The 2013 men’s cross country team hopes to be the first in Patriot history to make state, and a strong group of returning veterans make that goal a distinct possibility.

“We need to make it to state this year, it is going to be really hard for us, since the number of positions available for teams have gone down and we are competing against some really tough competitors, but I think we can do it,” senior Aaron Bowe said.

The runners are still undefeated in the season, even after competing in four dual meets and against their toughest rival, Bellevue.

Seniors Aaron Bowe and Collin Olson lead the men’s side, with Bowe placing top five in each of the three dual meets.

The runners are currently not ranked in the state of Washington but they should be, according to Cross Country Coach Mike Smith. “They should be ranked…but they need to beat somebody big in order to become ranked,” Smith said.