Warriors cross country coach Brian Kershasky is excited about his second year with the team.

The Nansemond River High School cross country team had a solid campaign under Kershasky last year, and he is excited about this year as well. Last season, Kershasky took over and made sure to make team chemistry a priority on top of pushing each individual runner to be their best and be more knowledgeable about cross country.

The returners know what to expect this year, and adding in a mix of newcomers will make for a good season for the Warriors.

“For the returning runners, I’m very excited for them to improve,” Kershasky said. “I think that I’m mostly interested in watching how they begin to understand the sport. Eating and drinking habits, stretching and maintaining the body habits, understanding their pacing habits, and how they apply that to their race. I’m excited for the futures of our newcomers as well.”

Kershasky wants to continue to help his athletes learn all aspects of cross country. He wants his kids to know it isn’t just a “run as fast as you can” type of race. Cross country can be a lifestyle thing for the future of his runners. His goal is for his athletes to grow and mature into smart, powerful, lifelong runners.

So far, Cameron Ballinger and Danielle Perry make up the top runners for both the boys’ and girls’ team. In the first Southeastern District meet, Ballinger finished 24th overall in the boys’ meet, while Perry finished sixth overall in the girls’ meet.

“They have so much raw talent and desire,” Kershasky said. “They are going to shatter their (personal records) and start to compete at a high level by the end of this season.”

With a younger team this year, the Warriors are hoping to improve the team’s scores while also bringing home a regional championship and sending runners to the state meet.