A lack of depth and a front-runner could be a major obstacle this season, as the Hidden Valley boys and girls cross country team prepare for a very competitive season in the River Ridge District and beyond.
Returning for the boys’ squad, that finished fourth in the district and fifth in the region in 2011, are junior Noah Long (16:53), senior Cameron Vaughn (16:56), senior Will Hodges (16:59), senior Doug Hartley (17:10), sophomore Eli Harding (17:29), senior Baxter Wingfield (17:32), sophomore Sammy LeHardy (17:59), senior Sachith Guillapalli (18:03), junior Oliver Thorum (18:01) and sophomore Matthew Camilletti.
As for the boys’ strengths and weaknesses, head coach Daniel King said, “We have experience and depth, but lack a front-runner.”
The top seven performers for the girls team, which was third in the district and regionals, along with finishing as state runner-ups, are senior Carolyn Bethel (state champion and Nike National finalist), junior Helena Harding (all-district and all-region), junior Leslie Weidner, junior Heather Mwitanti, sophomore Carla Weidner and freshman Ali Sharp.
As for the strengths and weaknesses on the girls’ side, King said, “We have a front-runner and leadership, but we lack depth.”