Perryville cross country program is in the running

    Jake Moore has witnessed some pretty amazing things during his stint as coach of the Perryville cross country and track and field teams.
    He's experiencing another one this fall.
    The Panthers have 51 athletes on the cross country squad, 31 boys and 20 girls. "I've never seen numbers like this," he said.

    It's much more than just numbers. Moore says the team has been a pleasure to coach and is also comprised of a host of talented runners.
    "The first two weeks have been a blast," he said. "It's probably my favorite group of kids I've coached at Perryville. They're so attentive. So responsive to coaching. It's such a good group."
    The Perryville boys are poised to challenge for a state title. Reigning Class 1A champion Boonsboro, who defeated Bohemia Manor by one point last fall, has moved up to 2A. The Panthers were third, 11 points behind the champs. Bo Manor, perennially one of the state's top programs, poses a huge challenge, but Perryville has the talent to make things interesting.
    Adam Thornton (ninth in last year's state meet), Caleb Stevens (17th), and Shawn Montz (21st) each return.
    Tyler McCall has been a revelation this fall. He finished third in a time trial which was won by Stevens. "He's in the best shape of his career and he has really stepped up his game," Moore said. "We fully expect him to medal at the state meet."
    Seniors Josh Rowley and Justin Harreld will contribute as will Clayton Searles, Ryan Kiger, Matt Salvatore, Cam Crosler, and Jack Kuhn.
    The coach says an impressive group of freshmen are creating stiff competition. Craig Seibert, Matt Samulero, Jimmy Williams, Jake Burke, Jacob Taylor, Jakob Hild, and Max Waite have been working hard in practice.
    On the girls side, the Panthers have received a big boost with the return of Jordan Dodson, a state champion in 2011.
    "Whatever she wants to achieve, she'll achieve," Moore said.
    Allison Morris has emerged as the team's number two runner. "She put in the miles this summer," said Moore. "She's as committed as they come."
    Sierra Montz, Aleah Losoya, Grace Williams, Mollie Lipka, and Megan Hall will contribute. Freshmen Christen Dodson, Didem Akbay, Brooke Doane, Kayla Losoya, Kasey Sadler, Hannah Henson, and Kiersten Hulesback have been impressive.