The Jonathan Alder cross-country runners are pictured from left, front row, Liza Streit, Chloe Fields, Avery Pierce, Reggan Gray, Avery Wynk, Maggie Malone, Kate Curtiss and Morgan Hicks; second row, Evie McDaniel, Emma Kennedy, Brady Treymayne, Eddie Barnes, Jonas Watkins, Matt Hirshberg, Colyn McDaniel, Olivia Riddlebaugh and Maddie Davis; third row, Caleb Freyhof, Lucas White, Luke Goode, Brady Corbitt, Will Jackson, Teagan Headings, Sergey Duff and coach Justin Creps. (Photo submitted)
There are a number of returning lettermen for Jonathan Alder’s boys and girls cross-country squads.
Both teams advanced to the Division II state meet at the conclusion of the 2019 campaign.
Veterans for the boys unit are Colyn McDaniel, Jonas Watkins, Caleb Freyhof, Sergey Dutt and Will Jackson.
Their lettermen counterparts on the Lady Pioneer squad are Morgan Hicks, Maddie Davis, Liza Streit, Reggan Gray, Avery Pierce, Avery Wynk, Emma Kennedy, Evie McDaniel and Kate Curtiss.
Hicks and Davis have had particular success not only in cross-country, but also track and field.
Coach Justin Creps feels that despite the fact both teams have veteran rosters, he still hopes to see improvement as the season progresses.
“We just want to see our times come down as we go throughout the season,” he said.
The Lady Pioneers have several solid first-year runners.
However, it may be the 2021 campaign before those girls can break into the lineup.
“Our top nine girls return from last year,” said Creps. “Our varsity lineup is going to be hard for anyone new to join.”
While the boys team has a solid core of lettermen, there are a handful of freshmen who could contribute this season.
“We have a solid boys freshman class,” said Creps. “Lucas Goode, Lucas White and Brady Tremayne could all contribute to the varsity.”
Creps feels both teams will be competitive in the Central Buckeye Conference and at the D-II district meet.
“We also want to have fun and enjoy our chances to race together,” said Creps. “We’d like to have both teams return to the state meet in November.”