Many varsity new runners are taking to the cross country trails this season for Excelsior Springs. On the girls side, the Tigers graduated everyone from last season’s team. However, two runners who took off the 2021 season return. Juniors Chloe Albertson and Lexus Barney are the two returning runners. They’ll both look to be among the team’s top runners. Senior Jules Morton; junior Braylissa Whitworth; sophomores Emily Fostich and Ava Morton; and first-year high schoolers Katie Houch, Lillah Shue, Kirsten Stout and Jade Tompkins will join Albertson and Barney. “The girl’s team will have battles throughout the season to see who will be in each position,” coach Brian Smarker said. The varsity boys team features eight runners who will vie to represent Excelsior Springs on race day. Seniors Damien McDade and Gavin Wilmes will lead the squad. Wilmes, a state qu...