATC. Also returning are junior Tony Anania and sophomore Teegan Kralik, who finished in the top half of the 4A state field. Additional returning letter winners include Henry Groos, Grant Wallace, Sam Parker, Corbin Oswald, Daniel Webster and AJ Mosqueda. Groos was a varsity runner until injury ended his 2022 season early.

The Norwalk girls placed fifth at both the Little Hawkeye and 4A State Qualifying meets last fall. The team’s top returning runners include Maya Butler, Pearl Brown, Brooke Seeley, Mia Tice and Addi Robinson. A pair of newcomers to watch are Lhotse Samuelson and Anita Scholten.