With a team that consists of nine freshmen, eight sophomores, eight juniors and 11 seniors, the Lindbergh boys cross country team is flush with depth at every grade level.

“We’re very optimistic,” Lindbergh head coach Jeff Linger said. “We have a pretty balanced group of guys this year and we have depth at every grade level.”

Senior Alvin Wible returns to the Flyers starting lineup as Lindbergh’s top threat on the cross country circuit this season.

“Alvin was our number two runner last year and broke 17 minutes,” Linger said. “I know he’d like to break 16:30 this year and I think that’s an appropriate goal. He’s

a workhorse and the type of runner that lays it out all on the table.”

Sam Meyer is another senior that could break the 17 minute barrier this season after seeing time as Lindbergh’s No. 3 runner in 2022.

“Sam is a volleyball player who spent most of last year as our number three runner,” Linger said. “We’re pretty hopeful that he can be our second guy under 17 minutes this season.”

Another senior that will factor into the Flyers lineup this season is John Wightman.

“John is incredibly disciplined and a very determined runner,” Linger said. “He’s one of those quiet leaders that’s relatively low key and leads by example.”

Colin Sweeney is a senior leader that keeps those long training runs in the August heat lighthearted and somewhat fun.

“Colin is a charismatic leader and I think that all the guys appreciate that about him,” Linger said. “He always keeps things fun.”

Linger is also looking towards seniors Devin Duchek, Milo Freund, Isaac Gutierrez, Brad Hejlik, Carson Kienzler, Nate Ottens and Biraj Pokhrel for key leadership roles on this year’s squad.

“Anytime you’ve got 11 seniors, your underclassmen are going to benefit from that,” Linger said. “You never hear a groan from any of those seniors and that sets the tone for the team during training runs.”