This year’s girls? cross country team is young, says Coach Debi McDonald, but there’s been a change in attitude that will help them on their feet.
‘I think we’re showing a lot more depth than last year. We’ve got several returning varsity runners who put in some good mileage this summer,? she said, adding ‘This year I’ve seen a change in attitude. A lot of it I’ve seen come from the captains. We’ve got some young talent and they’re going to solidify a tighter group to help them achieve better goals.?
The Division One team has been practicing since the beginning of August. McDonald says she upped workouts and expectations in anticipation of the coming season.
Lahser, Stoney Creek and Troy Athens dropped down to D2, leaving some tough competition for Lake Orion to face. The Lady Dragons? coach says Seaholm remains among the toughest competitors in D1.
‘Last year we finished eighth and two of the teams we can beat dropped down to D2. As far as the league goes, I’m a little nervous where we’re going to fit. I’ve already increased our workouts and put more emphasis on where the girls want to be. I’m noticing I’m getting more out of them this year. They know I’m expecting more. We can do something and they see that to get there takes hard work.?
McDonald said last year they graduated a couple of key runners, but she’s hoping the team can be a strong presence in the league.
The league jamboree will be Tuesday, Sept. 15 in Rochester where the team will face all their competitors.
Seniors Amy and Karen Wells and Paige Stephens will head the team as captains, returning in their fourth year.
‘Amy and Karen ran varsity last year and Paige is just a good contributor all around?
McDonald says her top runners include Amy Wells, freshmen Casey Stribbell and Anna Dietz, sophomores Patty Babich and Molly Emerick and junior Ashley Barteau.
Looking forward she says regionals will be tough, but McDonald hopes to move a couple girls on to the state meet, which the team has narrowly missed doing in the last few years.