As the 2021 season begins for the Mehlville girls cross country team, the Panthers are looking to three returning starters to bring success to this year’s squad.

“We are doing pretty good,” Mehlville head coach Erin Rekosh said. “The pandemic last year was really rough for us. But, we’ve got a good group of freshmen and everyone is very motivated and the energy is exciting.”

The Panthers return two seniors to this year’s lineup in Mairead Kimberlin and Katelyn Berhorst.

“Mairead came out last year and was really great for us,” Rekosh said. “She’s super competitive and is always pushing herself to be faster.”

Berhorst, like Kimberlin, made great strides over the course of the past year.

“Katelyn came in as a junior and fell in love with the sport,” Rekosh said. “She’s made huge strides and did such a great job for us. She has a great personality and attitude.”

Sophomore Amy Escamilla made a significant impact in the Panther’s lineup in 2020 and the Panther’s head coach believes that there will be even bigger accomplishments in 2021.

“Amy is another runner that came in as a freshman and was a little dynamo for us,” Rekosh said. “She’s grown so much as a runner and I’m really excited about what she’s going to be able to do this year.”

The Panthers open the 2021 campaign at the Fleet Feet Classic Aug. 31 at Arnold City Park.