Joseph Brown has slowly and steadily built a solid cross-country program at Tharptown High School.

Brown lost his best runner in Winston Nolen but has a solid group of runners to give the Wildcats a chance to take some team honors to go with individual honors in the coming season.

“Expectations for results are difficult to have,” said Brown. “If both groups compete and work to get better every day, then they both can have special seasons.”

Brown’s most accomplished returning runner is senior Gracie Montgomery. Montgomery made the state cross-country meet this past year. He said he expects her to carry the torch for the team this year.

“It was great to see how much Gracie’s hard work paid off for her last year,” said Brown. “We are hoping she carries that success into her senior season and continues to make strides.”

Brown’s girls runners are Gracie and Autumn Montgomery, Aalivia Wilson and Addie Compton.

On the boys side, Brown will have Edwin Vela, Dylan Valdez, Alex Quintero, Ricardo Gutierrez, Dario Chavez and Jeremy Vasquez.

“This group has a lot of potential as a team,” said Brown. “I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish together.”

Tharptown’s first meet is Aug. 28 at McFarland Park.