To get an idea of just how far the Bridgeport High School Cross Country program has come, Coach Jon Griffith isn’t overly alarmed that several runners for both his boys and girls team weren’t on hand for the first few days of practice. Considering the numbers he’s got, he’s likely not as anxious about the turnout as others.

 

“Team numbers are still a little fluid at this point.  We have several still on vacation, a few at work, one that had his wisdom teeth taken out, and some with transportation issues.  We also have new kids joining every day.  For day one we had 25 boys at practice but we will have around 40 by the end of the week,” said Griffith. “The girls are in a similar situation but not as extreme.  We had 26 girls at practice, but should be around 30 at week’s end.”

 

Some may believe those numbers are indicative of a championship program. And that’s exactly what the Tribe has – at least right now on the boys’ side.

 

The Tribe is the defending Class AA-A state champions for the boys. The girls weren’t too shabby either last year as they finished the state meet in third place.

 

So how did the teams look on opening day?

 

“Both groups looked good for the first day. As always we have a wide range of preparation.  Some have worked with our summer conditioning and are very prepared.  Some have worked on their own and look strong.  Some have done very little, but that’s alright,” said Griffith. “We take them where they are and focus on improvement for each kid.  Overall I would say this group is above average for us.  It looks to be a very promising season.”

 

The focus will likely be on the defending champion boys’ team early on. However, Griffith knows the team has lost some talented runners in Jimmy Lacaria, Timmy Kinney, and Drake Bolle. All three finished in the top 30 at the AA-A state meet in 2016.

 

“I believe the boys should be among the top contenders in the state again this year.  Winfield and St. Mary’s look to be very strong this year, but we are hopeful that we can compete with them,” said Griffith.

 

Griffith said Mark Duez is the frontrunner on the boys’ side of things. He then pointed to a group that includes Jackson Jacobs, Coleton Marsh, Tristan Shaw, Hunter Hutson and “another big group of boys pushing to get into the top seven” that Griffith said will figure into the mix.

 

While a lot of focus may be on the boys, it might not be wise to look past the girls. The team had its highest finish ever in 2017 and the good news is that Griffith said that the entire squad returns.

 

“With everyone back from last year and potentially a couple of new girls pushing for spots, I would say the girls are also among the top in the state.  Fairmont Senior has an excellent team, as does Winfield and East Fairmont,” said Griffith.

 

Griffith said in the early going, Julia Muller and Emma Campbell are leading the way. He also pointed to Allison Hess, Jenna Soltesz, Brooke Wagner, Hayley Chamberlain, Michaela Perri and a “host of others” that could have them in the running near the top of the Class AA-A competition.

 

“This is by far the strongest and deepest girls’ team we have ever had,” said Griffith.

 

Griffith said he hopes the recipe for success of running, having fun and running some more along with a splash of strength training and flexibility workouts will provide dividends.

 

“It is actually a detailed program that we utilize season by season to gradually develop our athletes over time into solid distance runners,” said Griffith.

 

To help the team succeed this year beyond the training and fun, Griffith prepared team goals and goals for the coaches. He said he hopes it makes a difference, including two he set for himself.

 

“The first (personal goal) was to be a better communicator with the team and their families.  I think we have achieved that.  Some may say I have overachieved to the point of annoyance with that goal.  The second was to get as many Bridgeport High School students into this sport as possible, because I truly believe there is not a better sport at BHS,” said Griffith. “We are getting kids into great shape, they are having fun, no one is sitting on the bench, and everyone is participating.  Our numbers are still on the rise.”

 

The Indians will be in action to start the season in less than three weeks. They will compete in the Autumn Classic Saturday, August 19 at 9 a.m. at St. Marys High School. 

 

Editor's Note: The boys team is shown Tuesday at practice, while the first action photo shows Mark Duez, while several of the girls returnees are shown in the photo after that and Coach Jon Griffith is shown in the third picture. Below is the girls team from Tuesday's practice.