I've gotten to know them on a personal level, and I don't have to teach as much. They know what to expect from me.

We're no longer a doormat, and the guys want to be part of this resurgence. If we were not in the top 10 this year, we would be disappointed.

We're certainly a lot deeper. Last year our No. 1 through 7 runners were set and there was a line between 7 and 8. Now we have 1, 2 and 3 running together, and then everyone else.

Those two stood up and said they didn't want to do that again, and the rest of the kids are saying they train with them, why can't they go to state, too.

As far as track meets, it's by far the best meet in the state.