Here are cross county preview capsules for schools in The Courier coverage area we'll post more as we get them...
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Keri Hilty (2nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Sixth in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Matthew Herron, jr.; David Moser, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: Herron ran to a spot in the regional meet, while Moser earned all-Ohio honors for the Pirates in the 800-meter dash at the OHSAA state track and field championships.
Carey
HEAD COACH: Dean Kessler (11th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Ninth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Evan Wenner, jr.; Izaak Kromer, jr.; David Cunningham, jr.; Kyle Bayes, sr.; Shaun Donnelly, jr.; Jalen Caudill, jr.; Scott Vehre, soph.; Paul Kreh, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Alex Lamberjack, soph.; Oscar O’Flaherty, fr.; Michael Patton, fr.
NOTABLE: Carey’s boys have been taking their lumps the last few years but their young runners have come of age and will be looking for a top three finish in the league. Kromer was an honorable mention all-MAL selection. Patton was the MAL junior high boys champ.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Terry Schnipke (4th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fourth in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: J.P. Bremer, sr.; Brent Schnipke, sr.; Kyle Stechschulte, sr.; Devin Luginbill, jr.; Kurt Meyer, jr.; Jacob Schroeder, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jared Schroeder, jr.; Shane Rode, jr.; Drew Schroeder, soph.; Josh Stephens, soph.; Jake Graham, fr.; Troy Meyer, fr.; Nick Schmiesing, fr.; Grant Schroeder, fr.; Alex Shafer.
NOTABLE: The Bulldogs have six returning letterwinners and an assortment of boys in different ages and sizes. That should make the Bulldogs more competitive.
Elmwood
HEAD COACH: Chris Hailey (15th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 16-0/Suburban Lakes League champs.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Travis Wagner, sr.; Wes Lee, sr.; Danny Young, sr.; Emilio Martinez, sr.; Tony Paul, sr.; Wes Cotterman, sr.; Trenton Strickland, jr.; Nick Goebel, jr.; Dexter Lee, soph.; Josh Boes, soph.; Trey Wilhelm, soph.; Jacob Benedict, soph.; Conlan Varty, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Nic Hernandez, sr.; Kyle Avery, fr.; Alex Jasso, fr.; Justin Hathaway, fr.; Lorne Strausbaugh, fr.; Tommy Rios, fr.; Lincoln Young, fr.
NOTABLE: After finishing first in the SLL, district and regional meets, Elmwood returns 13 letterwinners and is looking to earn another trip to Columbus.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Kim Fant-Cousin (6th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Eighth in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Antonio Eufracio, jr.; Angelo Eufracio, soph.; Justin Jackson, soph.; Keith Lane, jr.; Brad Reinbolt, soph.; Jon Ward, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Andy Eufracio, fr.; Evan King, jr.; Jameson Harris, fr.; Alton Moran, fr.
NOTABLE: Fostoria has its top six runners returning. They are looking to move up the ladder in what may be one of its final seasons in the Northern Ohio League.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Marie Coleman (8th year, 873-395).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 81-87 overall/2nd Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: T.J. Brown, sr.; Matt Painter, sr.; Daniel Steyer, sr.; Joe Coppus, jr.; Martin Juarez, jr.; Nick Rumschlag, jr.; Tyler Wise, jr.; Justin Leiter, soph.; Andrew Lommerse, soph.; Aaron Lucius, soph.; Trevor Risner, soph.; Clint Rumschlag, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Dustin Reinhart, sr.; Frank Begue, jr.; Josh Breidenbach, jr.; Damian Magers, jr.; Robert Kniss, fr.
NOTABLE: Hopewell-Loudon will be returning MAL individual champion and returning Division III state qualifier Tyler Wise.
Kalida
HEAD COACH: Scott Miller/Rob Schnippel (3rd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Michael Turnwald, sr.; Connor Schmenk, soph.; Neil Gerding, soph.; Jordan Laudick, soph.; Austin Roebke, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jared Zeller, soph.; Derek Siefker, soph.; Levi Blake, soph.; Eric Warnecke, fr.; Joel Zeller, fr.; Jordan Wurth, fr.
NOTABLE: Five of Kalida’s top seven runners return, which will make them much more competitive. They’ll also be deeper than they have been before with 11 runners.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Don Windom (22nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 113-43/Fifth in Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jay Caldwell, sr.; Brock Tiell, sr.; Kyle Babcock, jr.; Seth Benfer, jr.; Austin Garber, jr.; Michael Franzone, soph.; Daniel Limon, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Nick Kerlin, jr.; Tim Sims, jr.; Derek Foos, soph.; Tyler Aldrich, fr.; Zac Baker, fr.; Ben Gabel, fr.
