Tough preseason builds strong girls

By Laura Clark

Published: August 27, 2008

Despite losing two of their top five runners, the girls cross country team and coach Teri Grey expect a solid season to take shape.

“We’ve been forced into a rebuilding year,” Grey said. “I still think we’re going to be good. Some people have stepped up.”

Senior captain Jacqui Wendland and junior Laura Phelps said they’re stronger this year than past seasons due to an intense summer training schedule. The team held open conditioning at Sweet Briar College three times a week beginning in July. The girls swam, ran hills, and got in the weight room and onto elliptical machines besides normal practice runs.

“It kept our mileage up so we wouldn’t get too lazy over the summer,” Phelps said. “We got to run together as a team, which keeps you motivated.”

“It’s hard to run by yourself,” said Wendland, who liked that she worked different muscles in training and gave her joints a break.

Several underclassmen have stepped up in the preseason. Returning runners Mandy Tomlin and Tori Kendrick should be in the top five. Junior Caroline Hall hopes to be healthy enough to compete this season. Last year she was sidelined early by stress fractures. Now she’s got some serious blisters on her feet, and she covered them with hot pink duct tape before Friday’s practice.

Other runners include junior Meghan Adams, sophomore Jessie Schruner and freshman Alison Myers.

“For Alison’s first year, she’s been trying really hard. She hasn’t complained,” Wendland said. “We’re still kind of fighting for the fifth spot.”

Right now the team is focused on training between 25 and 30 miles a week. They’ll taper off the day before dual meets and as districts approach. The key is to work hard while staying healthy and injury free. Beyond that, the girls aren’t hesitant to mention the big goal.

“States,” Phelps said.

“Whatever it takes to get there,” Wendland added.

The cross country season begins Sept. 3, when Amherst hosts Liberty and Rustburg at 4:30.