COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Coeur d’Alene high school boys cross country team isn’t just running races, they’re making history. Ranked third in the nation, the Vikings have become one of the top programs in America and they’re representing Idaho like never before.
“It’s the consistency over time that gets you to this level, and the fact that we have a group of young men that are willing to put that time and effort in, not just in a one day or a season kind of thing, it’s a year round endeavor,” head coach Emry Carr said about his team.
Carr said the ranking has developed from commitment, community and discipline. The Vikings have won back-to-back state titles, including the state academic championship with nearly a 4.0 team GPA. The team has built their strength from a simple motto “we before me.”
“That’s why we succeed, it’s not about me or my individual goals, cross country is a team sport, You’re not fighting for yourself you’re fighting for your team, that’s really where our success comes from and why we’ve been able to do the things we have,” junior Wyatt Carr said.
Their unity carried them to a huge win at the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational, one of the biggest meets in the west, which vaulted them into the national rankings. The bond that’s shared is a brotherhood and that’s what drives this team.
“We’re just so tight and we’re just a group of brothers, we love training with each other, we train every day and we do stuff together outside of training,” senior Mitchell Rietze said.
Although Coach Carr said the wins and the ranking is great, the biggest victory is who his athletes are becoming.
“They’re all around great humans, they’re great teammates, great competitors. They treat people with respect. I couldn’t ask for a better group of young men,” Carr said of his team.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
