The Switzerland County Girls Cross Country team will have senior Amanda Hon returning this year who is recovering from a stress fracture and had been working hard in the pool and should be back on grass training now. She is a competitor and conference champ and qualified for the state meet.
Junior April Thieman will be returning after two years on varsity. Coach Boggs considers her a very dedicated player and she is always ready to run. Shauna Todd will also be returning running her second varsity year and returning with the good attitude. Emily Waldron is also a junior returning; recovering from health problems early in last year’s season. Brittany Allen will be a new junior athlete on the team but will bring with her experience from the junior high level.
Sophomore athletes participating on the team are Beth Abbott, Heather Thomas, Courtney Ellegood, Rosie Larsen and Amber Parham. Three freshman will be joining the team; Chelsea Peters, Casey Sharp and Amber Meli.
“The girls were fourth in the conference last year. Our goal this year is to improve and get to regional,” coach Mark Boggs said. “Our depth is a strong point with the girls; it is possible to have different line-up at different meets. Coach Larry Gault has helped at the junior high level to bring numbers to the high school.”
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The Switzerland County Boys Cross Country team will have three senior athletes returning this year; Jim Abbott, Matt Johnson and Cliff Meyer will all be returning; they have been working hard in the off season getting ready for the season. Two other seniors; Austin Reed will also be joining the team and Eric Pistell will be joining the team to help support the team.
Sophomores returning will be Clay Meyer who was in the top five last year and Mark Sharp. The team will have five freshman joining the team; Bradley Burke, Josh Hon, Corey McFarland, Trey Meyer and Tanner Ross. The freshmen are coming from being second in conference in the Switzerland County Middle School. Three of the freshmen were all conference.
“This summer the boys have put a lot of miles in, they have good attitudes and are working hard, competing for a spot will pay off at tournament time,” Coach Boggs said. “The boys are strong and with the solid front runners and the depth we have really improved and will be part of a conference championship.”
Adam Dennis will be helping out with the Switzerland County Cross Country Team this year. The numbers are up and Coach Boggs is very excited to get the season underway which will start on Monday, August 21st, at the Ogle Park.