GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Elmwood’s girls team may be in a bit of a rebuilding mode. The Royals have a dozen or so returning runners but lost a pair of outstanding seniors in Bethany Flage and Darla Heimann.
Miranda Wagner is the top returnee for the Royals as she finished 29th at last year’s regional meet in Tiffin.
Ottoville, which is led by returning three-time all-Ohioan Shayla Siefker might just be the area’s top girls team this fall.
Coach Bob Kaple enters his 42nd season as cross country coach at the school with six seniors in his lineup.
Liberty-Benton missed out on a team trip to state for the first time in years. The Eagles, though, return Halle Frey, who advanced to Columbus as an individual in 2009.
Pandora-Gilboa’s Sarah Flickinger is also a returning individual state qualifier.
Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Ashley Blair (1st year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Didn‘t field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Delaney Reineke, soph..
TOP PROSPECTS: Evania Bonifaz, sr.; Amber Bewsey, sr.; Andrea Spallinger, sr.; Jene Sommers, sr.; Hannah Chappell-Dick, jr.; Lydia Guagenti, jr.; Casey Demellweek, jr.; Julia Althaus, soph.; Brittany Brown, soph.; Morgan Schroeder, fr.; Morgan Humphreys, fr; Audrey Marshall, fr.; Courtney Barnett, fr.
NOTABLE: It‘s been a long time since the Pirates have been able to field a complete girls team. Look for standout half-miler Hannah Chappell-Dick to make an immediate impact for Bluffton this season.
Carey
HEAD COACH: Dean Kessler (13th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Sixth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brittany Freeman, sr.; Amanda Hagley, sr.; Ashleigh Moyer, sr.; Jenna Jesko, jr.; Amanda May, jr.; Kailin Regutti, jr.; Oriana Billock, jr.; Sarah Walter, soph.; Alivia Stephen, soph.; Ellen McDougle, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Baylee Schertzer, fr.; Jaclyn Troiano, fr.; Kayla Keller, soph.; MacKenzie Byrne, fr.
NOTABLE: With 10 returning lettermen back including five that were regional qualifers last season, Carey should be a strong team this season.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Jason Jay (4th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: 4th in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Nikki Ricker, sr.; Cora Diller, sr.; Amber Herron, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Cece Utendorf, jr.; Kayla Parlette, fr.; Micah Stechschulte, fr.
NOTABLE: According to Jay, the Bulldogs will need to get the younger and new girls up to speed quickly, stay healthy all season and be ready to compete around conference time.
Elmwood
HEAD COACH: Chris Hailey (16th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Suburban Lakes League champs.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Becky Heimann, sr.; Marisa Morlock, sr.; Elizabeth Kreais, sr.; Bailey Kerr, sr.; Becca McCarty, sr.; Reagan Briggs, sr.; Ashley Wolfe, jr.; Ally Sroczynski, jr.; Hayley Rinearson, soph.; Miranda Wagner, soph.; Madison Reinhard, sooph.; Emily Wilhelm, soph.; Samantha Kreais, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Anita Britt, jr.; Katarina Williamson, jr.; Brooklyn Winters, jr.; Jessica Murlin, soph.; Brittany Gross, sooph.; Katrina Fausnaugh, soph.; Kyra Bloom, fr.
NOTABLE: The Royals graduated three key runners from last year‘s SLL champion and state-qualifying team. Look for Wolfe and Wagner to lead the team this season.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Kim Fant-Cousin (14th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Robbins, sr.; Brianna Barto, sr.; Ashlyn Roberts, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Julie Krupp, fr.; CKaitlyn Norris, fr.; Raissa Napier, fr.
NOTABLE: Fostoria will have only three runners with varsity experience. Ashlyn Roberts is the top returning member of the team.
Fostoria St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Cindra Baker (5th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Didn’t field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Anna Iannantuono, sr.; Grace Berton, soph. TOP PROSPECTS: Beth Hay, soph.; Shelby Emerine, soph.; Morgan Hay, fr.
