PENDLETON — Historically, the Pendleton Heights girls cross country teams have been known for strong teams and breakout performances. Of the top seven runners from last year, six are returning.

A strong pack of freshmen helped pace the Arabians last season, and now those girls are a year older and have a bigger understanding of the process.

“They know a lot more,” Coach Melissa Hagerman said. “They are more mature, and they are excited.”

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Hagerman mentioned last year Delaney Busby dreaded workouts, and now she can’t wait to get started.

With the talented pool of runners, many will be vying for the top seven positions.

“It’ll be tough, but we can switch things around,” Hagerman said.

With 24 runners and only three seniors, the Arabians are building a formidable future.

Some of the key Arabian runners include sophomores Catherine Dudley, Haleigh Auler and Katie Jones and junior Madison McKee.

Jones has been injured but is getting back to form.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if our top runners changed every week,” Hagerman said. “We’re young but very competitive.”

Last season in the sectional meet, the Arabians finished third behind Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers high schools.

Fifty-two points separated the Arabians from HSE and 40 from Fishers.

One of Hagerman’s goals is to close the gap if not overtake the two powerful schools. After finishing third in regional, the Arabians ended the semistate meet in New Haven in ninth place and out of competition for the state meet.

A sixth-place score would advance them to the state meet.

“I want to get my team back to state,” Hagerman said.

The last time Pendleton Heights made an appearance as a team was in 2015, when the Arabians placed 11th.

Pendleton Heights plays host to four home meets this year, which is a switch from years past.

New for the Arabians this year is welcoming the Hoosier Heritage Conference meet on Oct. 5. They also play host to the Arabian Roundup Aug. 28, the Madison County meet Sept. 24, and the sectional on Oct. 12.

They open the new season Saturday, Aug. 24, in the Hamilton Southeastern Hokum Karem.

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Seniors

Jenna Blackwell

Betsy McKinney

Kylah Stout

Juniors

Mycala Brinker

Maria Brorsen

Madison Brunnemer

Payton Brunnemer

Sy Carter

Madison McKee

Sophomores

Haleigh Auler

Hailee Brunnemer

Delaney Busby

Ella Dixon

Catherine Dudley

Katie Jones

Zoe Kesler

Berkeley Lord

Laney Ricker

Claire Wittkamper

Freshmen

Sammi Green

Annalise Hernandez

Luci Lamper

Katy McHatton

Gloria Richardson

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