BLANCHARDVILLE — With overall numbers down for this fall, Pecatonica-Argyle runners will need to step up individually in order to see success this cross country season.

“Right now our numbers are a little low but we have been picking up some interest as of late from some incoming freshman, so with the season start still a few days away, we are taking a wait and see approach before we set our team goals because right now on paper we don’t have enough to score,” said Jason Klocek, Vikings coach for the past six years. “That being said, individually, we continue to build off the culture that’s been in place for the past 6 years. The student athletes here have been a part of this for long enough to help continue to instill our beliefs, ‘work hard, and success will follow.’”

The Vikings lost their two-time team MVP (Allie Godfrey) and two other varsity runners from its girls lineup (Sydney Webster, Emily Zimmerman), and an all-conference runner on the boys side (David Tisch).

Stepping up to lead the team includes junior Ridge Toay.

“Ridge Toay is ready to step in as our No. 1, he’s an 18-minute guy who will be garnering some interest amongst some of the local D3 schools for his efforts. Ridge has an excellent chance to really make a name for himself this season,” Klocek said. “I like how Nathan Nickels has come into his own in the past year, and Brady Penniston cut his mullet and hit the weight room and looks ready as ever.”

On the girls side, junior Norah McCarthy returns, and senior Claire Mathys and sophomore Paige Toay could each contribute to the varsity team. Freshman Samuel Koch will get a chance to shine on the boys side.

“We have some new faces out this season, so we are going to have to learn on the fly how to handle meet preparation, how to approach the race, and recovery. We have a flurry of meets early on, so that’s going to be a big test for some of our new student athletes but we will work hard to make sure everyone understands the scope of the season,” Klocek said.

Despite the low numbers, Klocek said his team’s biggest strength will be key to success this fall: Believing in themselves.

“The student athletes we have all believe in themselves and that the hard work they put in will eventually pay off for them. That’s a big part of the team culture we have here at PA and will continue to instill that into our student athletes and they live it each and every time out. That’s big in any sport, but especially cross country where you have to really instill in yourself that you can complete the task at hand,” Klocek said.