Wawasee senior Zach Cockrill is motivated to do big things his senior season (Photo by Mike Deak)

SYRACUSE – Zach Cockrill is ready to let it rip on the area cross country circuit this fall.

The Wawasee standout is highly motivated to make his senior season a memorable one for the Warriors.

Cockrill is ready to lead the way for coach Doug Slabaugh’s squad after a junior season of just missing making it to the State Finals in two sports. He missed qualifying for the Cross Country State Finals last fall by just one place in the New Haven Semistate. Cockrill then missed earning a spot in the Track State Finals in May by one place in the 800  at the South Bend St. Joseph Regional.

Those two tough finishes and near misses has Cockrill anxious to do some big things this season.

“It was a bummer and pretty disappointing to miss State by one place last year in cross country,” said Cockrill. “Even though no one expected me to be that close at the semi state to it, I just wish I could have made it.

“I want to redeem myself this year. I have that motivation of just missing it last year. My goal this year is to get to State. I’ve been training all summer and can’t wait for the season to start. I’m ready for it.”

Cockrill was the No. 2 runner last season behind Adam Doll. With Doll graduated, Cockrill is the leader for the Warriors.

“Zach is motivated and I think he has a lot of fuel to burn this season,” said Wawasee coach Doug Slabaugh. “It goes back to last year. He has a lot of extra motivation and a lot to prove.

“Zach wants to be good and he’s our leader this year. He’s not afraid to do the hard work and he sets the example and the tone in practice. He’s just very determined. I know he’s worked all summer to be ready. ”

Wawasee, which advanced to the semi state as a team in 2013, opens the season Aug. 19 at Bremen in a four-way meet which also includes Fairfield and NorthWood.

Cockrill, who wants to run in college next year, wants to make a name for himself this fall.

“I love racing and competing and beating people,” Cockrill stated. “I love winning and I plan on winning some things this season. I like that challenge. I want to be known. I want to be one of the guys that the other teams are looking out for.”

With talent, motivation and a strong work ethic, don’t bet against him.