2006 Cross Country Preview
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2006 looks to be an exciting year for The Blake School cross country squad. Head coach Gary Lee reports that participation in the 7th through 12th program is up from last year team when he fielded the largest squad in school's history. "We had 42 last year and currently have 65 for the 2006 season. Last year there were no seniors on the team, which bodes well for this year," reports Lee.
The 2005 boys' team finished 3rd in the Tri-Metro Conference and 3rd in the last years' Section 4A meet, with the top two finishing teams in sections go to the State Tournament. Minnehaha and Watertown-Mayer edged out the Bears in 05 and look to be the teams to beat again this season.
The boys' team will be led by senior captains David Upjohn (30th in state last year) and Max Fritz. Seniors Michael Lee (missed last year due to injury) and Ray Carlson will also help a lot, along with junior Dhruv Hemmady and sophomore Stewart Richardson. There are a couple of other younger runners that hope to make the top seven as well. The Bears appear to have more depth than last year.
The girls' team will be without Hilary Hayssen who was the 6th runner last year. She will be studying abroad the first half of the year. Other than Hilary the Bears return their whole squad.
The Blake School placed 4th in the 2005 State Meet and in the 2004 race. Senior captains Claire Richardson and Katharine Chute will lead the team. Claire has not placed below 5th at state in her 4 years running at that level. Katharine has placed 3rd, 6th and 18th (injured last year). Sophomore Margaret Chute has also run in state 3 times (50th, 29th and 7th). They will be followed by Alyssa Veil (8th grade), Sophie Fritz (9th grade) and a host of others trying to make the top 7.
The 2005 girls' team finished 1st in the Tri-Metro Conference and Section 4A meet, 9th at the Griak Invitational (first among Class A team and 5th among Minnesota schools) to go along with their 4th place at State. The team's number one goal is to make it back to state again this year, but they will face stiff competition from Providence Academy and Visitation in section 4A.
Head coach is Gary Lee is in his 25 year of coaching CC and track at The Blake School. Lee will be joined by Keith Clark (three year coaching CC and track), Paula Sadler (1st year coaching CC and 2nd in track), Jason Shantz (1st year in CC, 8 years as head track coach) and Carrie Tollefson (1st year coaching) who will coach part time as she prepares for the 2008 Olympics.
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