CHENEY, Wash. – The Idaho cross country season gets underway on Saturday with the annual Clash of the Inland Northwest, this year taking place in Cheney, Wash.  Check back with GoVandals.com following the race for the full results.
 
--
 
Three student-athletes scored in both the 5k and 10k at the 2019 Big Sky Outdoor Track and Field Championships.  Idaho's Dwain Stucker was one of them, and he has spent his summer working to make sure that carries into the cross country season.
 
"His preparation this summer was the best it's ever been," said Travis Floeck, cross country/assistant track and field coach.  "Compared to his freshman season coming in, he has just grown tremendously as a dedicated student-athlete.  I'm excited to see what he can do after a very solid track and field season."
 
"Everything was clicking at the end of the year," said Stucker.  "I was pumped and ready to compete.  I'm still feeling it, ready to compete."
 
Headed into his senior season, Stucker now takes on an even greater leadership role.
 
"No one is going to follow you unless you're doing it right yourself," Floeck added.  "Dwain growing in the process has allowed him to become a better leader.  Now he's not only leading by example but I've seen him be more vocal, more positive, more engaged at our practices this year.  He's a great example for everyone to look up to and to follow."
 
He handles his business on the course as one of the top runners on the squad.  Off the course, Stucker took full advantage of the annual team retreat to get to know his teammates and build a better bond headed into the season.
 
"That was phenomenal," added Stucker.  "It was awesome getting the team together and getting that comradery going.  There's just nothing quite like it.  Once you learn every runner's personality you learn how to anticipate how they'll react during a race.  So you can just learn how to rely on them and how to get them motivated.  So you know to say the right things."
 
With the season finally here, it's time for Stucker to say the right things when they matter the most, and lead in more ways than one.
 
"It's always been a goal to just be consistent, just an anchor," said Stucker.  "Just be a constant.  Right now, I want to lead the team and really go out there and push it.  I'm feeling really confident."
 
--
 
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter @IdahoTrack.