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by Michael Deere (for Ozarks Sports Zone)
WEST PLAINS, MO — One look in the trophy cases or up high in the rafters of the gym and you can see the rich history the West Plains Cross Country teams have had for the past 4 decades.
“We’d like to win them all but that’s not the main object,” head coach Joe Bill Dixon said. “We want to build winners in life.”
Coach Dixon’s been coaching cross country for 51 years. The last 41 have been at West Plains.
In that time, the Boys have made 41 consecutive trips to state, winning it all 14 times.
As for the girls, they’ve made 34 consecutive state appearances, 38 overall, and have claimed the top prize 12 times.
“We’ve always had kids that are willing to work, make the sacrifice and run for each other,” coach Dixon said.
“A sisterhood,” senior runner Kaylee Hatley said. “A bond that you cannot explain that you know when you’re out there, they’re fighting for you and it makes you want to fight for them. It makes you want to step up to the plate. It’s not as scary. It’s not, what if I drop the ball. It’s we can do this.”
Junior Zach Finley says everyone knows about the current streak of 41 straight state appearances. He says they welcome the pressure.
“It’s a lot of pressure to get up everyday to know that you have a goal and that you’ve got to fulfill that goal to keep tradition going. It means a lot to be on that tradition and to carry that along.”
Finley hopes his senior season ends with a 15th state championship.
“Team is where it’s at in this program and in this tradition. That’s all you want….is for your team to win, for your team to succeed.”
Both teams finished in the top 11 at this years state.
Coach Dixon is hungry for next season….to keep the streaks alive.
“We’re going to try,” Dixon said. “If the Lord gives me another season, I’m gonna take it.”
