Demon Dispatch

Cross country sets region as their goal

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 By Chris Reckards, Co-Sports Editor

The varsity boys and girls cross-country team has nearly finished half of the season and is setting their goals for regions. On the boys side of the track they have come up with a winning 7-6 record and are getting ready for the Thunderbird meet tomorrow. “I thought we’ve had a successful season, but could take it up a notch,” Coach Scott Giddings said. The varsity boys placed seventh out of 12 teams from around the state at the Mingus Invitational. Medalists at the invitational included Senior James Hargon and Sophomores Kenny Owens and Derrick Alfred. “We’ve done very well in our meets, but I’m still looking for the race where we all perform to our full potential at one time,” Giddings said. Another meet was the District Jamboree held Oct. 9. The Demons beat out four of nine district schools. At the Jamboree Alfred won the open division. “He continues to run very well in our novice division races,” Giddings said. Some of the runners who have stepped it up for the team include Hargon, Junior Mike Berlyn and Alfred. “I think our depth is our strength,” Giddings said. “We must close the gap close the gap from our first to our last runner to a minute,” The boys will compete in regions Oct. 31. The girls have gone through the season with a 4-9 season and look to compete in regionals. “The girls continue to improve and gain experience,” Giddings said. At the Mingus Invitational Sophomores Katherine Yoder and Mary Edwards took medals at that meet. “Katherine has been a good surprise for her first year in cross country,” Giddings said. The girls also did very well at the District Jamboree. Those award winners included Edwards, and Freshmen Lori Morales and Ashley Dewhurst. “The team is really improving, ”Giddings said. “We would like to have all the girls healthy and have the freshmen continue to improve like they have been.”The girls also have the Thunderbird meet coming up. “I think this year is a rebuilding year for the girls,” Giddings said. “The challenge will see if they will be in the top four at regions.” “The JV team has had a successful season and are looking forward to defending their title for the JV championship,” Giddings said. “They will also try to win back the freshmen title.” Key runners for JV are Junior Andrew Antipov, Sophomore RJ Freeland and Freshman Steve Lamas.