It's pretty safe to say that Newton cross country is in good hands for years to come.

The Cardinals' boys and girls teams each showed immense improvement this season from a year ago, and it was largely due to a well-stocked group of talented underclassmen.

Newton showed strength in its youth, and it's best exemplified by the two individuals that will represent it at Saturday's state cross country meet in Fort Dodge — Cooper McDermott and Grace Coen. After a two-year absence from having anyone run at state, the Cardinals have two this season. And both are freshmen.