Experience and hard work are the formula for success

By John Droke
Posted Thursday, August 21, 2008

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By John Droke
VIEW Sports Writer

GOODRICH — Plenty of returning runners from a year ago is what fourth year cross country coach Jenny Sweet knows will help both the girls’ and boys’ teams be successful this year. The girls, who finished undefeated last season, will return five juniors who should have success again in 2008.
Taylor Pogue, Sunney Mahalik, Kayla Jung, Chelsea Belanger and Katie Diamond will lead the team, and have the legs and talent to take the team far into the postseason. Freshman English Haught is also expected to make an impact for the Lady Martians.

For the boys’ team, Alex Warden (Jr.), Cal Sesock (Jr.), Zak Koppinger (Jr.), Jack Zito (So.) and Fiodor Kessler (Fr.) should all make an impact on this year’s team. The boys finished fourth in the league last year and are showing in practice that they want to be better.

“Both teams have been putting in a lot of mileage and are really focused on speed so far,” said Sweet.
A year ago, the girls’ team lost in the regionals and have been carrying that taste in their mouth for a year.

“That really was a wake up call for these kids; they know what they have to do and they want another shot at the regional title,” said Sweet.

The Martians have the right pieces in place with an experienced team, coach, and for the girls, the past season experience to perhaps give this program a name for itself.

GRAND BLANC
Last year’s Big Nine champs and regional champions return many of the stars from the girls’ cross country team. Gabrielle Anzalone, Alexandria Dawson, Kandin Unger, Courtnay Hughes and Christine Mason return to provide leadership for the up-and-coming players.

Coach Carlos Benton is in his 18th season as head coach of the cross country team and knows that this year’s group can be as successful as they were a year ago if they can stick together as a team.

For the boys’ team that finished fourth in the Big Nine, they too will return some key runners who could get them to the top this year. Omar Kaddurah, Drake Carr, Tyler Vogt, Brett Burdick, Justin Vanover, Blane Bowen and Nicholas Lefler all return from a year ago with Kaddurah coming off a state finals appearance as a freshman.

The boys’ team is young but very competitive and could prove to be a dominant club for years to come. The hope is for this year’s team to learn from Kaddurah’s success and make it as a team to the state finals. Carr, who was also a freshman last year, is expected to join Kaddurah as the two top runners for the Bobcats.