Last season, winning became a habit.

    Hannah McInturff, a senior-to-be at Century High School, was part of a state championship winning team in volleyball and then won state titles in the 800-meter run and the mile during spring track and field.

    In the 800, it was McInturff’s third state title and second in the mile.

    One place where she has not stood atop the podium is cross country. As a freshman in 2009, she finished second and took third the following year.

    This season, head coach Frank Wolfe expects McInturff to continue with her winning ways.

    “I think Hannah should win state (in cross country),” he said.

    According to Wolfe, since 2003, Century cross country has won seven boys’ and girls’ individual championships, but the Diamondbacks have never captured a team title — finishing second on both sides.

    McInturff is part of an senior-laden squad that lost one runner from last year’s team that took 10th at state. Joining McInturff are seniors Megan Nolte, Hannah McInturff and Emily Grandstaff as well as junior, Lindsey Rayborn.

    “We get along really well,” said Nolte, who is entering her fourth year on the team. “I think all of us are, basically, friends. At least we come together as a team really well. Before every meet we always do a cross country dinner the night before.

    “We’ve been training hard, hopefully, (the season) will go pretty well.”

    While the girls return an accomplished side, the boys are a young team with one lone senior, Menno Sennesael.

    “We won’t have an individual champion,” Wolfe said, who is also the head track and field coach. “We still have a chance, if we get to state. I think we can get to the trophies, the top four teams — if we can get there.”

    Sophomore Austin Olcott is the top returning performer. Along with Sennesael and Olcott, junior Gavin Page is back to help form part of the team’s top five runners. Wolfe is still working towards solidifying the entire group.

    In total, 27 girls and 15 boys form the 2012 Century cross country team.

    “The kids have found out that it’s fun and they’re good kids,” Wolfe said. “We’ve won academic state championships, I don’t know how many times. So they’re really focused on academics. They’re good kids. It’s become kind of a social thing as well.

    “Believe it or not, most people don’t think running is fun, but the kids have fun.”