The drive for six and five will take place Saturday at the Wyoming State Cross Country Championships in Sheridan.

The Laramie Plainsmen are vying for their sixth consecutive team crown, while they’re also going for fifth straight individual title. The Plainsmen have been on top of the class 4A podium since 2012, while they’ve also had the 4A individual winner since 2013.

Laramie cross country head coach Schabron feels the Plainsmen are focused on what they need to do.

“Right now it’s just a matter of making sure they don’t change anything… We always ask the kids, is there anything you need from the coaching staff? Along with that, any advice from upper classmen that have been there before? Albert’s (Steiner) comment was don’t change anything now.”

Senior Albert Steiner has won nearly every race he’s run this season. Fellow senior Philip Henry is the defending state champ and has been close behind this year. The third senior leading the way is Liam McInroy, who’s been in consistently in the top 10 this season.

Laramie is expected to be challenged in the team race by the likes of Cheyenne Central, Rock Springs, Evanston and Sheridan.

The Laramie Lady Plainsmen were second a year ago by eight points and are considered to be a threat to Cheyenne Central with Rock Springs and Jackson factoring into the girls team race. The Lady Plainsmen last won a state title in 2011. They are led by returning all-state performers Abigail Whitman and Emmy Johnson, who both finished in the top eight a year ago.

Schabron is excited to see his girls team run, but isn’t a fan of it being the final race of the day.

“That one’s gonna drive me crazy. The girls have done a great job from day one at camp up at Granby. Younger team, but the sophomores and juniors have kind of picked up on the freshmen and pushed them. They’ve all worked very, very hard… It’s a matter of set your goals, go after it and we’ll see how it pans out.”

KOWB’s David Settle visited with junior’s Allison Dodds and Derk Lyford to gain their perspective on the state meet, continuing a streak or getting back on top and preparations.

Greg Schabron says they are ready for state.

“I wish the race was today. I wish it was tomorrow. Saturday can’t come quick enough. Really at this point, they’re very, very fit. We just need to keep them very calm and confident.”

The 5K race is on the V.A. Hospital grounds in Sheridan.

Schabron says, “It’s not a real technical course. I think the one thing we’re running through the kids, especially this week in workouts is more, just pace-setting.”

He doesn’t want his teams to go out too quick in the first mile.

The 4A boys’ race is at 11:30 a.m. The 4A girls’ race starts at 1:15 p.m.

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