NOTABLE: Babcock will lead the way for Lakota‘s boys team this fall in the Midland Athletic League. He was a state qualifier and first-team all-SLL selection.
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Jack Quisno (19th year).
CONFERENCE FINISH: 109-55/Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seth Butler, sr.; Zack Johnson, sr.; Tedd Roberts, sr.; Zach Miller, sr.; Dylan Hoop, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Eric DuVall, fr.; Joseph Sherrieb, soph.; Cole Newman, soph.
NOTABLE: Eagles will be returning five letterwinners, including Seth Butler, who won the Tiffin Carnival and finished 14th at the OHSAA Division III state meet.
McComb
HEAD COACH: Andy Honse (2nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eric Moser, soph.; Bobby Myers, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Cody Moser, soph.; Andy LaRue, fr.; Tyler Ferris, jr.
NOTABLE: Panthers are returing two letterwinners in Eric Moser and Bobby Myers, who will be the leaders of the team. They’ll field a full team for the first time in school history.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Bradlee Rowlinson (4th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 10th in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Corey North, sr.; Andrew Senecal, jr.; Josh Meggitt, jr.; Jordan Ray, jr.; Rouhiz Lentz, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: Corey North is back for his fourth season. Senecal, meanwhile is a two-year letter winner. Both could vie for all-league honors.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Brad Leis (30th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Sixth in Western Buckeye League
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tyler Verhoff, sr.; Jacob Karl, sr.; Ryan Verhoff, soph.; Connor Walthour, jr.; Derrick Arrington, sr.; Calvin Niese, sr.; Tyler Weihrauch, jr.; Bill Hughes, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jacob Siebeneck, soph.; Matt Erford, jr.; Wade Schimmoeller, sr.; Brandon Weller, jr.
NOTABLE: Tyler Verhoff is back after earning second team all-WBL honors.
Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Bob Kaple (41st year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 70-50 record in invitationals/Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Drew Bendele, sr.; Tyler Looser, sr.; Joseph Trejo, sr.; Taylor Gasser, jr.; Tyler Turnwald, jr.; Alex Eickholt, sr.; Brandon Miller, sr.; Jason Turnwald, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brad Eickholt, jr.; Kyle Niemeyer, jr.; Dustin Knippen, sr.; Seth Bendele, soph.; Ryan Honigford, fr.; Andy Foster, jr.; Jacob Turnwald, fr.
NOTABLE: The Big Green has a solid corps of runners back. Team qualified for the regional meet as a team and ended up 15th overall.
Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Amber Warren (5th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Did not field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: None.
TOP PROSPECTS: Alan Elwood, sr.; Grant McKee, sr.; Derek Draper, sr.; Christian Shuck, fr.; Cody Radabaugh, fr.
NOTABLE: It will be a new crew in blue when the Falcons hit the cross country course for the first time. Warren has recruited enough runners that Riverdale‘s boys will appear in the team standings.
St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Cindra Baker (3rd year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fourth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cory Baker, sr.; Dylan Kitchen, sr.; Aaron Foss, soph.; Mark Berton, sr.; Justin Ball, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jordan Nye, fr.
NOTABLE: The Mohawks return first team all-MAL and regional qualifying runner Mark Berton.
Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Ed Arnold (12th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Justin Outland, sr.; James Massara, jr.; Cody Gibson, jr.; Jay Clinger, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Michael Summit, sr.; Matt Heidenreich, jr.; Pat Smith, jr.
NOTABLE: Jay Clinger was the team’s No.1 runner as a freshman and has put in a lot of miles in the offseason. Arnold also expects a solid season from the team’s most experienced runner, James Massara.
Van Buren
HEAD COACH: Bethany Archer (5th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Zach Fournier, jr.; Eric Wymer, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kyle Beall, sr.; Cameron King, sr.; Zach Wehrle, fr.
NOTABLE: The Black Knights have enough boys to score in meets for the first time in Archer’s coaching career at Van Buren. The Knights also have a solid No.1 runner in Wymer who could make a push to qualify for the regional meet.
Marion Harding
HEAD COACH: Sean Kearns (3rd year).
2008 RECORD: 5th in Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dylan Johnson, jr.; Evan Richardson, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Ryan Howard, jr.; D.J. Williams, sr.; Matthew Klaus, soph.; Ryan Howard, soph.; Ryan Hines, fr.; Ricky Reeves, fr.
