As the Oakville girls cross country team prepares for the start of the 2021 season, the Tigers are looking forward to finally having a full meet schedule this year.

“We actually have a decent turnout this year, “ Oakville head coach Kelsey Tunze said. “We have our returning runners as well as a handful of freshmen so that’s good. There’s going to be a full meet schedule this season which I’m super excited about.”

Olivia Witte is one of two seniors on this year’s roster and the Tiger’s head coach is looking for Witte to have her best season yet.

“Expect this year to be her best year yet,” Tunze said. “We’re looking for her to give this year everything that she’s got.”

Senior Alexis Francisco is another Tiger that has put in the work to have a successful 2021 season.

“Alexis works really hard, is always at every practice and is a big part of the team,” Tunze said. “I know that she always wants to run her best race and I think that she’s going … to do that.”

One runner that has put in a lot of time in the offseason is junior Emily Keck.

“She’s been doing a lot of Summer work,” Tunze said. “I expect for her to come out and do really well this year. We’re definitely looking for her to be a leader this year.”

Sophomore Sydney Baker flirted with being Oakville’s top runner last season as a freshman and has put herself in position to being one of the best weapons in the Tiger’s lineup.

“Sydney was our top runner on and off last year,” Tunze said. “Hoping that she can get closer to making sections this year.”

Sydney Ladage is a two sport athlete that should also factor into the Tiger’s success this season.

“(She is) Really involved in soccer as well and I’m hoping that continues to help her with her running,” Tunze said. “Looking for her to continue being a big part of the team.”

The Tigers begin the season Aug. 28 at the Fort Zumwalt North Twilight Invitational.