Coronado Cross Country – 2009

Men’s Team – Outlook

The Cougars lose only two of their top twenty runners from last year’s third place (@ State) squad.  This practically assures that the team will have an impressive season (at a minimum).  However, replacing last years’ #2 runner, Andrew Hugill, does provide a bit of a challenge.  But, on the other hand, the 2009 Track & Field season may have provided some insight into how this can be achieved.  Given his recent 1600 meter performances, Dylan Witte will be looked upon to move up and fill Andrew’s shoes.  And, given Ryan Logan’s, Ben Vaske’s and Ryan Mott’s, performances, in the 3200 meter, one of these three has to be projected to move up, backfilling Dylan’s spot.  Add to this that Jesse Mathews & Chuck Voss should show improvement over last fall, expect the Cougars to evolve into a formidable team.

Assuming this growth takes place, the Cougars should be more than recover from the loss of one key contributor.  But hopefully “this team” will remember the disappointment of not being awarded the gold or even silver trophy at last year’s State Championships (trophies are awarded to only the winner and runner-up) and will strive for something greater… much greater.  A hungry and driven Cougar squad could inherit a shot at this years’ team title.  For many, opportunities like this don’t come more than once or twice in a lifetime.

When the season opens and 5A rankings are published, it’s expected that Coronado will be ranked somewhere in the top ten.  Regis, the returning runner-up and a team who also lost very little to graduation, will be ranked first.  Smoky Hill, perhaps a surprise to some, is likely to be ranked second with Cherokee Trail lurking just behind or perhaps slightly ahead.   Two teams who should also be ranked in the top five include Cherry Creek (last year’s champion) and Arapahoe.  Cherry Creek is “scary good” team with four good runners, but appears to be missing a solid fifth man.  But one little surprise and they could become a serious contender.

Rocky Mountain, Arapahoe, Rampart and Palmer should also find themselves ranked somewhere in the top ten.  And while you’re keeping one eye on Cherry Creek…keep the other on Arapahoe; they have three top twenty runners but also appear to be searching for a supporting cast.

With Rampart and Palmer running in Region 5, competition should get pretty fierce way before Coronado ever reaches the State meet.  Rampart is deep but may be lacking in front runner talent, while Palmer will rely heavily on the Goodman brothers.  Coronado narrowly won the Regional title over these two rivals in 2008 and will need to guard against a revenge attack if the Cougars are to defend their title.

Never before has the importance of the fifth runner been so evident to Coronado.  We’ll certainly be hoping that Cherry Creek and Arapahoe are unsuccessful in landing a new recruit.  In the meantime, Coronado will only be as strong as their fourth, fifth and sixth runners.  These are key positions and the success of the team largely depends on how well the Cougars can perform as a team.  Dusty Solis, Jesse Mathews, Dylan Witte and Ryan Logan have already been seen working out this summer and appear to be up to the challenge.  Who else will be willing to make the sacrifice?  Certainly Ben Vaske, Chuck Voss, Ryan Mott and new comer Phil Farris will be instrumental in the teams’ success; but several others might be waiting in the wings for their shot on the varsity squad; if not this year, then certainly in 2010.  Athletes who are likely to be positioned for a breakthrough include (but are not limited to) a healthy Miles Roth, Hayden Johnson, Miles Kelly, Travvis Scott, Jared Rieck, Justin Hays, Kris Rhodes, Eric Rayer, Glenn Albright, and Quin Ralston.  In addition to these talented returners, the Cougars will welcome several incoming freshmen.  At least three of these new faces will join the team with some pretty impressive credentials.   All three, Dan Egger, Schuyler Vandersluis and Isaiah Combest come to us from Holmes Middle School and all three have recent “sub 5:30” (1600 meter) performances to they credit.