Hoeft estimates they ran about 600 miles together over the summer.

On top of of those 600 miles, the team went to Wyoming for training. The team trained with other cross country teams in the high altitudes of Wyoming. Running in high altitudes is another thing this team has done to set them apart from the pack and make them even better.

Klecker believes this year’s team is different from past years. Hoeft also agrees with Klecker Led by Joe Klecker, senior, the boys cross country team has placed first in their first three meets for a strong start to their season.

The team as a whole has some very large goals for the season. Both Klecker and Owen Hoeft, junior, believe they have the potential to win state, and head coach Mike Harris also has high hopes for the team.

“We would like to contend for a top two seed at the section meet and advance the team or many individuals to the fall cross country state meet. We also wish to make running a lifelong activity for all team members in grades seven through 12,” Harris said. “Individually we want positive development and progress for each athlete, but it has to be fun and worth the time spent in preparation for races. We train to race and we want greatness from each athlete with a desire to do more than the year before.”

and says the work ethic of the team is very strong  and the team doesn’t need any outside influence to work hard.

“First we are just a lot faster, and our work ethic is better. We have morning practices a couple times a week. In the past they have been optional and not many people have gone but this year the whole team has really came together and started working out twice a day,” Klecker said.

Harris believes the offseason work has definitely helped this team, and they are one of the best teams to ever run at Hopkins.

“The 2014 boys team will rank as one of the best teams that has competed at HHS. The boys are currently ranked fourth in Minn. midway through the season. They are excited to take on and compete with the top three ranked teams in the second half of the season,” Harris said.