The 2025 boys cross country season is a sentimental one for Lindbergh head coach Jeff Linger. The Flyers’ senior class were all just freshman when Linger took over the program in 2022.

“This is my fourth year coaching boy’s cross country and these are the guys that were there from the start of my coaching career,” Linger said. “So this is a special group of seniors for me this year.”

Ben Donaldson returns for the 2025 season after taking 26th overall at last year’s Class 5 District 1 championship. One thing that the Flyers’ head coach is looking forward to seeing is how the junior performs after completing his first full season of training. Donaldson is also a two-time state qualifier.

“Ben just completed his first year of full season training,” Linger said. “I believe he’s just coming into his form due to the commitment he’s made towards running. I believe he’s going to have an exciting season.”

Senior Ethan Thurman is another runner to watch this season after having a solid performance at last year’s district championships.

“Ethan’s the one who always leads by example,” Linger said. “When he talks, his words tend to rise above the rest.”

Junior Colton Hampton is expected to be a consistent and improving threat for the Flyers, after qualifying for last year’s district championships.

“Colton’s always been the X factor for us,” Linger said. “I have no idea where he’s going to be at the end of the year, but I know that he’s going to go out there and improve in every race.”

Linger also sees a lot of promise in seniors Evan Jeanmougin and Michael Waterman.

“Evan’s always pushing himself in every practice and he’s the kind of person that leads by his work ethic,” Linger said. “Michael was our assistant captain last year and I know he’s put in a lot of work in the last six months. He came into the track season last year and was so much more explosive and I believe that’s going to benefit him a lot this season.”

The sophomore duo of Elijah Mullins and Owen Selzer have also shown a lot of potential after an impressive performance last year as freshmen.

“Owen plays soccer and he’s just a phenomenal athlete that lettered in four sports last year,” Linger said. “Elijah exploded at the end of the season last year and literally dropped three minutes off his time over the course of about three and a half weeks.”