Five things to watch: Kansas state cross country

Source: The Star

2008 photo by The Kansas City Star

St. Thomas Aquinas’ Ashley Washburn

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1 Washburn, Saints aim to lead way in 5A

St. Thomas Aquinas senior Ashley Washburn has been the 5A state runner-up each of the last three years, and — coming off her fourth straight regional championship — she will chase that elusive state title at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence. Saints coach Justin Wrigley said Washburn’s main focus, though, is to lead Aquinas to another team championship. In 2006 and 2008, Aquinas swept the 5A boys and girls state titles. Both Saints’ squads convincingly won their regional meets last week and should be top contenders on Saturday.

2 Wedge seeks to lead Lawrence to another 6A title

Lawrence senior Roy Wedge has turned in quite a season, winning Sunflower League and regional championships — among other highlights. Last season, he finished second at the 6A state meet — less than a second out of the lead — and he should be considered a favorite Saturday at Rim Rock Farm. More important to him is what the team does. Last year, the Lawrence boys ended Shawnee Mission Northwest’s run of 14 consecutive state titles and won their first state championship. This year, the Lions can’t sneak up on anybody. Lawrence’s Joseph Springer and Calvin Morgan also return after top-20 state finishes last year.

3 Seasoned Hawks girls seek second state crown

Olathe East’s girls team hasn’t finished worse than fifth at the 6A state cross country meet in the last six seasons, an impressive feat, but the Hawks’ deep and seasoned group would love to add the program’s second 6A crown. Senior Darci Miller, whose sister Amanda was a standout for Olathe East’s 2006 state champs, is part of an experienced group that includes three former state medalists. Miller finished 13th as a freshman and sixth as a sophomore. The Ellis sisters, senior Brenda and sophomore Brooklyn, placed 19th and eighth, respectively, at state last year. Despite all that experience, it’s freshman Brenna McDannold leading the charge.

4 SM Northwest teammates push each other to state

When it comes to Shawnee Mission Northwest cross country, the boys’ program gets most of the attention, thanks to a streak of 14 straight state titles (snapped last year). But two SM Northwest girls have stolen a share of the spotlight this season. Senior teammates and offseason training partners Lisa Imgrund and Christine Nelson placed first and second, respectively, at the Sunflower League and 6A regional meets. Imgrund was the top local 6A state finisher last year, placing fourth.

5 Kansas City area is well-represented

The Kansas City area boasts several top contenders in 6A and 5A, but keep an eye on these teams and individuals in the small-class state meets at Wamego Country Club: St. James Academy’s Bridgette McCormick won her regional meet and will try to contend in 4A. De Soto’s boys and girls teams (both top five at state last year) each advanced. The Kansas City Christian boys and girls both won their regional meets and will compete at 3A state. The reigning 2A state girls champion, Maranatha Academy, will try to defend its state title.

- 2009-10-29 22:57:02