GSL Preview Cross country
Girls outlook
Last year, there was a three-way tie for the title among Central Valley, Mt. Spokane and University with Mead right behind. Odds are that a multiple tie won’t happen again, with CV the favorite, but not much separates most teams.
“I think the league could be wide open,” said Mead coach Dori Robertson. “There are a lot of good coaches who know what they are doing.”
CV finished sixth at state last year. The Bears bring back five runners and have added Ashley Renz, a regional 800-1,600 track qualifier.
“I have really high expectations, but have learned to temper them,” said coach Dennis McGuire. “One thing I do like is our depth.”
The most likely challenger is Mead, which has added freshman standout Baylee Mires, daughter of Panthers boys track coach John. Three others return and a batch of newcomers have moved in from out of state. “It’s a growing year, not just running-wise,” said Robertson, who said success will be determined by how everyone melds.
Mt. Spokane has all but one runner back from its State 3A runner-up of a year ago, but depth is a concern. “Since I’ve been coaching we’ve had four or five girls and this gap. If something goes wrong you’re up the creek without a paddle,” said coach Sean Linder.
All but one runner from Gonzaga Prep and four from the University lineup return, and Lewis and Clark will be solid. “If we could leapfrog into third, that’s our goal,” said LC coach Mark Vandine.
Shadle Park state runner-up Andrea Nelson, is the league’s top returnee. “Andrea is shattering her time-trial records,” said coach Bob Isitt. If not for an injury to track sprinter Jordan Carlson, he believed his team could have been a contender.
At the 3A level, the Mt. Spokane, East Valley and North Central have strong individuals. For all of them, how close runners one through seven can pack together, will determine their place in league.
Top returners
State 4A runner-up Nelson and Megan Inman, Shadle Park; Eleanor Siler, Lewis and Clark, 23rd and a state-placing sprinter; Eden Lake, Breanna Barsten, Melinda Miller, Ari Rios-Foucault, all CV; Sara Stenerson and Cailyn Torpie, Mead; Stevie Gildehaus, University; Alicia Doohan, Gonzaga Prep. Courtney Zalud, Amy Pomante, Becca and Sarah Craig, all Mt. Spokane; Rachel Ballard, NC; Lauren Bergum, Devon Borja and Lori Bourgeous, all EV.
Boys outlook
Greater Spokane League teams have won 19 straight State 4A titles and captured last year’s 3A championship. This year, 3A may be where the league’s power lies. North Central returns six members of its state-title team and is favored to repeat.
Mt. Spokane expects improvement. “We will be better than last year,” said coach Craig Deitz. “We’re young, but the kids are getting strong. I definitely feel we’ll be closer this year to the teams that beat us.” Like NC, the Wildcats bring back all but one varsity runner and will be deeper.
Class 4A: Ferris and Mead, the teams that won the last seven state titles, have question marks. They graduated nearly their entire lineups, with Ferris replacing six runners from its fourth straight title team and the Panthers five from its second-place finisher. Young Mead does have the GSL’s top returner in Kelly Lynch and the Panthers are ranked No. 1 by state coaches. “I think it’s based on tradition, but, hey, who’s to say?” said coach Steve Kiesel. “I know the boys worked all summer, better consistently than the year before.” If not Mead, Central Valley is next most likely to uphold GSL tradition and make it 20 championships in a row. “I think CV is probably the team to beat,” said NC coach Jon Knight. “They hammered us last year.” The Bears return four from last year’s third-place state finisher, but they graduated a pair of top-10 state finishers.
Top returners
Lynch, seventh in 4A state, Jordan Baker and Jordan Curnutt, all Mead; Jayson Taylor, Bryce Aguilar, Jason Stoker and Andrew Cesal, all CV; Daniel Renz, Shadle Park; Paul Hawkins, Ferris; Andy Kimpel, fifth in 3A state, Steve Hicks, 10th, Leon Dean, 11th, Adam Tyler, 15th, Alex Avila, all NC; Allan Schroeder and Trevin Goodrick, both Mt. Spokane.
Next week’s biggie
NC, Mead and CV at Ferris, Wednesday, 4 p.m.