The Marysville High School cross-country teams spent the summer months laying the foundation for what is hoped a successful 2019 season.
Collectively, the team logged thousands of miles to prepare for the campaign, according to head coach Luke Sundermeier.
“Upping the focus on mobility and core strength, the team also completed dozens of general strength and mobility circuits and spent many hours strength training,” said the coach. “Our training philosophy is a ‘parts to whole’ approach, meaning that every workout contributes to the overall success of the team.
“The team is committed to the training program and ready to embrace the hard work ahead.”
Sundermeier said he is pleased with the work of his veteran runners.
“The upperclassmen are teaching underclassmen the discipline required of a distance runner and the importance of having fun and enjoying the process of improvement,” he said. “This year’s senior class is very experienced and capable of accomplishing big goals.
“They are taking charge and welcoming the new runners to the team while reinforcing the trademark camaraderie of distance runners.
“The upperclassmen understand the ebb and flow of our training,” he said. “Hard days are hard and easy days are easy. We reinforce the fact that stress plus rest equals growth. It was exciting to see a new group of seniors begin to mold the team’s identity during summer conditioning runs.”
Returning lettermen for MHS are Tristan Karnes, Nick Irving, Hannah Alice, Haley Cook, Leanne Eichorn, Jacquelyn Witt (seniors), juniors Katie Krueger and Riley Karnes and sophomores Brian Boston and Lane Coil.
Newcomers to the program are seniors Leah Hardy and Jenna Rioch, junior Zach Paliga, sophomores Jack Flanagan, Austin Bentz, James Heap and Wyatt Leiter-Griffith and freshmen Bryn Hothem, Haylee Huffman, Payton Pierce, Justyn Bernard, Preston Herring and Braylon Manz.
The Monarchs will continue to face some of the premier programs in the state in Ohio Capital Conference Central Division rivals Hilliard Davidson, Dublin Coffman and Upper Arlington.
“Our athletes are excited by the possibility of testing themselves against the best and will work for a top three finish at the OCC meet in October,” said Sundermeier. “Individually, we hope to have several boys and girls in the top seven places to receive first-team OCC honors.”
Sundermeier gave an overview of both teams.
“The boys have a lot of new faces competing for spots in the top seven,” he said. “We lost a few well-seasoned seniors, but added some very dedicated freshmen.
“Our focus will be on getting leaders to step forward and dedicate themselves to a pack-running mentality,” said the coach. “With strong summer training under their belts, there could be several freshmen competing for varsity spots.”
Tristan Karnes looks to build on last fall’s success at the regional championships and a stellar spring track season. He has set the tone for the boys this summer with his persistence, according to Sundermeier.
Other returning lettermen like Boston, Coil and Riley Karnes had solid summers of training and plan to lead the team with their experience.
Sundermeier said Bentz, Flanagan and Heap continue to improve every day and will compete for spots in the lineup.
“Overall, the boys are setting themselves up for a great season,” said Sundermeier. “Staying focused in the chaos of the pack and following their plans early in races will be keys to success.
“The girls have six returning varsity runners with experience at the 2018 regional championships,” said Sundermeier. “Most went on to have outstanding spring track seasons.”
The team is joined by several freshmen who look to make an impact in the top seven.
“We will continue to build their fitness in order to prepare for a strong post-season run,” said Sundermeier. “Jacquelyn Witt returns with valuable post-season experience and has been busy building a solid foundation all summer.
“Leanne Eichorn, Haley Cook, Kayla Michalk and Hannah Alice bring forth a shared effort of thousands of miles running together.
“Katie Krueger had a tremendous summer and is ready to take on a leadership role this fall,” said the coach. “Overall, the girls are still learning how to close some gaps within the pack.”
and continue working during the middle part of a race in order to compete at a high level.
“Their team goals remain high and anything is possible. “