U-Hi Favored Among Boys

GSL boys cross country

When University High School’s boys cross country team finished second in the State AAA meet last year, the Titans became marked men.

Five members of that team return from what was a senior-laden meet. Indeed, 16th-placer Seth Mott is the highest placing returnee and Jeff Rees is third. Both are seniors. Small wonder the Titans are early season Greater Spokane League and state favorites - and ranked seventh nationally in the Foot Locker/Adidas Super 25.

“Everybody is telling us that we’re the favorite, so we can’t hide from it,” admitted Barbero.

The Titans must unseat Mead, which is working on a string of nine straight state titles.

Still, there’s no question that University fields the most experienced group of distance runners in the area.

The GSL legacy of cross country success is at once a blessing and curse. Teams dominate statewide, but the depth of excellence within the league makes everybody fair game, including U-Hi.

“After last year people began talking about them,” said Barbero of his charges. “The kids are pumped up.”

There’s reason for high regard

University is on a distance running roll right now.

Not only does the team return most of a talented varsity team, but athletes from all age groups continue moving up in the school’s all-time top 10.

During last weekend’s All-Valley meet, Brandon Stum and Ryan Lancaster ran the two best freshman times in school history.

“Those puppies are a big surprise,” said Barbero. “Our freshmen and sophomores combined took eight of the top nine places. If the juniors were healthy they could have been that good.”

Sophomores Trevor Newton and Mike Hawkins are fourth and eighth all-time in their class.

Although sub-par with colds, Mark Davis, Kris Martin and Mike Visintainer became fourth, seventh and ninth respectively as juniors.

Mott and the much improved Dan Chavez took over fifth and sixth on the senior list. Rees didn’t run because he’s recovering from injury.

“We have pretty good seniors, a really fine junior class and other kids who can compete,” said Barbero.

University has 49 runners in uniform, 28 who attended cross country camp this summer at White Pass. At the All-Valley meet, 12 broke 18 minutes for three miles. Included were seniors Brian Blessing and Matt Pierce

Barbero attributes the interest in part to the fact that his two sons, junior Mike and sophomore John, who both broke 18 minutes, are on the team.

“I think it’s special when your sons run,” he said. “I have more energy and am into it. Plus, it’s a good group of kids.”

Now it’s a matter of living up to expectations.

Bears just hope to improve

Like U-Hi, CV returns five of its top seven cross country runners from a team that finished 16th out of 18 regional teams.

“Absolutely year after year we get better and are still dragging the bottom,” said co-coach Dennis McGuire. “Last year, one through seven, was probably my best group of any, time-wise.”

CV is led by senior Richie Lentz, who has a chance to move among the regional top 30 runners.

Sophomore Brian Burrow, senior Brice Boltjes and juniors Brandon Bonewell and Wylie Erikson should also be improved.

Seniors Joel Elgee, Travis Morgan, Josh Hemenway and junor Blair Alderman are seeking varsity berths.

So, too, are sophomores Joe Hemenway and Kasey Eslick.

“I think we’ll be a lot like last year,” said McGuire.

Which means the Bears will be improved, but in the distance-rich GSL, wins will remain hard to find.

Gonzaga fields best team

The Bullpups are awaiting the season with anticipation.

“I’ve been here since 1978 and this is by far, by far, the best team I’ve seen,” said coach Tony Maucione.

Jim Rucker, Rick White and Jim Falkner return from Prep’s fourth-place league team and eighth-place regional finisher.

Junior Pat Webber, senior Phil Long and Tim Ulmen won flights during Prep’s second-place finish at the Edmonds Invitational.

“A couple kids had off days. That happens,” said Maucione. “I certainly think we made a statement there.”

Seniors Adam Leskis, Brian Walker, Jim Solan, freshman John Ulmen and sophomore Dustin Duvanich provide depth.

“Perhaps we overraced and were tired at the end,” said Maucione. “Hopefully we’ll plan our races better.”

, DataTimes