NORWICH
Graduation stole two of Norwich’s top boys runners from a year, yet Norwich still has ample back-up for this year, said head coach Shaun Horan.
While the Tornado harriers may not have the same level of scoring runners in meets and invitationals, there is youth to build on for the future. “Even though we graduated a lot of kids and have some inexperience, but there is a lot of potential,” Horan said.
In his first year of cross country, senior Frankie Garcia moved into the three spot in the lineup. The only senior on this year’s boys team, Garcia assumes the mantle of first runner for the Tornado. “He really did have a good first season, and I’m not sure what he expected,” Horan said of Garcia. “He’s a fit kid and in shape. We expect even better this year.”
Next in line behind Garcia are sophomores Connor Nichols and Ben Ericksen. Michael Manwarren is a solid middle-of-the-pack guy, and varsity newcomers Zane Harper and Steven LoPresti will vie for a scoring spot in races.
On the girls’ side, Horan had just four girls come out for the team – all solid performers – but the Tornado girls are one short of a scoring team. Horan hopes to change that predicament once school starts when he can recruit, but in the meantime, he’ll move forward with returning runners Martha Clemens, Kristen Slate, and Corrine Shea. The fourth member of the squad is sophomore newcomer Elizabeth Eddy, a transfer from the swimming program.
Clemens should lead the Norwich pack and compete for an all-division spot. “We do have good quality with the girls, and they’re willing to work hard,” Horan said.
