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StumbleuponGIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW
Springboro going for another run at state
Monday, August 18, 2008
From left, Liz Gaugler, Erin Ford, Carly Hamilton, Katie Kessler and Alex Mahle will run on the Springboro High School girls cross country team this season. The team finished sixth at the state meet last year. Staff photo by Ron AlveyEditor's note: This is another in a series of high school sports previews. On Tuesday: boys soccer.
SPRINGBORO — When the girls cross country team at Springboro High School advanced to the state meet last season, it was only the team's second appearance in school history. The last was in 1982.
This season, the Panthers will try to master a feat the school has never accomplished: back-to-back appearances at state.
"I don't think they feel as though they have to go back, but they know they have the capability to," coach Beth Andrews said. "They're very excited about this season because they were happy about being (at state) last year."
Making it back to state is a real possibility for the Panthers. They are returning all seven of their runners from last year's team, including Carly Hamilton. She finished third at state as a freshman in 18 minutes, 12 seconds.
Besides that postseason quest, Hamilton has a budding rivalry with Cincinnati Oak Hills senior Brooklyn Ridder.
Last season the two faced off four times with Ridder sweeping every race, including finishing one spot ahead of Hamilton at state.
"My goal is to finish in the top three (at state individually) again this year, and have the team finish in the top five," Hamilton said. "(Ridder) is a really great runner, and I'd have to get my times down a lot just to compete with her."
To try and ensure the girls a place at state, Andrews gave the team a running schedule for the summer.
Each day they were assigned a different running route at a different location. This is so the girls can get used to any type of terrain they may encounter during the season.
"They have a much more serious approach this season than last season," Andrews said. "Already this season they look stronger and more experienced."
Ones to Watch
Alter: Lost four runners from last year's Division II state championship team, but its depth should make the Knights a worthy contender again. Sophomore Rebecca Esslestein was fifth for the team last season at state and is the younger sister of since-graduated standout Hilary Esslestein.
Milton-Union: Sisters Angela and Nicole Klimkowski were the lead runners for the Bulldogs and both return. They finished in 14th and 21st last year at state in pacing M-U to a fifth-place finish in D-II.
Hannah Turlington: As Northmont's lone runner at state she finished 16th overall in the D-I race as a sophomore. Look for her at the front of the pack all season.
Versailles: Won the D-III state title by one point over Gates Mills Gilmour Academy last season (120-119). The Tigers return their top seven runners, meaning they should make a strong run in defense of that title.
