The Linfield cross country program looks to hit the ground running this season under ninth-year head coach Mike Blackmore. The Wildcats open the 2024 season August 31 when they host the Linfield Harrier Classic held at The Nines Golf Course on the outskirts of McMinnville.
 
On the women's side, Linfield returns four athletes from the 2023 squad, including letter winners Saniyah Ayala, Liberty McElfatrick, Leah Stednick and Jayden Taylor.
 
"I want to see them get better within themselves, work on their weaknesses and continue to take advantage of their strengths," said Blackmore.
 
With as small a roster as Linfield has comes more individual attention. After wonderful freshman seasons, both Taylor and Ayala provided hints of their long-range potential.
 
Taylor was among Linfield's top-three finishers in every race last season. Blackmore believes she is destined for a great season this fall. Ayala made a leap in performer during the second half of 2023. He expects her to continue to build upon that trajectory in her second season.
 
On the other side of the ledger, six athletes fill out the men's roster. Three seniors should prove instrumental to Linfield's success. Conner Dooley, Bradley Kiltow and Alex Oathout have run together for three seasons and bring great team chemistry to the squad.
 
"From a track perspective, they have completely different strengths amongst the three of them," he said. "But they work well together and with their teammates."
 
Blackmore has been impressed with how the trio mentored sophomore Devin Harrison to handle the rigors of college athletics during his freshman season. The coach is looking for the seniors to continue to be confident leaders throughout the 2024 season.
 
Sophomore Levi Jones, who did not compete last season, joined the team during the summer and has shown promise during early season workouts.