Solanco cross country coach Craig Ausel is optimistic about his teams' prospects. "This is an exciting year for Solanco cross country," Ausel said via email. "We have really strong returning veterans and an exciting group of new student-athletes. This is especially true on the boys side." PIAA State Meet qualifier Noah Brady will lead the boys team. Seniors Matthew Curran and Kyle Munro and junior Liam Hodgson each add talent and experience. "All four of these young men understand training and racing and will be prepared to lead their teammates into the postseason." Newcomers will be competing for the fifth through eighth spots.
"It has been exciting to have eight different members of our squad of 20 boys training and competing for those four positions," said Ausel. "If they work together, we should have all eight runners being able to help our team score with valuable points as a fifth man." The remainder of the Mules' roster: seniors Joe Segich, Michael McFadden, and Scott Tice, juniors Dan Riddell, Patrick Sweda, Alex Castagna, Keith Carnrike, sophomores Brandon Smith, Connor Neaves, and Alec Munro, and freshmen Christian Stead, Patrick Workman, Ben Dalrymple, Reid Baliet, Damian Martinez, Ian Brown, and Brandon Peterson. Ausel also has high hopes for the girls team. "The ladies may not have as many newcomers but return some outstanding runners at the front," he said. Seniors Natalie Crum, Carly Allport and Julia Whitehill are expected to once again be in Solanco's top six. Crum and junior Essi Glah-Fisher had strong 2013 seasons, finishing in the Top 25 at the league meet. "Carly and Julia have been solid and dependable 4-6 runners and can be counted on to provide valuable depth," said Ausel. Sophomore Morgan Perry, a first team Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Star last season, will be a big factor. "Morgan has worked really hard all year long to build strength and endurance," said Ausel. "We look forward to another strong year from Morgan." Solanco will also get a big boost from sophomore Cortney Johnson, who joins the cross country program after a very successful track season where she was a league medalist in the 3200 meter run. "Cortney will be right up front with Natalie and Morgan," said Ausel. "This group of girls should provide a solid pack against most teams in the L-L League. The future is secure as well as we return some exciting sophomores and several talented freshmen who have some great role models to understand our great Solanco cross country tradition." The remainder of the Solanco roster: seniors Brooke McCardell, Kaitlyn Ashley, Karly Burkhart, Morgan Myer, sophomores Abbey Nelson, Denise Brennaman, Autumn Boxleitner, and freshmen Hailey Killan and Kaitlyn Borkey. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
August 2023
Categories
All
|