Last season’s 5A-I cross country champ, Xavier College Prep, is ready to go after another state title.

With a preseason ranking of No. 24 in the nation from Harrier magazine, coach Dave Van Sickle is confident about this year’s team.

“This could be our best team we’ve ever had,” he said.

The Gators open the season this weekend with a race at the Scottsdale Running Company Cross Country Festival. Xavier’s total team has 37 girls who are divided into different training sessions.

Top girls to return this season include Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year Jessica Tonn, a senior, and Daylee Burr, who missed last season with an injury.

Xavier has some talented this freshman this year, too. Mckenna Gaffney and Sarah Fakler have joined Xavier’s squad, and both girls hope to improve their current times at their first meet as Gators this weekend.

“It is so amazing coming onto a team this supportive,” Fakler said. “It really makes me feel confident.”