Cross country makes a run at state
Eric Tilley
November 24, 2009
Filed under Sports
Both of Corona’s varsity cross-country teams recently placed in the top five at the state meet.
The boys’ team placed second out of nearly 30 other teams. It was the team’s highest finish at state since 1993 when it came in first.
“We were all really happy that we did so well,” junior Daniel Wrapp said. “We usually end up around 10th place, so everyone felt really good about the team’s performance.”
The boys’ team also had impressive individual results. The top runners were Garret Baker-Slama, who placed third, Matt Whitlatch, who placed fourth, and Jared Hirschl, who placed ninth. All three of these runners were recognized for their contributions to the team at the cross-county banquet on Tuesday. They were awarded MVP, the Joe Sella award, and Newcomer of the Year, respectively.
“Garret and Matt will both be graduating this year, but we should still have a solid base for next year,” Wrapp said. “I think that if we work hard and avoid injuries, we will have another really good team.”
At State, Corona’s girls’ cross-country team came in fourth place. This was one of the team’s highest finishes at the State meet.
“Everyone set new personal records, so I think we gave it our best effort,” senior Danica Ganje said. “It was great to see the team’s hard work pay off.”
Individually, Ganje finished 10th followed by Sydney Buck, in 27th, and Ellen Dunn, who finished 35th. Ganje and Dunn were recognized for their contributions when they were awarded MVP and Most Improved Runner, respectively.
“Our underclassmen will have to really feed off their motivation to do well at State next year,” Ganje said. “I know they can do it though.”
