Wyatt Kroeger helped Plant City place second at the East Hillsborough Invite.
Plant City High School’s boys cross country team kicked off the school year with a second-place team finish at the East Hillsborough Invitational, held Aug. 22. Senior Wyatt Kroeger led the way for the Raiders, finishing in seventh place with a time of 19:24.21. The Raiders will run again Saturday at Lecanto High School, 3810 W. Educational Path, Lecanto.
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How long have you been running?
Well I ran before high school, since sixth grade. I missed my freshman year because I had moved here, but then I started back up again my sophomore year and I’ve been running ever since.
What got you into running?
My friends, actually. They were just like, “Hey, you’re not doing anything, you might as well just get out there and go run.” So I was like, “Alright.” I went out there and started running, and I liked it.
What was it that you liked?
I don’t know. Just being able to run a long distance, and not many people can just go out for a long run and be like, “Yeah, I did that.” It feels pretty good.
You and the team placed second overall at East Hillsborough and you placed seventh. Looks like you’re starting the season on a good note. How does it feel?
It feels pretty good. I’m not fully in shape yet — still got a little bit of work to do. I’m ready for that.
What are your goals for this season?
I really want to run in the low 17s and try to get colleges to look at me and give me scholarships, so that it helps with college and stuff.
What’s your outlook for the season? How can the Raiders do if things go according to plan?
I mean, I really think if we all work together, we can get wherever we want. I mean, states is really the ultimate goal. That’s what we all want to do. We’ve got to work to get there but I don’t think it’s out of reach. I think it’s very possible.
Do you play any other sports?
Cross country and track, that’s about all. I used to play baseball but, I mean, I didn’t really like baseball all that much compared to running, so I chose running as the dominant sport.
What events do you run in track?
I run the two-mile and the one-mile.
What’s a sport you’ve never tried but always wanted to?
I wanted to play football but I’m just not big enough. I could never hit anybody with the force that I really wanted to.
What advice would you give to a young runner joining the team?
Like I tell all freshmen, we just want them to come out here and just run. Just get a love for it and keep going. If you love it you’ll keep getting better and better. Just work at it.
What’s your proudest moment as a Raider?
I’m not sure yet. I really hope I can find one in the year to come.
