Returning their first state qualifiers in more than three years, boasting an experienced corps of veterans and welcoming a talented crop of newcomers, the Douglas High School cross country team has plenty of reasons for optimism this season.
"We're excited about the season," boys' coach Keith Cole said. "We have a lot of good things going on. We're looking to continue the success we experienced last year and we'd like to improve upon that."
The girls' team is shaping up quickly with a junior, a sophomore and a freshman expected to lead the way.
"Our No. 1, 2 and 3 runners are all underclassmen," Cole said. "I can't tell you how awesome that is.
"It's just one of those things where it puts them on such great ground to continue to build and improve. Our top runners have two, three or four years left with us. For the overall program, it gives us a chance to really do well."
Whitney Lindsey and Taylor Biaggi, junior and sophomore respectively, will lead the squad after each qualified for state last year.
Lindsey took ninth at last year's regional championships, followed by Biaggi in 14th.
Lindsey again took ninth at the state championship and Biaggi had advanced as far as eighth place before fading at the finish to take 37th.
"I think going to state last year was a really, really good thing for them just because it gives them the confidence now to say 'I can do this, I can run with the girls from the bigger schools and compete,'" Cole said. "When I look at where they are now compared to where they were last season, we are very encouraged by what the girls have come in with.
"They worked hard and put in a lot of miles over the summer. They have a great shot to go to state again this year."
Douglas narrowly missed sending the entire girls' team to state last year, placing fifth just behind Galena.
The team returns a large portion of its girls' roster and will get a boost from incoming freshman Sara Mangaracina.
"We are very excited to have Sara out with us this year," Cole said. "She has been running with us during the summer for the last three years. I have been anticipating this day when we can keep her out here with us.
"Now we have three really, really good, top-quality girls that I think will do very well and surprise people as a whole in their performances."
In the meantime, Cole said he is looking to solidify the No. 4, 5 and 6 positions on the girls' squad.
"If we get a good combination in those last three spots, we could be looking at an awesome season," he said.
Cole noted returnees Sarah Allen and Anna Chiapella as two of the top contenders for those spots.
"Anna has been out with us for three years and we're looking for good things from her," Cole said. "Sarah is one who will definitely be in there."
He said newcomers Amber Emerson and Marissa Delgadillo have turned in impressive performances over the first few weeks of practice.
"Amber has some skills," Cole said. "I am very interested to see how she runs as we progress this season."
On the boys side, Cole said he believes the roster is shaping up well from top to bottom.
The team returns five of its top runners from regionals last year, where they placed ninth overall.
Leading the charge will be David Williams, Spencer Lewis, Derrik Jenkins and Corey Trujillo.
"Corey has been the biggest surprise so far," Cole said. "He came in with a lot of mileage under him and he looked great the first few weeks.
"The thing I am really excited about is that they are running together. They boys have been very competitive so far and I have not seen that in a while.
"I'm very impressed by the work they've put in and I'm excited to see how it plays out."
Cole said freshman Scott Lococo has been impressed early on.
"Scott has come on and he is running out there with the big boys," he said.
He also said returnees Charlie Cross and Mark Omohundro will round out the talented varsity roster.
"I think the boys will be pretty solid," Cole said. "I'm hopeful because of the work they've put in so far that they will be very competitive when Oct. 27 (The Northern 4A Regional Championships) rolls around."
The team will also have two home meets this season, the first in a class-race format at Lampe Park. Runners will compete against their own class (i.e. seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen). The second race, a three-way meet against Wooster and Hug, is still to be determined.
"The class race will have 17 teams this year," Cole said. "We're hoping this becomes a tradition where everyone comes out and races at Douglas every year to open the season."
-- Joey Crandall can be reached at jcrandall@recordcourier.com or at (775) 782-5121, ext. 212.
