Return trip to state on mind of seniors

Four years ago, three Newton high school freshmen ran in the state cross country meet. In 2008, that same group of girls would like to go out on top and make a return trip to the state meet this season as seniors. “We are excited and encouraged by the team prospects,” NHS coach Mike Castings said. “The chemistry is good and the desire to achieve and support is definitely there.” The group of seniors who will try to get back to the state meet in Fort Dodge are Kara Brown, Taylor Fank and Amy Vos. Senior Mackenzie Morris also is on the team and should provide the squad with plenty of experience as she also has been running for four years. “Kara, Taylor and Amy are all seasoned veterans who ran at the state meet four years ago,” Castings said. “And they would like to make a return trip there this season.” Brown is this year’s captain and has provided the team with leadership, keeping the team organized and positive. Vos, a former all-conference runner, is showing some excellent strength during the early-season practices.” In addition to the senior experience and leadership, the Cardinals return their top two runners from last year in sophomores Abby Reed and Katie Ranard. “Abby was our top scorer in 2007 and looks very strong coming into this season,” Castings said. “Both Abby and Katie have done a lot during the offseason, and it should pay dividends for the team throughout the season.” As good as the above-mentioned girls may be, Castings said the key to a successful season this year may be sophomore runners Allie Sheets and Maranda Huebner. Both ran in the fourth and fifth positions last year but are also good enough to be front runners, Castings added. “Both girls are strong runners who can really turn it on when they set their mind to it,” Castings said. “It is the fourth and fifth runner that a team score can really go up or down.” Two other sophomores expected to provide the team with a lot of depth are Chelsi Arkema, a sprinter in track and new to distance running, and Tabitha Fisher, who was injured a great deal last season. The two freshmen on this year’s team include Sarah Penning and Mariah Doland. “What we lack in numbers from the freshmen class, we pick up in quality,” Castings said. “Both Sarah and Mariah should come in and challenge for varsity spots right away,” Castings said. “I think they will really surprise some people this season.” Other new members to this year’s team include Nicole Johnson and Shelby Pritchard. Castings said expectations are high but won’t clearly get a good feel at where the team stands until they run at Southeast Polk on Tuesday. They also will run at Grinnell Tuesday, Sept. 9. The home invitational won’t take place until Sept. 23.