Niagara Gazette

Sports

September 1, 2008

GIRLS X-COUNTRY: Season Preview

Despite finishing last season at an impressive 13-1, eighth-year coach Don Sauer expects even more out of his girls cross country team at Grand Island High School this fall.

“I think this should be one of the strongest teams we’ve had in recent memory,” he said.

Leading that charge will be junior Maritina Tsembelis, the younger sister of Section VI Class A champion Evan Tsembelis. Also back for GI is sophomore Dominique DeGregorio.

Lewiston-Porter

Two-time first team all-NFL runner Kelsey McGill anchors a strong core of returnees that also includes honorable mention performer Jennifer Raby, according to fourth-year coach Gary Raby.

“Since we’re returning all of our runners, we should be in the thick of the league race,” the coach said.

Niagara Falls

After completing one their most successful seasons in recent memory, the Wolverines graduated five of their top seven runners from a year ago and expect this season to be one of rebuilding. Leading second-year coach Israel Martinez’ team will be senior Bashiyra Doss, sophomore Ashleigh Green, freshman Crystal Hailey and junior Samantha Stonebraker.

Niagara-Wheatfield

The Falcons are “a little thin” this year, according to 45th-year coach Dick Bartha. But Bartha still believes they can compete with a few other teams in the NFL with juniors Stephanie Bowman and Amanda Ward leading the way.

Wilson

The Lakewomen return a number of key runners, making a Niagara-Orleans League title a distinct possibility.

“The girls have a real strong core returning… so we hope to be very competitive in the N-O league,” 10th-year coach Brett Sippel said.

State qualifier Kari Kopchick, a senior, headlines a long list of returnees. Also back is first team all-N-O junior Amber Lehman, second-team all-N-O sophomore Alaina Kopchick and senior Kayla O’Keefe.

Starpoint

The Lady Spartans return all five starters from a year ago, but 20th-year coach Brian Lasher knows a third consecutive Section VI Class A title won’t come without dedication.

“My preliminary observations are that offseason preparation is inconsistent for some, but we’re still very capable of repeating as champions with hard work,” he said.

First team all-ECIC seniors Christie Lilienthal and Lauren Scarupa will lead the Lady Spartans’ pack. Also returning is senior Cassie Weldon and sophomore Molly Emerick, both second team all-ECIC runners a year ago. Freshman Courtney Laderer rounds out the starters.

• Seniors Erica Marconi and Donna Gorman along with sophomore Ashley Krier return for 10th-year coach Joanne Ehman’s Kenmore West squad. … No other teams submitted information.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Sports
Featured Ads
House Ads
AP Video
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate' Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Seasonal Content
Opinion
House Ads
Night & Day
Twitter News
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Front page
Helium debate
Helium