Cross Country 2025 Preview

By Joseph Stair, Seamus Raab, Fa Siale, and Peyton Brooks

O'Dea's 25 year XC Drought Finally Broken by appearing in state  

The O'Dea fighting Irish cross-country team is entering a new season after their appearance at state for the first time in 25 years. With the success of last year, the team is planning on going back to state and going further than before. As the cross-country team prepares for the new season new leadership and coaching come to the team and could possibly give them the advantage needed to get over that hump. 

With all the excitement from last season, the cross-country team lost many important seniors who were key to the team’s success last season. Yet this season boasts returners Maddox Fox and Paulos Yohannes, who are set to become the new leaders for the team going into their senior year. Yohannes' main goals are running his best and “giving as much motivation” to the team. With high hopes all around Yohannes and Fox are looking to go back to state and leave their legacy on the Irish program.

O’Dea Cross Country: Building on Last Year’s Success 

Rising seniors and standout runners Yohannes and Fox are set to lead the charge and carry the team’s momentum into another strong season. Fox, now entering his fourth year on the cross country team, brings valuable experience and consistency that the younger athletes can look up to. Yohannes, despite transferring in sophomore year, has already built a strong bond with his teammates and is ready to step into a leadership role. Their discipline, determination, and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team forward. 

Adding to the excitement is the arrival of the team’s new coach, Jackson Derby. A former high school runner himself, Derby brings both firsthand racing experience and a fresh perspective to O’Dea’s program. With a strong core of returning talent and renewed leadership on the sidelines, the Fighting Irish are determined to repeat last year’s success and solidify themselves as a consistent state contender. 

O’Dea Cross Country: Looking Forward 

Expectations and goals for the cross-country teams are high. However, there have been many changes made. One of the bigger changes is building on the success of the seniors who graduated last year including Ryan Berta, Will Martin, Griffin Reed, Derek Wojcik, Cassius Sanders, Isaac Lewis, and many more. For any team, losing the captains and seniors of the team can be a tough task, especially with a graduating class as big as 2024 was. However, the team seems ready for this season. With a new practice schedule including morning runs the O'Dea cross country team is as conditioned as ever, and confident in being able to compete with the best teams in Metro, including Blanchet and Seattle Prep. With this hard work they hope to create a memorable season. Some of the biggest goals are placing in Metro and qualifying for state once again. Yohannes said, “…the sky's the limit, and if we put in the work we can definitely place at state.” It seems like great things are coming for the Fighting Irish’s cross-country team this season.