Mix of returning and new is key to success

Published 9:04 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY – The Mount Si cross-country team is geared up and ready to run. With coaches Art Galloway and Kristine Kjenner leading the team, there are bound to be some surprises this season.

Seventeen runners began practices last week, with a few more expected to straggle in after school starts.

“This a good turnout for before school starts,” Galloway said. “We pick up more kids after school starts. The freshman can be shy, but once they are here for school, then they turn out.”

It’s a rebuilding year for the program. “We lost at least 15 seniors to graduation,” Galloway said, adding that he is optimistic about some of the students who have turned out.

The boys’ team finished eighth in KingCo last year, and the girls’ team finished seventh.

Leading the pack of returning letter winners is senior Jordan Prior. Prior, also a wrestler, began his push for varsity action at mid-season of last year.

“Jordan Prior just ran from his home in North Bend – 45 minutes – to get here for practice,” Galloway said.

Other top returnees include Collin Parsons, a sophomore, and Shannon Kelley, also a sophomore. But new talent will add to the ranks of the program and should show promise with coaching.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this weeks Valley Record