The Aberdeen Roncalli cross country squads have proven upperclassmen as well as up and coming runners as the Cavaliers head into their upcoming season.

The Cavaliers, who start their season Monday in a meet at Milbank, have their top finishers back from last year’s state meet.

“I’m really looking forward to the season,” said Roncalli coach Brady Lesnar. “I’ve just got a really good group of kids that are really fun to work with. They make the season really enjoyable. I’m excited to see what they’re going to do.”

The boys’ team will be led by senior Paul Gutenkauf, who was the squad’s top runner at state, as well as freshman Matthew Peterson. Isaac Price and Beau Price will help to lead a balanced attack for the Cavaliers.

Eighth-grader Addison Cassady is Roncalli’s top returning girls’ state qualifier and should be in line for another solid season.

“Addison has really put in the time and effort over the summer,” Lesnar said. “She cleaned up some running form things. I think she’s going to have a great season.”

Senior twins Sarah Schmidt and Paige Schmidt, cornerstones of the program in recent years, will once again be counted on in their final year of competition.

“It’s a little bittersweet. It’s the last year I get to talk about the Schmidt twins,” Lesnar said. “They’ve been running forever. I’m excited for them and the season that they’re going to have.”

The Cavaliers are also counting on Hazel Kannegieter for major contributions.

Lesnar is looking forward to the season opener, where the Cavaliers will be running a 4K. Roncalli then competes just three days later at a meet in Redfield.

The schedule is very close to last season’s which allows Lesnar to look at times on the same courses and compare them to a year ago.

“Our schedule is not too far off from what it was last year,” Lesnar said. “We look at certain courses. Certain courses are definitely speedier, some are a little hillier.”

And one meet in particular is a bit more unique than the others.

The Cavaliers are heading back to the Border Battle in Grand Forks, N.D., which features runners from Canada, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. It even includes a marching band that plays before the races start.

“It was a really neat experience,” Lesnar said.

Roncalli has a new assistant helping with the team this year who happens to be one of top runners in school history. Casey Steele moved back to Aberdeen and will be working with the runners.

“He’s awesome to have on board. Lot of experience, lots of knowledge,” Lesnar said. “He’s only going to make the program better.”

Lesnar said he isn’t talking about too many long-range goals to start the season. He just wants to help ensure that his runners have a good experience and reach their full potential.

“Just to have a fun season,” he said, “and hopefully, we improved from where we were last year.”