NOTABLE: Iannantuono should be the Mohawks’ top runner this season and could be a regional meet competitor. As long as the team stays injury free, they will field a full team for the first time in several years.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Paul Jones (14th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Third in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jenny Lucius, sr.; Annie Fruth, sr.; Taylor Bishop, sr.; Julia Jordan, sr.; Jocelyn Black, sr.; Chelsey Miller, sr.; Alyssa Davidson, sr.; Cassie Reinhart, jr.; Paige Reinhart-Anex, jr.; Erin Reinhart-Anez, soph.; Katie Brickner, soph.; Haley Schreiner, soph.; Shelby Raudebaugh, soph.; Allie Andrews, soph.; Alayna Rowell, soph.; Olivia Wolph, soph.; Kailey Coleman, soph.; Marissa Kirian, soph.; Megan Vaughn, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kasey Siegel, jr.; Zoe Keckler, jr.; Aubrey Affholder, soph.; Morgan Brant, fr.; Audrey Ranker, fr.; Allison Arnold, fr.; Shelby Vargas, fr.; Ashley Rhodes, fr.
NOTABLE: The Chieftains will be deeper than most area teams but the roster is still made up of mostly freshmen and sophomores. Cassie Reinhart was a regional qualifier and earned second team all-MAL honors for the Chieftains in 2009.
Kalida
HEAD COACH: Rob Schnippel (4th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Deanna Kahle, jr.; Amanda Giesige, jr.; Lora Tschour, jr.; Ashley Miller, jr.; Casey Unverferth, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Samantha Edwards, sr.; Summer Holtkamp, soph.; Katie Schmitz, soph.; Jessica Doepker, soph.; Paige Wurth, fr.; Katlyn Kortokrax, fr.
NOTABLE: Kahle became Kalida‘s first female regional qualifier in school history last season. The Wildcats also have their largest girls squad in the program‘s four-year history.
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Pat Wagner (23rd year???).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Halle Frey, jr.; Audra Schroeder, jr.; Sam Rhodes, jr.; Jessica Muhlenkamp, jr.; Caitlin Mathias, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Annie Black, sr.; Tory Hunter, jr.; Megan Saums, soph.; Alex Farmer, soph.; Paige Kinsinger, soph.; Kara Shaffer, soph.; McKenzie Briggs, fr.; Kaitlyn Baumlein, fr.; Megan Peplinski, fr.; Tamora Kern, fr.; Jaclynn Hohman, fr.; Monica Gupta, fr.
NOTABLE: Halle Frey is a returning state qualifier for the Eagles, who have qualified at least runner to the state meet for 20 consecutive seasons.
McComb
HEAD COACH: Andy Honse (3rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Shelby Wilson, sr.; Chelsey Parker, sr.; Whitney Whitted, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Catie Reed, soph.; Jordan Smith, soph., Cami Clark, soph.
NOTABLE: Three seniors and three sophomores make up McComb’s team. Wilson is in her fourth year as a varsity runner and is a returning regional qualifier for the Panthers.
New Riegel
HEAD COACH: Dan Beisner (10th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: 7th in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Amy Wank, sr.; Alysha Nye, sr.; Trisha Smith, jr.; Meghen Welly, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Morgan Nye, fr.; Lauren Zoeller, fr.
NOTABLE: Wank led the Blue Jackets by finishing 17th in the Division III district meet last season. She missed a regional berth by just one spot.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Bradlee Rowlinson (5th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Didn‘t field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Amanda Hotaling, jr.; Chloe Hamlin, jr.; Brittany Lee, jr.; Breanne Ferguson, sr..
TOP PROSPECTS: Jenellea Brown, fr.; Rachel Flores, jr..
NOTABLE: Numbers will be an issue again for the Tigers. Six runners are out for the team but one, Hamlin, will likely miss the entire season with a torn ACL.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Brad Leis (32nd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth in Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cassie Giesken, sr.; Kim Rosselit, sr.; Haley Kitchen, jr.; Courtney Kuhlman, sr.; Dana Lanwehr, sr.; Brittany Nordhaus, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kylee Pothast, sr.; Cece Pracht, sr.; Crystal Recker, sr.; Maria Durliat, fr.; Michelle Durliat, fr.; Jayme Hahn, fr.; Kialee Koch, fr.; Jenny Meyer, fr.
