Photo Courtesy of M2.Phrames
The 2026 Harvester and Lady Harvester Cross Country teams are poised for a great season under new head coach, Otis Chunn. Chunn is assisted by Denise Browning, the Lady Harvester Softball Head Coach.
“The 2026 boys team has a lot of potential. The top four runners, Senior Edwin Madrid, Senior Ryan Resendiz, Junior Jesus Montana, Junior Said Saldievera, run in close proximity. This is good for team scoring. The challenge is going to see if one of the two sophomores or one of the four freshmen can excel to help the top five score,” Chunn said. “Summer started slowly with low numbers, but the team is now at 10, and with four freshmen the future looks bright! Just got the numbers for JH and there are 10 boys and seven girls. Numbers should be better. HS girls only have five and three of them have just started.”
Sophomore Zoe Reynolds and Junior Perla Hernandez started early this summer and will be expected to lead the cross country team on the girls side.
“They exceeded expectations at Pecos, both making the top 10. There are seven JH girls, so we will be able to field a team at all levels HS and JH,” Chunn said. “Ryan Resendiz is team captain. He will be the leader, but the returning senior and two juniors will help lead the way. Both the returning girls did well in their first outing. They could make some noise in the district.”
Who is new to the team this year and already caught the coach’s eye?
“Freshman Benson Owens and Freshman Clark Campbell are showing some promise. They seem to be getting stronger every day. Remember, there is a transition for the boys from two miles in JH to three in HS. They are feeling the difference, but by season end they may be the difference makers for the team,” Chunn said.
What is one thing people outside the program may not realize yet about this team?
“This team is very together and they have an awesome work ethic. We have moved our start time back to 5:30 a.m to accommodate other programs. They show up every morning ready to go. It is the kind of work ethic coaches dream of!” Chunn said.
What are some of the strengths for the team? What are areas that may need more improvement as the season progresses?
“Work ethic and determination. They believe in each other. They are underdogs and they know it, but they are looking to change that. Their motto says it all. Setting Standards to Build a Legacy. They understand their history in this sport and are looking to bring back the pride to the program." Chunn said. “One area to improve is the middle of the race. The first mile is awesome. They tend to relax a bit on mile two. I am trying to teach them to push through the middle of the race.”
Coach Chunn wanted to go back and talk about his team captain Ryan Resendiz again.
“Ryan Resendiz is an excellent leader. He sets the example by being the top runner and he expects his team to follow. Ryan demonstrates leadership in all he does,” Chunn said.
What are the expectations for the team this year?
“The Boys team will have to find a No. 5 to join the top four. Individually, the team is poised to shake-up the district if they keep working. They know the challenge in this district as more than likely the state champion will come out of the district. With two of the top two in state back from last year, the challenge is real, but they are embracing it. The district could be interesting. Pampa’s kids will represent the Green and Gold well. Our girls are small in numbers, but they are growing every time they take the course,” Chunn said.
What does Chunn expect the team to be known for by the end of the season?
“They knew the challenge and they did not shy away. They are ready to take the next step. Anyone can take the top spot on any given day. We see it often in this sport. Finding the will to challenge yourself to do your best is the real challenge. When you can do this day in and day out good things often follow,” Chunn said. “I was not here last year, but I see a lot of belief in their eyes. They bring heart and grit to every practice. I believe every kid thinks he will be in the regional meet and beyond this year. It could happen!”
What else would he like to share about this team?
“This team will give you everything they got. They will show up with a purpose, and they will represent Pampa well. They have jumped in with an all-in idea,” Chunn said.
What is one meet in particular he is looking forward to?
“One of my favorite meets, and arguably every bit as good as state, is the Lubbock Invitational at Mae Simmons park. They do an awesome job of hosting. I have coached at a lot of levels, but they all love the Lubbock meet. The course is awesome for runners and fans, and our region meet will be there. It is the perfect primer to get ready for our district meet,” Chunn said.
The next meet for the cross country runners is in Balko, Okla. on Thursday, Aug. 27. They also will compete in The Wolf Creek Classic in Perryton on Saturday, Aug. 29. Look for recaps of both those meets the first week of September! Good luck to our Harvester and Lady Harvester Cross Country teams.
