U-Hi Cross Country Hopes For Better Run
GSL girls cross country
Last year just 10 points separated four Greater Spokane League girls cross country teams.
Two of those qualified for state.
University was one of two teams that didn’t, finishing fifth overall in the region.
“We had good success,” said U-Hi coach Steve Llewellyn. “It was just not our time to perform.”
A couple of runners didn’t do as well as Llewellyn had hoped.
“They didn’t have real good regional races, or we could of snuck into state,” he said.
The Titans and a young but improved Central Valley team are hoping to again return to Greater Spokane League and state contention. Llewellyn continues as Titan coach although he has given up the girls track program that he headed for the past 12 years.
“There are things I want to do, working out, rock climbing, fishing, playing with my granddaugher,” said Llewellyn. “I didn’t want life to pass me by.”
A good summer’s workout coupled with some key graduations within the GSL has Llewellyn thinking U-Hi can be in the state picture once again.
“I think we’ll contend,” he said. “Heck. I always figure we’ll be a contender.
Central Valley is a blend of old and new in its bid of improving on last year’s 13th place regional showing.
“The girls have a chance to be there,” said Bear co-coach Dale Poffenroth. “We can win meets, but everybody has good kids.”
GSL league meets begin Wednesday.
Closing of ranks imperative
Last weekend’s All-Valley meet gave indication that the Titans are stronger at the top than last year.
Bringing the remainder of the runners up to the standards set by returnee Jaime Miller and junior Michelle Cesal is U-Hi’s priority.
“We’re tougher up front but not as tough runners four through seven,” said Llewellyn. “That will be the real task, getting those kids closer.”
Miller’s 19:59 winning time was a minute and one-half faster than she ran last year.
“She dropped softball and decided to concentrate on cross country and track,” said Llewellyn. “She trained hard.”
Cesal improved nearly as much, finishing just 16 seconds behind.
Another improved runner is junior Jenni Hanna, U-Hi’s third finisher and fourth overall.
Returnees include last year’s No. 3 runner, senior Katie List, No. 4 junior Devon VanDyne, and senior veteran Robyn Cross.
Also vying for spots are freshman Michelle Pierce, sophomores Kristin Thornton, Melissa Hawkins and Kaely MacDonald.
Youngsters key to CV season
Four regulars are back for the Bears, but it could be youngsters who determine the team’s overall success.
A turnout of seven freshmen, including two or three who could make varsity, have improved the outlook.
“The girls will compete really well when we get the team settled,” said co-coach Dennis McGuire. “It may be as strong as we’ve ever had.”
Annie Peterson, Bethanne Williams and Ali Shatto are returning seniors. Junior sprinter Leslie Merideth and sophomore Tiffany Pottratz also are back.
They’ll be pushed by sophomores Jill Mittmann and Christine Rosier, who ran well at the All-Valley.
Two other sophomores Adrienne Nowaski and Wendy Wagar, senior transfers Amy Wilson and Tawni Atherton and the freshmen, including Aubre Debenham, Audra Fredrickson and Buffy Crace are also in the mix.
“Their skill level is high, you can’t count them out,” said McGuire.
Gonzaga girls have potential
Four of Gonzaga Prep’s sixth-place regional finishing team returns.
“You never know how far you’ll go,” said coach Terry Kelly. “I know our potential. We ran substantially better this year than last year at Shoreline.”
Back from last year are top two runners, Valley junior Jill Larson and Carly Barnes.
Others returning are seniors Sarah McLaughlin and Katie Mayer, sophomore Beth Leonetti, Cynthia Boge and Valleyite Chelsea Olney.
Newcomers include Valley sophomores Candace Olmstead and Bethany Struss and freshman Robin Bell.
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