NOTABLE: The Titans have a solid nucleus to build their team round in 2010. Dana Lanwehr should be solid again for Ottawa-Glandorf as she ran to a spot on the all-WBL second team in 2009.
Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Bob Kaple (42nd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Bendele, sr.; Rachelle Bendele, sr.; Emilee Byrne, sr.; Brianna Rodriguez, sr.; Shayla Siefker, sr.; Kristin Schweller, sr.; Amy Looser, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kara Hoersten, soph.
NOTABLE: It should be another banner year for the Ottoville girls team. Shayla Siefker will be running for her fourth all-Ohio award as the Big Green will be seeking their third straight trip to the Division III state meet as a team.
Pandora-Gilboa
HEAD COACH: Steve Amstutz (3rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Sarah Flickinger, sr.; Megan Schneck, jr.; Marissa Schutz, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Vanessa McCullough, fr.; Audrey Sprunger, fr.; Candace Vance, jr.; Ciaira Hazelton, sr.
NOTABLE: Flickinger should be one of the top runners in the entire region this fall. She qualified for the state meet last season and finished 41st in Columbus.
Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Kim Rall (1st year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth in North Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Morgan McKinniss, sr.; Courtney Butler, sr.; Taylor Clark, jr.; Molly Radabaugh, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: The Falcons made strides in the right direction, finishing fifth in the conference in 2009. Honorable mention all-NCC runners Taylor Clark returns but unless the Falcons pick up another runner, they won’t qualify for team scoring this season.
Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Ed Arnold (3rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Second in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kelsey Swavel, sr.; Jennifer Easton, jr.; Brittany Fletcher, jr.; Halee Stief, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brianna Franklin, soph.; Kaitlin Rowe, fr.
NOTABLE: Numbers could be a problem for Upper Sandusky with just six girls on the roster. They do have some talented runners returning though as Halee Stief is a two-time regional qualifier while teammate Kelsey Swavel was a first team all-NOL runner in 2009.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Don Windom (23rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Leah Gabel, sr.; Coral Randolph, sr.; Amber Steiner, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tiffini Freeman, sr.; Courtney Mulland, soph.; Helena Sargent, soph.; Paige Weyant, soph.; Abby Bickford, fr.; Judy Capehart, fr.; Morgan Mowery, fr.; Cariss Reese, fr.; Barb Sprauer, fr.
NOTABLE: The Raiders lost seven seniors from last year‘s squad including state qualifier Julia Windom. Despite the new faces, Lakota is looking to improve its placement in its second season in the MAL.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Elmwood’s cross country teams is on a roll.
Elmwood’s boys team, the defending Suburban Lakes League champs, is looking to earn its third straight trip to Columbus. Coach Chris Hailey has a dozen veteran runners returning including two-time all-Ohioan Nick Goebel, who could be the area’s top runner this fall.
Two individuals to watch on the boys side this season will be returning state qualifiers Tyler Wise of Hopewell-Loudon and Lakota’s Kyle Babcock.
Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Ashley Blair (1st year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Matthew Herron, sr.; David Moser, sr.; Jared Staley, sr..
TOP PROSPECTS: Jordan Brinkman, sr.; Dustin Brinkman, sr.; Jonathan Nisly, soph.; Stefan Stechschulte, soph.
NOTABLE: Moser and Herron give the Pirates a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup.
Carey
HEAD COACH: Dean Kessler (13th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fourth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Evan Wenner, sr.; Izaak Kromer, sr.; Roger Myers, sr.; David Cunningham, sr.; Jalen Caudill, sr.; Scott Vehre, jr.; Paul Kreh, jr.; Alex Lamberjack, jr.; Michael Patton, soph.; Oscar O’Flaherty, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brayden Leist, soph.; Hayden Reinhart, fr.; Clayton Brickner soph.; Victor Morales, soph.; Adam Hyatt, fr.; Evan Hyatt, fr.; Bailey Griffin, fr.; Jon Fahl, fr.; Ben Kromer, fr.