NOTABLE: Johnson and Richardson should both be able to lower their times to near the 17:00 mark for the Presidents this season.
Lima Senior
HEAD COACH: Ralph Bennett (25th year)
2008 RECORD: 6th in Greater Buckeye Conference
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Josh Higginbotham, sr.; Ashton Tarbet, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jalen Glean, fr.; William Higginbotham, sr.; Jason Yothegrave, fr.; Conner Hall, fr.; Arteya Hunter, fr.
NOTABLE: Lima will be working on improving their times to be more of a competitor for the league title this season.
Spencerville
HEAD COACH: Brian McMichael (38th year, 2269, 1603)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 3rd in Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Andy Mahan, sr.; Neal Pangle, sr.; Jonathan Rex, sr.; Nathan Rex, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kevin Lenhart, jr.; Nick Davisson, soph.; Josh Solomon, soph.
NOTABLE: These few runners are strong runners but there will be just seven runners on the Bearcat squad this season.
Napoleon
HEAD COACH: Randy Burke
2008 RECORD: 4th Greater Buckeye Conference/ 3rd in districts.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Chase Sweeney, sr.; Richard Snyder, sr.; Ben Majewski, jr.; Zach Walker, jr.; Dan Eisenbradt, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Derek Gerken, jr.; Jimmy Majewski, so.; Matt Rosebrock, so.; Nick Funchion, so.; Steven Weaver, so.
NOTABLE: Seniors Chase Sweeney, who ran at state last year, and Richard Snyder, who is coming back from an injury, hope to lead the Wildcats back to the regionals this year.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Keri Hilty (2nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: No team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: None.
TOP PROSPECTS: Brittany Carroll, sr.; Delaney Reineke, fr.
NOTABLE: Bluffton will have competitors in girls races for the first time in a couple of seasons.
Carey
HEAD COACH: Dean Kessler (11th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Third in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Emily Hyatt, sr.; Ashley Keller, sr.; Megan Kemerly, sr.; Olivia McCartney, sr.; Hannah Walter, sr.; Holly Walter, sr.; Brittany Freeman, jr.; Amanda Hagley, jr.; Ashleigh Moyer, jr.; Jenna Jesko, soph.; Amanda May, soph.; Kailin Regutti, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Becca Bouldrey, sr.; Bryce Bublitz, soph.; Sarah Walter, fr.; Alivia Stephan, fr.; Ellen McDougle, fr.
NOTABLE: The Blue Devils have an experienced team returning and hope to better last season’s third place MAL showing. Freeman and Hagley made the all-MAL second team and helped Carey qualify for the regional meet.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Jason Jay (3rd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Did not field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Nikki Ricker, jr.; Emily Stephens, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amanda Langhals, sr.; Kate Martin, sr.; Chelsea O‘Connor, sr.; Amber Herron, soph.
NOTABLE: With six runners the Bulldogs can afford no injuries. Jay has plenty of confidence in the leadership skills of his four senior runners.
Elmwood
HEAD COACH: Chris Hailey (15th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 12-3/second in Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Darla Heimann, sr.; Addy Mathias, sr.; Becky Heimann, jr.; Marisa Morlock, jr.; Elizabeth Kreais, jr.; Bailey Kerr, jr.; Becca McCarty, jr.; Ashley Wolfe, fr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Bethany Flage, sr.; Jessica Murlin, fr.; Hayley Rinearson, fr.; Miranda Wagner, fr.; Madison Reinhard, fr.; Emily Wilhelm, fr.; Samantha Kreais, fr.
NOTABLE: Elmwood has a solid corps of runners back from last year’s team that finished eighth at the Division III state meet. The Royals will have to replace 2009 graduate Kaye Bockbrader, who served as the teams No.1 or No.2 runner during her entire career.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Kim Fant-Cousin (6th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Did not field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brittney Kiesel, sr.; Ashley Robbins, jr.; Brianna Barto, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Heather Seitz, jr.; Ashlyn Roberts, fr.
