Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Drew Holbrook enters his second year leading the Lake cross country program, and he’s excited to see it grow.
The boys program returns everyone from last year, including Tripp Swails, who was the team’s top finisher in every race last year before being tabbed Second Team All-NBC. Individual regional qualifiers Max Morse and Ricky Fox also highlight the roster of returnees.
“We have a great blend of experience and talent throughout the roster,” Holbrook said. “There are a dozen runners right now that I could see in our top five. As a program, I am happy with the direction we’re going, and if the guys push each other and respond positively to challenges, they will be in the mix for league and post season success.”
Those returners from last year’s team, which placed fifth at the NBC meet and ninth at districts, will be joined by Tyce Brown, who is new to cross country but finished fifth in the 3200 at the league’s track championship as a freshman, and Jack Byington, who was seventh individually at the middle school’s league championship.
The girls program will have to replace the production of graduates Riley Byington and Tabitha Balsmeyer, who both earned league and district honors last year. Holbrook said that Balsmeyer, who owns Lake’s second best all-time cross country time, will lead the Young Runners Program for the Flyers.
The girls, which finished sixth at the league meet, as well as eighth at districts a year ago, will return sophomore Julia Swartz, who finished 10th individually at the district meet after claiming Second Team All-NBC recognition. She made considerable improvement last year, going from 38th at the middle school league meet to eighth as a freshman. Stephanie Folley, a three-year varsity scorer, also returns.
Joining that group are some talented newcomers. Lauren Wheeler was a top middle school runner last year before an injury ended her season. She’s back, focused and determined according to Holbrook, who also said Victoria Wilkins has been turning heads with her hard work and intensity over the summer. Belle Tippey, who was an integral member of Lake’s track team as a freshman, will also join the cross country program this year.
“In large, our team is young and unproven,” Holbrook said. “Fortunately, in cross country, you get out what you put in. We have a group that has been putting in the mileage and focus on their intention over the summer, and we will make huge leaps.”
