Tiger Boys Look Stronger; Saxons Newly Focused Bullpup Runners Exhibit Improvement

GSL boys cross country

Lewis and Clark’s boys team made its second straight trip last year to the State 4A cross country meet.

Ferris stayed home.

The Tigers placed fifth at state while the Saxons experienced an uncharacteristically poor year finishing in a three-way Greater Spokane League tie for seventh.

“It was my worst year in 16 years,” said coach Mike Hadway. “It surprised me and taught me a lesson.”

Hadway said he had hyped his team in preseason, and it fell apart.

This year the Saxons have approached the season’s start with a new resolve. Along with the Tigers, they will make the GSL deeper than ever.

“Last year was a growing year,” Hadway said. “You’ll see faster times this year.”

LC took a hit when No. 1 runner Colin Quinn-Hurst moved.

“I was a little concerned early,” said ever-optimistic coach Chris Morlan. “But I feel much better about our chances.”

As usual the GSL is Washington’s most fertile distance running ground.

The top three state team finishers - University, Mt. Spokane and Mead - and LC are ranked at the top of the coaches’ poll. Shadle Park and Ferris are ranked seventh and eighth, respectively.

“We’re better at this point than last year,” said Gonzaga Prep coach Tony Maucione. “But in our league, what does it matter?”

Tigers press on without runner

Quinn-Hurst was LC’s top state finisher well ahead of the next Tiger.

A cross-country skiing opportunity prompted the family move to Alaska.

“That hit us hard,” said Morlan.

Runners who didn’t meet summer mileage goals but ran well in a time trial encouraged their coach.

“We look a lot stronger than last year,” said Morlan. “I’m feeling more comfortable now.”

Four runners - Paul Swenson, Matt Kulisch, sophomore Mike Connelly and Ben Verble are state veterans.

Verble is currently sidelined with a knee problem. Juniors and sophomores are filling in the lineup.

“The last two years our freshmen teams have been city champions,” said Morlan. “These guys are starting to make a difference.”

LC has been to state two years in a row. Morlan is hopeful for a third time.

Saxons led by one of state’s best

Ferris senior Andrew Ice is one of three GSL runners who are the top returning state cross country finishers.

Ice placed third at last year’s meet, behind Shadle state champ Michael Kiter and ahead of fourth-placer Chris Fayant from Mead.

“He’s worked really hard this summer - 80 to 90 miles per week,” Hadway said. “He’s looking beyond even a state championship.”

Behind him is a stable of talent, including four varsity starters, that makes Ferris one of Hadway’s deepest teams.

“We have 28 guys out right now,” said Hadway. “We’ve definitely improved from last year.”

Several sophomores and freshmen will challenge, including frosh Tyler Adams.

“This year is a real new look,” said Hadway. “Even the kids are acting differently.

“They’re really focused.”

Young Bullpups seek improvement

Gonzaga Prep must replace five of seven varsity members who ran regionals last year.

But coach Tony Maucione is not as concerned as might be expected.

“It will be hard because we only have two seniors,” Maucione admitted. “But we are much better at this point than last year.”

He’s also excited about the possibilities of his newcomers.

Back from last year is John Ulmen, a senior who ran second for the Bullpups, and Brian Davis, who has regional meet experience.

Sophomore Joe Stachecki and junior Brendan O’Melvany are among the most improved runners this fall.

“These are good kids,” Maucione said. “For the most part all are real runners.

“The potential is good.”