Frontier Girls Face Challenge

Girls cross country

Frontier League girls cross country is unarguably the best in the state at the Class AA level.

The past two years have produced two individual champions, a runner-up and two third-placers as well as East Valley’s team championship last season.

Every one of those individual placers and all but one EV runner return.

Just getting out of the league to the state meet will not only be an adventure but also a job.

“It’s just a cycle where everybody is up right now,” said Knight coach Nick Lazanis. “We’re much stronger than last year. West Valley and Colville are also. Whoever’s healthiest at the end will go.”

One team and the top five individuals qualify for state from the Frontier League.

Competition for the berths will be so stiff that a runner who placed high at state one year might not even qualify this season.

Knights seek back-to-back titles

East Valley’s state championship lineup last year included four freshmen and two sophomores, three of whom finished among the league’s top six runners.

That is reason enough to believe the Knights can chase a second straight state championship.

“One of the reasons we’re a lot better is that the returners came back strong,” said Lazanis.

Junior Angie Simmers, who has been second and sixth at state, is being pushed by sophomore Ann Marie Adams for the No. 1 spot on the team.

If there’s an EV concern, it is the injury to last year’s No. 2 runner, sophomore Cara Smith.

“She’s greatly improved but struggling right now,” said Lazanis.

Additionally, freshman Korinda Godwin, who likely will step into the lineup, has been set back following an appendectomy.

She’s competing with state veterans Carmen Cook, Sally Wulf and Radene King for a varsity berth.

So, too, is Crystal Cook, Carmen’s older sister.

“She’ll have an impact for us,” said Lazanis. “She hasn’t run since junior high but is big time.”

Returning letter winners are Holly Weiler, Shanez Hanson, Lynn Gillett, Amber Lewis, Jen Mills, Amber Sine and Heidi Williams.

Newcomers include Breanna Combs, freshman Sarah Davis, transfer Amber Mandrell, freshman Stacy McCarty, track star Starr Olson and freshman Liz Wood.

Eagles hope for district upset

If any team derails EV before state, it would likely be by WV. The Eagles bring back a two-time district champion, junior Jessica Riehle, who won state as a freshman and finished third behind Cheney champion Jeannette Zimmer in Pasco last year.

“Typical of early success,” said WV coach Jim McLachlan, “she suddenly had the monkey on her back. This year she’s probably in the best shape of her life.”

Joining her are district seventh placer Heather Harmon and fellow seniors Marah Kjeldgaard and Kelli Burke. Both have been bothered by injuries.

Others who ran for the league and district runnerup are sophomores Cori Watke and Missy Baca.

Sophomore Amy Martinson rounds out the top seven.

“We have a good team,” said McLachlan. “We had a good team last year. I figured we would have been third at state and couldn’t get out of district.”

That’s how it is in the Frontier.

, DataTimes