NOTABLE: With 19 boys on the team, Carey will have plenty of depth. Even Wenner and Izaak Kromer are both back after earning second team MAL honors in 2010.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Terry Schnipke (5th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Second in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Darion Gant, soph.; Jake Graham, soph.; Tregg Keysor, soph.; Kenneth Smith, soph.; Eric Otto, soph.; Josh Tussing, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Devin Luginbill, sr.; Kurt Meyer, sr.; Jacob Schroeder, sr.; Drew Schroeder, jr.; Josh Stephens, jr.; Troy Meyer, soph.; Nnick Schmiesing, soph.; Grant Schroeder, soph.; Alex Shafer, soph.
NOTABLE: Don‘t expect a sophomore jinx from Grove‘s Jake Graham this year. He was the top freshman at last year‘s Division III regional meet .
Elmwood
HEAD COACH: Chris Hailey (16th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Suburban Lakes League champions.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Trenton Strickland, sr.; Nick Goebel, sr.; Dexter Lee, sr.; Josh Boes, jr.; Trey Wilhelm, jr.; Jacob Benedict, jr.; Conlan Varty, jr.; Alex Jasso, soph.; Justin Hathaway, soph.; Lorne Strausbaugh, soph.; Tommy Rios, soph.; George Andrich, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Andrew Davis, sr.; Kalen Bloom, sr.; Billy Corner, sr.; Bobby Rios, jr.; Lincoln Young, soph.; Jacob Nungester, soph.; Kyle Avery, soph.; Clayton Mears, soph.; Devon Spieker, fr.
NOTABLE: Two-time all-Ohioan Nick Goebel will lead the way for the Royals as Elmwood tries to earn its third straight trip to the Division III state meet.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Kim Fant-Cousin.
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in the Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Antonio Eufracio, sr.; Keith Lane, sr.; Evan King, sr.; Angelo Eufracio, jr.; Brad Reinbolt, jr.; Justin Jackson, jr.; Salvador Contero, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jon Ward, jr.; Dominic King, jr.; Billy King, jr.; Billy King, jr.; Rowyn Schneider, soph.; Juan Silva, soph.; Austin Robbins, soph.; Alan Cross, fr.
NOTABLE: Among the top eight runners on the team, seven are upperclassmen, which should help Fostoria improve this season.
Fostoria St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Cindra Baker (5th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Seventh in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Justin Ball, sr.; Aaron Foss, jr.; Jorden Nye, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tyler Rumschlag, jr.; Levi Tobin, soph.; Rodney Park, soph.; Tyson Ogg, fr.; Brady Rutter, fr.
NOTABLE: It may be a rebuilding year for the Mohawks this fall. They have three returning letterman and lost individual state qualifier Mark Berton to graduation.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Marie Coleman (9th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Second in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tyler Wise, sr.; Frank Begue, sr; Josh Breidenbach, sr.; Joe Coppus, sr.; Martin Juarez, sr.; Nick Rumschlag, sr.; Justin Leiter, jr.; Andrew Lommerse, jr.; Aaron Lucius, jr.; Trevor Risner, jr.; Clint Rumschlag, jr.; Robert Kniss, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Darren Loredo, sr.; Avery Gatchell, jr.; Tyler McConaha, soph.; Marcus Ardner, fr.; Ryan Depinet, fr.; Tristan Myers, fr..
NOTABLE: Tyler Wise might just be the top boys runner in the entire area this fall. He was 23rd at the state meet last season and also earned academic all-Ohio honors for the Chieftains.
Kalida
HEAD COACH: Scott Miller (4th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Connor Schmenk, jr.; Austin Roebke, jr.; Neil Gerding, jr.; Jordan Laudick, jr.; Jared Zeller, jr.; Joel Zeller, soph.; Jordan Wurth, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Levi Blake, jr.; Derek Siefker, jr.; Eric Warnecke, soph.
