The Nansemond River High School cross country team is looking forward to a productive fall season.

The cross country season has geared up, and all Suffolk schools have competed in at least one official regular-season meet. The Warriors return some key runners on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, which has Coach Brain Kershasky excited about the year.

“This group is a ton of fun, with a ton of spirit and a ton of desire to push themselves,” Kershasky said. “They are going to set some very good personal records for themselves, and I have a feeling by the end of the season, we will put up some quality team scores as well.”

Returning for Nansemond River is 2018 Suffolk News-Herald Fall Female Player of the Year Danielle Perry. She qualified for the state tournament last year and finished among the top 20 girls in the Class 5 meet.

Cameron Ballinger and Connor Williams are both expected to have strong seasons for the boys’ team.

For this season, Kershasky is looking for the team to enjoy a different aspect this season.

“This year I want the team to start to enjoy the team aspect of our sport, not just the personal side,” Kershasky said. “I want the kids to have a great time and really own this season and let it be something they can reflect fondly on later in their lives. A great, memorable season.”

Kershasky felt good about the performance his team put together in the first meet. Williams and Ballinger finished 11th and 12th, respectively, during the boys’ race. On the girls’ side, Nansemond River had some strong overall performances as well.

For this season, Nansemond River hopes to get times down for the collective groups. For the boys, they hope they can get all times under 18 minutes and for the girls, under 20.

Nansemond River will compete in the second Southeastern District meet this Wednesday evening.