Seniors to spark Trojan cross country team
Temperatures stretched well over 100 degrees this week, but the heat didn't put out the fires of enthusiasm for the Hillsboro High School cross country squad.
Six girls and 15 boys are out for this year's squad, which is headed up by first-year head coach Stuart Holmes. This is Holmes' first year at HHS, but he's been coaching track and cross country for more than 17 years.
Although the new coach hasn't had long to familiarize himself with his team, Holmes says practices have gone well so far. The athletes have great attitudes, he said.
One major difference in this year's team is of the female variety. No girls competed on last year's squad — this year, six girls have joined the Trojans.
Most of them are beginning distance runners, Holmes said.
On the boys' side, six letter-winners are returning for action in 2003. These students were key last year when Hillsboro finished fifth in the 3A state meet.
"We're expecting a lot from these guys," Holmes said.
The returning letter-winners are Aaron Yoder, Daniel Yoder, Cody Borg, Karl Magnuson, Michael Bookless, and Daniel Bookless.
Both Yoders also medaled at state last year, with Aaron taking fifth and Daniel taking 10th.
These athletes "definitely form a good nucleus," Holmes said.
Although the Trojans have had considerable cross country success in the past, this year's squad isn't letting pride come before a fall.
"We're not taking anything for granted," Holmes said.
The Trojans travel to Smoky Valley on Sept. 4 for their first meet of the year.
