With the Cross Country season starting, there are many changes to the program, one of the biggest is a new coach. Coach Tisha Hooper has taken over the position after Coach Angela Bell retired last school year. This will be Hooper’s first year coaching cross-country, she does however have experience coaching. This year will be Hooper’s fourth year at Porter High School coaching the freshman girls basketball and track.

Coach Hooper said she is excited to see how the cross country team will develop with her as the new coach.

“We have a great group of students who come in a work hard every day. I have researched various cross-country programs and tailored them to fit our athletes and their goals for the season,” said Coach Hooper.

Coach Hooper said this year she looks forward to seeing the changes and improvement her team will have through the season.

“As a coach, it is very rewarding to see athletes’ step outside their comfort zone and compete, ” said Coach Hooper.

Varsity sophomore runner Sarah Ladokun said she has noticed positive differences in cross-country this year with Coach Hooper as the new coach.

“This year is more about helping us be a better all-around runner, and getting us out of our comfort zones,” said Ladokun.

Along with the changes, Ladokun is also excited to be able to improve her skills in running and to be able to have fun and work hard with her teammates.

Cross-country’s first meet was on Saturday, August 28 at Claiborne West Park. Their next meet is on September 11 at Brenham high school. Their district meet is on October 15 at Atascosita High School.

” I am the most excited for our district meet. I’m excited to have all the hard work pay off,” Ladokun said.