Consistent training has Berg excited for junior season

Several factors are leading Doug Berg to be very excited for this upcoming cross country season.

Berg, a junior from Nodaway Valley majoring in management and marketing at Simpson College, ran in five cross country races last season. He recorded a season-high 15th place finish in a home meet and had a season-best 8K time of 27:41.6 last season.

“I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in my life, so I’m happy about that. We kind of had a younger team last year after losing the national champion in Spencer Moon, but we still had a solid year. I think we only graduated two fifth years,” Berg said. “We’re returning most of our guys. I think everyone’s had a good summer. We’ve got a pretty good shot at a berth at nationals, I think.”

The former Wolverine is excited for his own chances on the course because of his own offseason work that he’s put in. He’s hit the weight room and logged the miles, which are both essential to success. Berg, who also runs indoor and outdoor track for the Storm, said training is a 50-of-52 weeks endeavor for him.

“Overall, everything I’ve done, my consistency’s been better. I’ve put in more mileage, incorporated weight training more. I’ve tried to watch what I eat, but that’s probably the hardest thing,” Berg said. “Overall, I think every aspect of my training has gotten better.”

Simpson has five seniors this season, with their sophomore class being the largest on the team.

“We’re bringing in a bunch of guys — in fact, I think we’re bringing the biggest incoming freshman class we’ve ever had on the roster, so I’m excited for that. I would say we’re a sophomore-heavy team. The class above me has a lot of potential,” Berg said. “Next year we’re going to have a pretty good squad again, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The Storm host their own Bill Buxton Invitational 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 at Pickard Park in Indianola to kick off the season. It’s the only time they’re home this year; however, Iowa regular season stops take them Sept. 13 to Grinnell, Sept. 26 to Pella and Oct. 4 to Waverly.