Lady Runners are picking up speed as they opened their 2012 fall season taking first place at the Golden Grizzly, Aug. 31. It is only the beginning.
“They are looking really good,” said Clarkston Girls Cross Country Coach Kevin Breen. “I think we will be better or as good as we were last season. My underclassmen are coming out strong. They are running hard, and they are impressing me during workouts.”
Leading the pack are returners seniors Erin Billette, Kaitlin Cantania, Molly Jeffers, junior Mackenzie Proper and sophomore Lynsie Gram.
The goals for this year are to have a top ten finish after finishing in the top 20 last season and set personal times.
“Probably 2-3 of our top five runners will be under 19 minutes,” Breen said. “Everyone has different goals. A few girls want to show they can try for the All-State position. I have some runners that can probably break 18 minutes, which is only done a few times a year thoughout the state.We are on the right path.”
The Lady Wolves prepared for the season with off-season training to get them into shape and ready.
“What is really going to carry us through this year is the knowledge of knowing we can do well because of the amount of work we put in,” Breen added. “Another strength is we are stronger all around. They did a lot more weight lifting this year. We did a lot more core work. We try to get in 3-4 days a week some core work.”
The core work will help as they run against tough competition in the OAA Red league especially from Troy, Rochester Adams and Oxford.
“We will be battling Troy all season,” he added. “They should be tough. I know they have a few returners. I know they will be tough because they beat us most of last season. We will be more competitive this season.Adam will be a battle and Oxford is strong in our league.”
The Lady Wolves competed in their first OAA Jamboree on Tuesday. They have the OAA Jamboree #2 on Sept. 24 at Stoney Creek Metro Park and OAA Jamboree #3 at Bloomer Park, Oct. 18.
“We always look forward to the OAA meets,” Breen added. “Those are always fun and they are always on good courses.”