Excitement running high for cross country teams

With both the boys and girls cross country teams returning the majority of runners that earned state trophies last year, excitement about the 2008 season is running high among athletes and coaches.

Both teams are considered the favorites to win the Sky-Em District title and are likely to make noise at the OSAA State Championships as well.

The girls team, the runner-up among 4A teams at state last year, return four varsity runners and are enjoying a record turnout this year, giving the team incredible depth.

"With over 30 girls on the roster we have a lot to work with," said head coach Charlie Kanzig. "I believe that our top seven will be very strong and we will have varsity-level runners 11 or 12 kids deep."

Emi Conrads, Kirsten Clarke, Claire Kanzig and Tia Berg return as varsity runners. Hillary Stroup, Hayley Palmer, and Jordan Richerson are back from last year's Sky-Em junior varsity championship team, along with a slew of other solid runners.

Conrads and Clarke both placed in the top 20 at state last year.

"The amazing thing is that among our top 8-10 runners we have only one senior, Courtney Johnson, who is coming back from an injury," said Kanzig.

Last year's champion, Siuslaw, will be well-prepared to make a run at the title again, but Kanzig believes that with proper training and focus the Outlaws should be very competitive as well.

"We sort of surprised people last year and I believe we are stronger overall now," he said.

The girls aren't the only ones with high hopes for 2008, as the boys team returns six of its top seven runners from last year's fourth-place state team.

"It's kind of amazing to have nearly all of the team back from the best team in Sisters High School's history," said Kanzig. "These guys are ready for action and I think their incredible cohesiveness will bring them great results."

Returnees include Parker Bennett, Seth Schneider, Drew Harrison, Mike Calavan, Jared Henderson and Benton Urquhart. Sophomore Taylor Steele has worked hard all summer to make the seventh spot and there are other runners in the ranks that could help out as well.

"We don't have the overall depth of the girls team, but the boys are looking very solid thanks to good summer training," said Kanzig. "If we stay away from injuries, these guys will be very difficult to beat."

Kanzig is assisted by Rima Givot and Kris Kristovich. The team kicks off the season with the "Mud and Blood" race hosted by Summit High School at Shevlin Park on Thursday, September 4. An open race begins at 4 p.m. with high school races starting at 4:15 p.m.

"We use September as training, so it will be October before we really know how the teams look," said Kanzig.