Girls cross country preview: Olathe East eyes another crown

Olathe East’s girls haven’t produced the string of consecutive state championships that Shawnee Mission Northwest has, but the Hawks are well established as a premier program in Kansas.

Led by coach Tony Bozarth, East has finished in the top five at the Kansas 6A state meet for five years in a row, including a state title in 2006.

And there’s no reason to think the Hawks won’t add to their legacy this fall as well.

“Can we win state? It depends on what the other teams have, but this is probably as much talent and dedication as we’ve had,” Bozarth said. “This is a really hard-working team. Coaches talk about teams you have to spur on and teams you have to rein in, well this is one of those teams you have to rein back in.”

The Ellis sisters Brooklyn, a sophomore who was eighth at state last year, and Brenda, a senior who medaled in 19th headline the returners along with senior Darci Miller.

Miller didn’t run to her full potential last year because of injury, but Bozarth expects a big bounce back now that she’s once again running without pain.

“She looks so much better this year,” he said. “As a cross country runner, you’re always running with some pain, but not having to run with some of the pain she dealt with last year, that structural pain, makes a huge difference.”

Seniors Paige Stein and Kara Bartels return with significant varsity experience as well, while junior Jessica Thomas has emerged as another top-flight runner this summer.

Sophomores Sophia Bachman, Whitney Ashlock and Lexi Null each won races at the JV level last year and might also crack the Hawks’ seven-runner lineup.

“We’re running tight team packs in our workouts right now,” Bozarth said.

And that’s only going to aid East.

“For some kids, the toughest race may be getting into the top seven and that can be a good thing,” Bozarth said.

“We’ve got some really good competition in practice. The root of that word in Latin (competition) is to seek together and we’ve done a good job coming together and striving for the same thing as a team.”

Gardner EdgertonCoach: Larry Ward

Outlook: With the entire roster returning, the Trailblazers expect a strong showing in 2009. Not only is the core of its varsity squad back, but Gardner-Edgerton has its largest squad in school history. Led by senior Clarissa Johnson, who was eighth at the Kansas 5A state meet last year, the Blazers are deep and getting deeper. Seniors Erica Rains and Lydia Clark-Hargreaves also return along with sophomore Christine Moore.

Olathe NorthCoach: Jerry Banks

Outlook: The Eagles narrowly missed pushing a couple runners through to the Kansas 6A state tournament a year ago. Bolstered by better turnout, which should foster improved competition at practice, North should be a stronger team this year with Lacey Beck, Mary Riley, Chyna Pei, Rachel Hein and Kaitlyn Loeffler leading the way.

Olathe NorthwestCoach: Tim Barnes

Outlook: The Ravens officially are in rebuilding mode after losing Rebeka Stowe, Katie Mona and Jess Macy the last two years. The only returner with varsity experience for ONW is Margo Sinclair, who placed 34th in the Sunflower League last year. But big things are expected from Hannah Kovarik, who has shown potential as a track athlete in years past.

Olathe SouthCoach: Adam Moos

Outlook: No single runner can replace Keli Russell, who has moved on to Wichita State, but between seniors Megan Rosa and Ashley McBride, the Falcons still should have runners near the front of the pack. Fellow senior Brianne Pierce returns after taking her junior year off, while junior Tara Russell, sophomore Edith Suarez-Dolphin and the Meier sisters, Margaret and Madeline, are in the varsity mix.

Spring HillCoach: Rick O’Neil

Outlook: Senior Kelsey Carbajo, who reached the state cross country meet as a sophomore but didn’t run at the regional last year, headlines the Broncos’ stable of runners. Along with freshmen additions Macy Carbajo and Brooke Smith, Spring Hill boasts three athletes who also play volleyball in the fall, but it also gives O’Neil and athletic and talented bunch. Sophomore Abby Haupt should emerge as a key varsity runner as well.

Comments - leave comment