NOTABLE: Redmen will be able to field a full team for scoring purposes and Kiesel will likely be the team‘s No.1 runner.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Paul Jones (13th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 85-60 overall/fifth Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brandi Boes, sr.; Alyssa Cleveland, sr.; Ashley Miller, sr.; Ashley Harrison, sr.; Becca Berner, sr.; Adrienne Hohman, sr.; sr.; Jenny Lucius, jr.; Annie Fruth, jr.; Taylor Bishop, jr.; Julia Jordan, jr.; Jocelyn Black, jr.; Chelsey Miller, jr.; Alyssa Davidson, jr.; Cassie Reinhart, soph.; Macy Dell, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Samantha Logan, sr.; Samantha Goshe, sr.; Paige Reinhart-Anez, soph.; Erin Reinhart-Anez, fr.; Katie Brickner, fr.; Haley Schreiner, fr.; Shelby Radabaugh, fr.; Allie Andrews, fr.; Alayna Rowell, fr.; Olivia Wolph, fr.; Kailey Coleman, fr.; Marissa Kirian, fr.; Megan Vaughn, fr.; Kyrsten King, fr.; Cassandra Hohman, fr.
NOTABLE: Hopewell-Loudon has put together a successful team. How fast they gain experience and how aggressively they practice will determine the amount of success they have, according to Jones.
Kalida
HEAD COACH: Scott Miller/Rob Schnippel (3rd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Amanda Giesige, soph.; Deanna Kahle, jr.; Ashley Miller, sr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Casey Unverferth, fr.; Lora Tschuor, soph.
NOTABLE: Kalida will be able to field a full team for the first time in school history.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Don Windom (22nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 106-45/third in Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Melissa Guay, sr.; Julia Windom, sr.; Leah Gabel, jr.; Coral Randolph, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amanda Babcock, sr.; Courtney Caudill, sr.; Heather Eubank, sr.; Macy Nusbaum, sr.; Amber Suter, sr.; Tiffini Freeman, jr.; Kara Gunder, jr.; Haylee Roper, jr.; Courtney Mullholand, fr.; Amber Steiner, fr.
NOTABLE: Gabel and Windom qualified for regionals and both could be in the mix to qualify for state for the Raiders, who will compete in the Midland Athletic League.
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Pat Wagner (27th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Larsen, sr.; Rachel Muhlenkamp, sr.; Halle Frey, so.; Sam Rhodes, so.; Audra Schroeder, so.; Jessica Muhlenkamp, so; Rachelle Muckenstrum, sr.; Zoe Thompson, sr.; Caitie Craft, so.
TOP PROSPECTS: Caitlin Mathias, jr.; Maria Kedmenec, sr.; Tory Hunter, so.; Kara Shaffer, fr.; Megan Saums, fr.; Paige Kinsinger, fr.; Alex Farmer, fr.; Megan Diemert, fr.
NOTABLE: Liberty-Benton appears loaded as the Eagles return eight runners with previous state meet experience. Brooke Larsen will look to compete at state for the fourth time in her career.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Bradlee Rowlinson (4th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Ninth in Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Amanda Hotaling, soph.; Chloe Hamlin, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: North Baltimore will return all-conference runner Amanda Hotaling. She may be the best athlete in every meet the Tigers compete in as she is the defending Division III state girls pole vault champ.
McComb
HEAD COACH: Andy Honse (2nd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Shelby Wilson, jr., Whitney Whitted, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Krystal Mull, sr.; Chelsey Parker, jr.
NOTABLE: McComb graduated Katie Borgelt, the first McComb runner to qualify for the state meet. Regional qualifier Shelby Wilson does return.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Brad Leis (30th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Third in Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mariah Hashbarger, sr.; Courtney Heckman, sr.; Macy Heitmeyer, sr.; Kim Rosselit, jr.; Cassie Giesken, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kate Cassidy, sr.; Rhonda Kahoff, sr.; Tonya Meyer, sr.; Courtney Kuhlman, jr.; Dana Lanwehr, jr.; Brittany Nordhaus, fr,.; Hilary Powell, fr.; Rebecca Schriner, fr.
NOTABLE: The Titans graduated five letter winners including first team all-conference runners Lyndsey Barlage and Erin Pfahler.
Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Bob Kaple (41st year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 113-9 in invitationals.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Molly Maag, sr.; Melissa Turnwald, sr.; Rachelle Bendele, jr.; Emilee Byrne, jr.; Brinna Rodriguez, jr.; Shayla Siefker, jr.; Brooke Bendele, jr.; Kristin Schweller, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Lori Hoersten, jr.; Kari Beining, jr.; Kara Hoersten, fr.; Amy Looser, fr.; Audrey Rieger, fr.
NOTABLE: The Big Green qualified for state for the first time in school history and finished sixth in Division III. The entire team is back including junior Shayla Siefker, who finished seventh individually.
