It’s Anybody’s Race In Gsl Boys Season
GSL boys cross country
In many respects, the boys cross country teams at University and Central Valley high schools are alike.
Both return virtually their entire starting lineups and both are blessed with large turnouts.
But while the Bears return Robby Warnock, the ninth-fastest regional finisher among Greater Spokane League runners, it is the Titans who are ranked No. 3 in state prior to the start of a new season.
“That tells you how bogus that (rankings) is,” said U-Hi coach Bob Barbero.
The Titans are expected to be part of a taut four-team GSL title chase.
“It’s kind of exciting, but in this league, who knows?” Barbero said. “We could be improved and still finish fifth.”
Whichever team adds a young phenomenon or makes quantum improvement will determine the outcome for the quartet.
The season begins next Wednesday with the Titans racing defending state champion Mead at Whitworth. The Bears go against another favorite, North Central, at Audubon Park.
Titan times indicate improvement
If early season time trials and summer camp performances are an indication, University is immensely improved.
At White Pass the Titans had 10 of the top 14 camp race finishers. At their Liberty Lake Park two-mile time trial, some runners improved over last year by as much as two minutes.
Sixteen of his runners moved into the all-time top 10 in their respective four-grade categories.
“Our kids trained hard this summer and really improved,” said Barbero. “It will be interesting to see where we stack up.”
Senior James Berry is the third all-time best senior. Seth Mott moved to the head of the junior class, and Pat McGuire and Jeff Rees are fourth and fifth.
Mark Davis and Mike Barbero are the top two sophomores, and Mike Visintainer is fourth.
Last year’s No. 1 runner, T.J. Sulzle, is currently out with a knee injury.
Others vying for varsity spots are Dan Chavez, Mike Johnson, Matt Pierce, Shaun Edgerley and sophomores Jeff Wineinger and Kris Martin.
“Where we got killed last year in region is our No. 1 runner finished in (27th place),” said Barbero. “I’m hoping with James, Seth and T.J. we’ll have some No. 1 men up there.”
Warnock heads veteran Bears
Last season Warnock wasn’t completely healthy during cross country season. In the spring he was district 800 meter champion and state fifth place finisher.
“He’s running lights out. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t run with the area’s No. 1 athletes,” said coach Dennis McGuire. “He’s so focused and running really strong.”
Warnock is one of six returnees for CV, which has a turnout of 33.
Besides five other returning varsity runners, the Bears have six newcomers vying to crack the top seven.
“This is the closest group I’ve had,” said McGuire. “Even without (graduated No. 1 runner) Brandon Larson I actually think we’ll be improved.”
Back is junior Richie Lentz, senior Brien McGuire, senior Hoa Duong, sophomore Wiley Erikson and junior Joel Elgee, who turned out late.
Seniors Wayne Michael and Tyson Rockwell, juniors Dallin Carter and Josh Hemenway, sophomores Brandon Bonewell and Josh Kettenton show varsity promise.
“The top group is running better than any eight runners I’ve had,” said McGuire. “I don’t know what the record will be but they should be competitive.”
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