NOTABLE: Kalida should be improved but could still be a year away from finishing near the top of most invitationals.
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Jack Quisno (21st year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Joseph Sherrieb, jr.; Cole Newman, jr.; Eric Duvall, soph.; Gary Kedmenec, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jacob Clagg, jr.; Logan Maag, sr.
NOTABLE: Newman (17:46), Duvall (17:52) and Sherrieb (17:56) all posted sub-18-minute times last fall.
McComb
HEAD COACH: Andy Honse (3rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference afiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Bobby Myers, jr.; Cody Moser, jr.; Tyler Ferris, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Blake Thompson, sr.; Aaron Melnick, sr.; Nick Clymer, jr.; Beau Martin, soph.; Stephen Waller, fr.
NOTABLE: With eight runners on the team this season, McComb will field it’s largest boys team ever.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Bradlee Rowlinson (5th year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Ninth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Andrew Senecal, sr.; Josh Meggitt, sr.; Phillip Ernsberger, jr.; Austin Davis, jr.; Brandon Senecal, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Parker Emahiser, sr.; Evan North, jr.
NOTABLE: Look for Meggitt or Andrew Senecal to take over the No. 1 spot for the Tigers this season.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Brad Leis (32nd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth in Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brandon Heckman, sr.; Connor Walthour, sr.; Tyler Weihrauch, sr.; Jacob Siebeneck, jr.; John Lammers, jr.; Colton Haselman, soph.; Ryan Verhoff, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Landon Pothast, sr.; Travis Schomaeker, sr.; Jordan Schroeder, sr.; Tyler Schroeder, sr.; Jordan Smith, sr.; Brent Verhoff, sr.; Brandon Weller, sr.; Derek Heckman, sr.; Alex Closson, sr.; Zac Closson, soph.; Ryan Cramer, soph.; Austin Escobedo, soph.; Nick Hirzel, soph.; Tyler Freeman, fr.; Kevin Mo, fr.; Logan Siebeneck, fr.; Matias Trampe-Kindt, fr;
NOTABLE: The Titans should be deeper than ever this season with 24 runners on the roster including several first-year runners that could make an impact. Heckman and Haselman earned second-team all-WBL honors for the Titans last season.
Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Bob Kaple (42nd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: No conference affiliation.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor Gasser, sr.; Tyler Turnwald, sr.; Jason Turnwald, jr.; Seth Bendele, jr.; Andy Foster, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brad Eickholt, sr.; Kyle Niemeyer, sr.; Jacob Turnwald, soph.; Mark Waldick, fr.
NOTABLE: Jason Turnwald was a regional qualifier in track last spring and could be the Big Green‘s No. 1 runner this fall.
Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Kim Rall (1st year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Seventh in North Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cody Radabaugh, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Ty Miller, fr.
NOTABLE: The Falcons have just two boys out for the sport this fall, but help may be on the way with six boys on the junior high squad.
Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Ed Arnold (3rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Coty Gibson, sr.; James Massara, sr.; Patrick Smith, sr.; Jay Clinger, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Justin Ely, jr.; Zach Funkhouser, jr.; Garrett Huston, jr.; Garrett Miller, fr.; Seth Franklin, sr.
NOTABLE: The Rams have their top four runners back and are looking to move from last in the Northern Ohio League to the top half of the league standings. Gibson returns after earning honorable mention all-league honors in 2009.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Don Windom (23rd year).
2009 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kyle Babcock, sr.; Seth Benfer, sr.; Austin Garber, sr.; Derek Foos, jr.; Michael Franzone, jr.; Daniel Limon, jr.; Zak Baker, soph.; Tyler Aldrich, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tim Sims, sr.; Dillon Reinhart, jr.; Eric Erman, soph.; Ben Gabel, soph.; Vincent Harmon, soph.; Luke Baker, fr.; Sam Kern, fr.; Jeremiah McGowan, fr.; Raphael Sanchez, fr.
NOTABLE: Babcock will be seeking his third straight trip to the Division III state meet for the Raiders this season.