11/4/2009 11:32:00 AM Cross Country hoping to build on '09 gains
Craig Corsten Sports Editor
After a couple of trying seasons, the Monona Grove boys cross country team took a big step forward this season, and the girls may be joining them in the near future.
With a strong mix of senior leadership and an exciting group of young runners, the MG boys cross country team turned in one of their finest seasons in recent memory. Led by senior Blake Blaskowski, the Silver Eagles had a bona fide front of the pack runner.
"The senior leadership was good for us this season," said boys Head Coach Bill Anacker. "Blake Blaskowski was captain last year and continued leading by his example at practice and race day."
While the loss of Blaskowski will be tough for next season's team, Anacker has a strong group of underclassmen returning next season, which should help the boys build on this season's gains.
"Our boys' team could really make their mark in the next couple years with Andrew Marquez, Seth Marten, and Justin Weber leading the way," said Anacker.
On the girls side, gains weren't as evident, but with a strong youth movement gaining steam on the girls team, they too could be looking at improvements in the coming seasons.
Senior Ali McDonald provided the senior leadership for the girls.
"She came out everyday and worked hard for the team," said Anacker.
Anacker said there were several youngsters on the girls side that boost their prospects next season.
"Our girls could make some good improvements next year also," said Anacker. "Kendall Eberhardt and Kelly Calhoun lead a core group into next year."
With two new head coaches this year, Chris Bradford, Anacker said the potential was there for the season to end up as a rough transition year, but that didn't occur.
"We did have our share of struggles but for the most part, the team and the coaches have built a good foundation for the future," said Anacker. "Both girls' and boys' are really examining how they run and they are working on running smarter during practice and smarter during the races. After each race they really seem to understand what they did well and what they need to improve next time."
Unlike in other sports, kids can practice informally pretty much whenever they want, and Anacker said that's where he hopes to see big gains.
"We are looking forward to the off season, where are runners really can make some gains for next season," said Anacker. "And we are focused on starting next season stronger and ready to build on what we did this season."
