The Clarkston Boys Cross Country Coach Mike Taylor said he is looking for a few guys to step up this year and replace the seniors lost to graduation.
‘We have Nick LaMora and Jeff Kuhl returning,? Taylor said. ‘They were solid runners for us last year. They are going to be what we build the team around. We have some guys who are juniors this year, who in the past were solid runners. They will have to step up and run better for us this year. Some of these guys, who were in someone else’s shadow, it’s time for them to step up and be the guys.?
Last year’s team qualified for the state finals and took 20th place.
LaMora finished in 64th place, which was the Wolves top finish at the state finals. Taylor said he has big expectations for LaMora and Kuhl.
‘Those two should both qualify for states,? Taylor said. ‘They both have the potential to be all-state runners this year. That may be a burden to put on the guys, but they know it. That’s their goal. They want to be all-state. It’s a lot of work and a high goal, but if you don’t set your goals high you’ll end up someplace else.?
Taylor is looking for several runners to help compliment LaMora and Kuhl this season: Larry Cassar, Andrew Chaffee, Zac Peers, Jake Winbigler and newcomer Tony Ross.
‘We have a lot of question marks and when you have that you don’t know what to expect,? Taylor said. ‘The only thing you can hope is your healthy, the guys listen to you and they train hard so you can come around. It often means you may not look good early in the season, but by the end of the season you should be quite better.?
This season, the OAA has changed formats. Instead of having dual meets and an end of the year league meet, the OAA will have three jamboree meets with all the conference teams.
‘I know with a real young squad I will be at a disadvantage at the beginning of the season. I’m most interested in how we do at the last one,? Taylor said. ‘I give these guys kudos. They have had pretty good summer attendance. They have some miles on them, so we started early, which is important. They are a good group to work with. Sometimes they have to be reminded about their work ethic, but on a whole they are pretty serious about wanting to do well. That’s encouraging.?
The Wolves will begin their season with the Crim Races on August 26.