Published: Monday, Aug. 30, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010 06:53 AM
Cross country squads feature new faces
FORT MILL --
Neither the Fort Mill nor Nation Ford High cross country programs will have a chance to rest on their laurels this season.
Both squads have new leaders at the front of the pack in more ways than one.
At Nation Ford, first year head coach Caitlyn Tooley takes over for a departed Scott Barefield, while at Fort Mill, a new runner is looking to emerge to take the place of three-time defending state champion Mark Blackmon, who transferred to Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C.
Tooley, who is known for her soccer exploits on the field at Fort Mill High and Newberry College, was Barefield’s assistant last year and is eager to jump in this season.
“Running for me as always been a way to keep in shape,” she said. “I just come to love it.”
Nation Ford returns senior Kevin Ketner, who finished sixth last year in the state, and Aubrey Gunnels, also a senior, to lead the Lady Falcons.
“We will do well,” Tooley said.
One runner Tooley is looking forward to coaching is Indiana transfer Josh Mifflin.
“He should be right up there with Kevin,” Tooley said.
Moving on
Despite losing Blackmon, Fort Mill head coach Marc Pyrc is confident his team can contend for a state title.
“We have some holes to fill on the guy’s side,” Pyrc said. “Let’s face it; you don’t get too many kids as talented as him (Blackmon), so you can’t just fill that spot. You have to make the best of what you have. But we are still going to be strong.”
Two runners Pyrc is looking at are Sam Van Buskirk and Jeffrey Case, both of whom split time on the school’s swim team as well.
On the girls side, Fort Mill is strongest with Abby Lewis, Taylor Miller and Meredith Kilburn.
“Meredith is looking to win a state championship this year,” Pyrc said.
Kilburn finished seventh last year in the state championship. Lewis finished ninth.
Both squads start the season Saturday.