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Messenger photo by Jeff Pfeil
Southeastern’s cross country team includes: (front row, from left) Kari Nickell, Betsy Egbert, Brie Watson, Shelby Jaynes, Lindsey Schutte; (back row) Head Coach Josh Murray, Ashley Biddle, Marie Egbert, Danielle Hartman, Marian Benham, Mark Rutroff, Dylan Bowen and assistant coaches John-Marcus Murray and Valerie Harris. |
"This could be one of the best seasons Southeastern has had,” said Josh Murray, head cross country coach.
Many of the runners have put in the miles over the summer to be ready for the season. Murray can’t wait to see what they can do on the course.
Sophomore Marie Egbert is pacing the pack. She made it to state in track this spring in the 3200-meter run. Her coach says she could has the ability to run cross country’s 3.1 miles in 19 minutes or so.
Freshman Betsy Egbert, Marie’s sister, shows “tons of potential.” The former volleyball player is shooting for the 20’s or 21’s for time.
Also fighting for the No. 2 spot is senior Lindsey Schutte, who has improved tremendously from last season and could break into the 21’s, Murray said.
Freshmen Ashley Biddle, Shelby Jaynes and Brie Watson have caught on quickly in the last couple of months. Biddle is working hard, and Watson took summer training seriously.
“Shelby, once she starts believing in herself, will be a great runner,” Murray said.
Senior Marian Benham, a four-year member of the program, is aiming for the top five on the team and times in the 23’s. Two more seniors provide the team with great leadership.
“Danielle Hartman was our only runner last year to take off time every race,” Murray said. “Kari Nickell has a lot of heart and has really grown as a great leader.” Nickell is fighting some hip trouble.
The team’s nine girls are joined by two boys, senior Mark Rotroff and freshman Dylan Bowen. Rotroff is an energetic returner whose goal is to break into the 19’s. Bowen is completely new to running and hopes to get into the 20’s.
“I have all of the runners set goals for the year. If they achieve them, then we’ve been successful as a team,” Murray said.
Looking to the future of Southeastern cross country, Murray’s brother, John-Marcus, is heading up a club team at the junior high. Three girls and three boys have signed up to run.
SE CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 @ Circleville (10:30)
Sept. 2 Southeastern Inv. (4:45)
Sept. 6 @ Xenia Christian (9:00)
Sept. 13 @ Graham (10:00)
Sept. 16 @ Ohio Caverns (5:00)
Sept. 20 @ Friendship Inv. (11:30)
Sept. 23 @ Triad Invitational (4:30)
Sept. 27 @ Buck Creek (11:00)
Oct. 4 @ Clark County
Oct. 9 @ OHC (4:30)
Oct. 14 @ John Bryant
