By Piper Wright //
A small roster has not stopped Hood College’s cross-country team from setting big goals for the 2026 season.
With new head coach Evan Freeman leading the program, the Blazers are entering the season focused on development, team chemistry and competing at the top of their ability.
“This year I think our team is going to collectively break personal records multiple times and score in the top 10 in our coming meets,” sophomore Eyob Jigsa said. “Although our team is small, our new head coach Evan Freeman is spearheading us into a great direction.”
Freeman has also seen plenty of potential from his runners, particularly the younger members of the team.
“We have some exciting young talent on the men’s and women’s side, so our expectation is for them to be fearless in their pursuits of continuing to grow and develop as they gain more experience at the collegiate level,” Freeman said.
The Blazers’ small size could be viewed as a challenge, but the runners see it as an opportunity to build stronger relationships.
“I feel that our small team just means that we are closer, which only helps our team chemistry,” Jigsa said.
That chemistry has become one of the Blazers’ biggest strengths. Freeman said the team has developed a strong sense of excitement surrounding the end of the season and the future of the program.
“Our strengths are our leadership and team culture,” Freeman said. “Everyone has a buzzing sense of excitement about our season and the future we are building.”
Senior Warren Hersh has emerged as an important leader for the men’s team. Freeman said Hersh has confidently taken on the role of the team’s No. 1 runner while maintaining a high standard during practices.
On the women’s side, leadership has come from the entire group.
“Our entire women’s team has been great in leading by committee,” Freeman said. “They’ve all stepped up big and are growing more confident each passing week.”
For runners, the upcoming MAC championship is one of the biggest events on the calendar. For Jigsa, it will also be a first collegiate championship experience.
“I am personally excited for the cross-country MAC championship this coming Halloween,” Jigsa said. “It’s my first collegiate cross-country championship meet, which is going to be a new experience. Having a race on Halloween, especially a championship meet, makes it so much more fun.”
Ultimately, the team’s definition of success goes beyond times and placements.
“If by the end of the season we are all continuing to show up for each other and continuing to put our absolute best effort in practice, then that would be a successful season for our team,” Jigsa said. “If we are doing those two things, then that means we are getting faster and having a great time together.”
Freeman hopes that continued growth will lead to All-MAC recognition for Hood runners on the men’s and women’s teams.
The Blazers are back in action Oct. 17 at the Aubrey Shenk Invitational at Gettysburg College.
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