Off State Title, Bridgeport Girls Cross Country Has Holes to Fill But Talent Returning
By Michael Minnich on July 30, 2026
After running away with their first girls cross country state title last year, the Bridgeport Indians will look to replace key seniors and repeat in Ona this fall.
That road officially starts on Monday with the team’s first practice at 8 a.m. at Bridgeport City Park.
“The younger athletes got a taste of success in a way that really opened their eyes to what they’re capable of and what we’re capable of as a program,” coach Nathaniel Lutyens said. “We lost some significant senior leaders in terms of quality.”
Two seniors (Ashley McBrayer, 15th at state meet, 20:56.33) and Mikaela DeMoss (16th at state meet, 21:04.21) are gone from the lineup that ran at states, but fourth-place state finisher Aria Selario (19:22.20), the only freshman in the top 12, has three years left to build on that.
“We had seen what Aria could do at the middle school level. We knew that she was going to be really good and she was and is,” Lutyens said. “We have big hopes for Aria this fall.”
Bethsayed Dankiewicz was 14th at states as a sophomore, making major strides.
“We had no idea what to expect. She came out for track her freshman year and showed some promise,” Lutyens said. “But last fall, she was working hard, but the performances weren’t quite there, but late in the season, she turned it on and was able to continue that into track season.”
Isla Tobrey was Bridgeport’s fifth runner last year.
“Going into the season, we had no idea she was going to be as good as she was as soon as she was,” Lutyens said. “She had to fight through a mid-season injury scare last fall but still held on and got 20th at states.”
Bridgeport’s sixth runner last year as a sophomore last year, Liana Rajjoub, will likely be in a scoring role this year.
“She is one of our hardest workers. She’s always asking, ‘How much can I do?’ This whole team is super good with team atmosphere and caring for one another, but she’s really excellent at that. She’s a great organizer. She keeps up with the other girls and pushes them,” Lutyens said. “She’s a big asset to the team.”
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