When speaking about the boys cross country team at Mehlville High School, head coach Mark McNamara is quick to point out that this season is all about his team living outside their comfort zone.

“This group is being challenged to get out of their comfort zone, and it’s been fun to see them adapt and still stay positive,” McNamara said. “We’ve increased the training mileage and they’ve responded to it really well.”

The Panthers return five runners from last year’s squad that took 16th at the 2024 Missouri Class 5 District 1 championships. With that being said, McNamara is already seeing changes in this year’s team.

“The status quo on this team has definitely been disrupted,” McNamara said. “The guys have been positive throughout this first week, and I think they’re getting into better racing shape.”

Junior Klaus Meyer returns as Mehlville’s top threat on the racing course after taking 42nd overall at last year’s district championships.

“Klaus has worked really hard over the summer and he’s looking very strong,” McNamara said. “I think he’ll be rewarded … with some fast times this season.”

Another junior to watch this season is Jason Rayborn, who’s poised to make some big moves in 2025.

“He’s a tough kid that also wrestles, so he has the ability to run through that mental wall during training runs,” McNamara said.

But the key to the Panthers’ success this season depends on the performance of five runners. Seniors Mason Murphy, Angel Chavez and Gavin Kienbusch, along with juniors Luke Miller and Tarik Mesic, will provide a considerable amount of depth at the third to seventh positions in the starting lineup.

“We really need to push our depth, and I think that each of them can have a great season,” McNamara said. “If they can live up to their potential, we could have one of the best teams that Mehlville has seen in the last decade.”