Four-year varsity runner Brayden Pickett has gone from a freshman newcomer to a senior leader, guiding Burke’s cross country team into a season filled with high expectations. Known for putting the team first, Pickett has fully embraced his leadership role.

“My favorite part of being a senior leader is watching the underclassmen grow and seeing how bright the future is for the cross country team,” Pickett said.

With the state meet set for October, the Bulldogs have one clear goal: qualify as a team.

“The overwhelming goal is to qualify the team for state, and to do that we must stay dedicated,” Pickett said. The Bulldogs have missed state the past two years, but this season they’re determined to change that.

Despite the intensity of training and competition, Pickett says the friendships formed along the way are what stand out most.

“The best part of cross country is becoming friends with some of the coolest upperclassmen I’ve ever met,” Pickett said.