GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY = Mid-season updateBy Greg Char Posted October 4, 2004
The first few weeks of the cross country season were full of energy and excitement. There were ups and down, surprises and disappointments, and of course a shake up in the team and individual rankings. The first few meets are always fun to see which girls have returned and what kind of shape they are in. It is equally enjoyable to watch the new girls to see who can make an impact at the League and State level. Kamehameha-Oahu has two freshmen (Emma Broderick and Dara Padaguan) who have bolstered the already-deep Warrior squad into a bonafide threat to win their first State title. The endless stable of thoroughbreds on the Kapalama campus has confidence now with team wins in California and at their own Invitational. Not to be outdone, Punahou has its own 9th grade standout (Chelsea Oda) and also added a few speedsters from the soccer and track teams (Marissa Shoen and Chelsea Deptula). The Buff 'n Blue are a deep team now and a serious threat to win it all. Iolani doesn't have any new stud Freshmen or new runners, but the Raiders do have an excellent front running duo. In addition, they have seen improvement in the rest of their runners and have welcomed the return of the 2001 JV champion (Ame Uyema) after a year off. The Raiders may be the favorites, but not by much, and the I.L.H. Championship meet could be one for the ages. Contrary to what was reported in the pre-season issue, the O.I.A. may NOT have a new #1 this year. Defending champion Mililani may have been hit hard by graduation, but the Trojans' top two returning runners (Sara Mitman and Michelle Lee) had stellar training summers and have looked awesome in early season action. The bonus is that the Trojans have their own standout freshman (Melissa Kawana) to give them an excellent three-pack. The rest of the team is young, but talented, and marked improvement by them will help their squad not only defend their title, but challenge for the State crown, too. Pearl City has looked solid in early action. The five returning runners appear to have made improvements and with their top runner (Chimene Sienkiewicz) in the front pack anything can happen. Kaiser also returned five State runners who have made marked improvements. This young squad is led by a sophomore (Lei-Aloha Bratton), and is the front runner for the O.I.A. East crown. With development of the rest of their runners the Pearl City and Kaiser could challenge Mililani for O.I.A. bragging rights. In the early season it appears the M.I.L. will be a runaway for defending champion Baldwin. The Bears returned their whole State squad, and they have looked extremely tough so far. Senior Marie Janiszewski is their leader, but she has a handful of young teammates close behind including Nikki Russell and Maris Van Der Lee. A stellar freshman (Briana Goodnight) gives them added depth. With confidence and progression this team could challenge for their first State title. The emergence of Brittany Young has Seabury Hall poised to return to prominence. Natalie Baker has also stepped it up a level, and the two of them will guide their young teammates to great success. King Kekaulike also returned its top seven runners, and although Na Alii have been laying low, the coaches on Maui know that they will be around at the end of the season. Alexa Loney and yet another Suehiro sister (Emma) are their top runners. Hawaii Prep has an excellent three pack with sophomore Keri Ogden leading the way. Ka Makani have been dominating on the Big Island and are heavily favored to repeat as B.I.I.F. Champions. Lucy Pollard has emerged as their #2 runner with veteran Tanya Lewis close behind. Improvement by 4th and 5th runners will have this young team poised to compete for the State title as well. Konawaena, Waiakea, Hilo and Kamehameha-Big Island will battle it out for second. On an individual level, the Iolani Invitational was a break-out party for Lauren Ho of Hawaii Baptist as she raced to a victory over some very tough local and Mainland competition. She has backed that up with two comfortable victories at the Kaiser and Kamehameha invitationals. Nicole Anderson (Iolani) has also improved greatly and is closest to Ho. Don't count out the 2001 State Champion. Anderson's teammate Joleen Oshiro has stepped up, too, and will try to make a run at Ho as well. Sara Mitman (Mililani) has made great gains and is running very well now. Keri Ogden (Hawaii Prep) rounds out the top five as she has been dominating Big Island competition and this week will get to see how she stacks up against Oahu competitors. Brittany Young (Seabury Hall) and Marie Janiszewski (Baldwin) have been battling each other for the top spot on Maui, and they, too, will see how they fare against the rest of the State soon. The HHSAA State meet will be held on the Big Island on the beautiful, sprawling Hawaii Prep campus in Kamuela. This week (October 8) HPA will host a meet which will include numerous teams from other islands as runners and coaches want to get a glimpse, and some experience, on the challenging course on the hills of Kamuela. (Unfortunately, we were not able to obtain information about Kauai teams) |
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