Bulldogs Look To Make Big Strides In New Cross Country Season
The 2025 Burgin XC team from left: front row, Maximo Mohaupt, Judah Blair, Aidan Brill, Mollie Morton and Lynden Farnsworth, Carter Banister, back row, Zachary Vandiviere, Raegan Taylor,Jonathan Kuhn, Barron Bradshaw, Jessie Isaacs, Payton Isaacs and Carter Banister. Not pictured is Carter Myhre.
Samuel Warren
Herald Staff
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Burgin Independent Cross Country has been hard at work gearing up for another competitive fall on the trails. The Bulldogs will be led by two seniors this season, each of which were the two highest finishers at last fall’s Class-A Region 5 meet. Raegan Taylor and Barron Bradshaw will be leading the Bulldogs this fall not only through performance, according to Coach Bryan Vandiviere.
“Our seniors–Raegan Taylor and Barron Bradshaw –are setting the tone in both work ethic and example, guiding our younger runners through practices and races,” said Vandiviere.
A season ago, Taylor placed 36th at the Region 5 meet with a time of 27:55.40, and Bradshaw placed 58th with a time of 22:42.90. As a new crop of fresh faces and student-athletes have joined the team, Vandiviere believes the team is in an excellent place under the leadership of Taylor and Bradshaw.
“Altogether, we’re excited about the balance of veteran leadership and emerging talent that gives Burgin Cross Country a bright outlook this season,” said Vandiviere.
Vandiviere believes Burgin’s unique circumstances allows for a special environment at their practices, and the advantage of younger kids being able to learn from veteran athletes throughout the season makes a huge impact. In the end, his main goal for this team is that younger athletes take advantage of the opportunity and work to become better.
For me, success goes beyond results. We want strong finishes and personal records, but more importantly, growth – mentally, physically and as teammates. That shared experience builds character, accountability, and a true sense of family. If our kids give their best and represent Burgin well, that’s a win in my book,” said Vandiviere.
Junior Carter Myhre, sophomore Hudson Taylor and junior Jonathan Kuhn each competed at the 5th Region meet a year ago and will each be battling to improve upon their times last season. R. Taylor, along with younger members Payton Isaacs and Ellie Ball will lead the girls team.
Burgin cross country officially began their season with an away meet on Tuesday, Sept. 2, when they travelled to Woodford County for an all-comer meet. They will be back on the track on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they travel to Admiral Stadium in Danville for the EG Plummer Invitational, beginning at 9 a.m. Burgin will host an elementary, middle school and high school cross country meet concurrently on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and on Monday, Oct. 6, which will likely also be senior night.
