Cross country may not be a sport for everyone, but athletes at Riverton High School who have embraced it sure enjoy how running pushes them physically and mentally. 

The Silverwolves also understand what it takes to compete with the best teams in the state. 

Riverton is part of Region 2, which includes some talented squads, including Herriman, Bingham, Mountain Ridge and Corner Canyon. Rising to the top of this group—not to mention being among the most successful squads in Class 6A—is not an easy feat. But head coach Marcus Dickson has simplified his approach: getting a little better all the time. 

“Every day, our goal is to get better from the day before,” he said. 

Dickson believes he has the depth and skill on the team to be a factor in region and state competition. He thinks highly of both the boys and girls groups. 

“Can we consistently as a team show up to practice every day with an attitude that elevates everyone?” he said. “Are we deliberate with our training? We believe we can be a podium finish team on both the girls and boys side at state and contend for a Nike National Spot in the Southwest Division of America.”

When the season got under way at the beginning of August, the Silverwolves had just finished an overnight camp in Richfield where the athletes trained at high elevation. He said at that point the “team [was] more excited than ever to start racing.”

Dickson relies on his seniors and juniors to set the pace—not only literally but also with their mindset and commitment to doing what it takes to be successful. He is grateful for how these runners have encouraged younger teammates and newcomers to develop a good outlook. 

“Our upperclassmen leading the way with positive attitudes, buying into the training and getting their teammates excited to do hard things,” he said. “Our athletes love to run, and we run a lot.”

Cross country is no different from any other sport in that there are going to be missteps and disappointments. Dickson is working hard to help his team understand that falling short can be a good teacher and motivator. He wants the athletes to learn from their mistakes and do better the next time. 

“We want to improve on celebrating struggle and failure,” he said. “If we as a team understand that our setbacks are part of the journey, then we are going to be unstoppable.”

When it comes to leadership and performance, a few athletes have stood out to Dickson. He praised senior Tyson Gubler, junior Boston Rindlisbacher, and G and Kury Perry, whom the Silverwolves refer to as the “Scary Perrys.”

“[Gubler] is an absolute workhorse for our boys team,” Dickson said. “He has been a varsity runner since his sophomore year and really sets the tone for our team. Everyone rallies behind Gubler. The kids even have a fan page for him. [Rindlisbacher] came in first in our time trial and tied for the third fastest all time in school history on our time trial course. He tied All American BYU/Riverton Alumni Joey Nokes for the third-best time. [The Perry brothers] should help our varsity team.”

For the girls team, senior Grace Swanson has had a big season. Junior Isabel Preston has a lot of potential, while seniors Annika Ludwig and Leah Larson help make the Silverwolves a formidable group. 

“On the girls side, [Swanson] is our top returner,” Dickson said. “She took eighth in the state last year and is someone who knows how to show up and work hard and doesn't give excuses. She is one of the toughest runners that I have ever coached. [Swanson] is set for a huge senior year and has had a great offseason. Isabel Preston set our junior record on our time trial course. If she stays healthy, then I think the sky is the limit for her. [Larson] and [Ludwig] are two other seniors that are going to have a big impact on our team. [Ludwig] is a talented runner a born leader. [Larson] is the defending state champion in the 800 meters from track season.”

Going up against Region 2 and Class 6A opponents provides both big opportunities and challenges for Riverton. Dickson spoke glowingly of Utah high school cross country and thinks his team can be right up there with the top programs in the state. 

“Utah is arguably the fastest distance running in state per capita in all of America,” he said. “Last year, on the boys side, American Fork took second in the country, and Herriman took third. On the girls side, Lone Peak girls took second in the country. At the state meet, those were the only teams that we lost to on the boys and girls side. Boys took third and girls took second. It is the best we have ever done in school history, and we want to build on that. In order to take down these giant boulders of programs, we will have to do it together with a lot of buy-in from not just one or two athletes but our whole team. If anyone can do it, then it is these Riverton kids. Come to a practice and see what it is all about.”

Whether the Silverwolves race to a region or state title, Dickson is pleased with the efforts each team member makes to be at his or her best. He admires their determination and desire to put in the work each day. 

“I love seeing athletes do hard things,” he said.