Pandora-Gilboa
HEAD COACH: Steve Amstutz (1st year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 6th in district.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Deidre Latham sr.; Sarah Flickinger, jr.; Megan Schneck, so.; Jessica Gray, so. .
TOP PROSPECTS: Taylor Hermiller, sr.
NOTABLE: Junior Sarah Flickinger, who placed fourth at districts and 31st at the regionals, will be back to lead the Rockets. Senior Deidre Latham finished 25th at districts.
Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Amber Warren (5th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Seventh in North Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mila Radabaugh, sr.; Morgan Spiegel, sr.; Christy Fox, sr.; Morgan McKiniss, jr.; Tessa Miller, jr.; Courtney Butler, jr.; Taylor Clark, soph.; Molly Radabaugh, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: Riverdale will be working hard to repeat as Hardin County Champions.
St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Cindra Baker (3rd year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Did not field a full team.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Anna Iannantuono, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jaunna Gase, sr.; Grace Berton, fr.; Molly Huth, fr.
NOTABLE: The Mohawks got off to a pretty good start earlier this week as Iannantuono was sixth and Gase, an all-Ohio track and field athlete, was 10th at the Northwest Ohio Catholic Schools Association meet in Sandusky.
Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Ed Arnold (12th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Third in Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jenny Swinehart, sr.; Kelsey Swavel, jr.; Cali Perkins, soph.; Jen Easton, soph.; Brittany Fletcher, soph.; Halee Stief, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Hayley Searls, sr.; Megan Outland, soph.
NOTABLE: The Rams should be primed for another strong finish in the NOL. Perkins and Stief were both regional qualifiers, while Swavel made the first-team all-conference list.
Van Buren
HEAD COACH: Bethany Archer (5th year).
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: Not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Cytlak, sr.; Colleen McCormick, jr.; Julia Endicott, soph..
TOP PROSPECTS: Jackie Cole, fr.
NOTABLE: With just five runners, the Black Knights can’t afford any injuries.They are hoping to better last year’s 10th-place team finish at districts.
Napoleon
HEAD COACH: Randy Burke
2008 RECORD: 2nd Greater Buckeye Conference/ 3rd in districts.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Rachel Huddle, sr.; Sara Lauf, sr.; Rachel Lutz, sr.; Melissa Smith, sr.; Erica Monnin, so.; Meredith Hoops, so.; Amber Willeman, so.
TOP PROSPECTS: Malori Lankenau, jr.; Kelsey Steele, jr.; Makayla Okuley, so.; Sadie Lankenau, fr.; Steph Bains, fr.; Loxi Sinclair, fr.; Amy Bauman, fr.; Sarah Fellers, fr.
NOTABLE: Napolean has six of their top seven runners from a year a go back and expects to have a great season. Three-year state participant Rachel Huddle will be expected to lead the team.
Lima Senior
HEAD COACH: Ralph Bennett (25th year)
2008 CONFERENCE FINISH: 6th in Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Chari Mault, sr.; Taylor Hamilin, jr.; Difini Johns, sr.; Kayleigh Hire, soph.; Taylor Miller, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Summer Miller, fr.; Kateaha Russell, fr.; Elizabeth Melching, soph.; Abbey Goodman, fr.
NOTABLE: Lima will be pushing each other to improve greatly by the end of the year.
Spencerville
HEAD COACH: Brian McMichael (38th year, 951-492)
2008 RECORD: Northwest Conference champs.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lyndie Brown, sr.; Ashley Gilroy, sr.; Morgan Hardesty, sr.; Andrea Hefner, sr.; Kari Wisher, sr.; Claire McConnell, jr.; Tiffani Wurst, jr.; Alexa Brown, soph.; Kelli Ley, soph.; Courtney Miller, soph.
TOP PROSPECTS: Andrea Lee, sr.; Jennifer Burnett, fr.
NOTABLE: Spencerville works hard in practice and they have good numbers with experienced runners to lead the team.
Marion Harding
HEAD COACH: Sean Kearns (3rd year).
2008 RECORD: 5th in Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Katie Reid, jr.; Emily Green, jr.
TOP PROSPECTS: Megan Oliver, fr.; Tricia Hall, sr.; Chelsea Krogman, soph.; Chelsey Egan, jr.; Meghan Buckner, jr.; Ally James, jr.; Raja Jones, fr.; Jordan Fuller, jr.; Kyra Ross, jr.
NOTABLE: Reid is a two-time first team all-GBC performer and was a district champion for Marion Harding in 2008.
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