The number of runners coming out to compete with the Yellow Jackets cross country team is low, but that hasn't stopped second year head coach Marc Pyrc from saying varsity spots will be tough to come by this season.

Fifteen runners round out the Lady Yellow Jackets team this season, but Pyrc said despite a low turnout, talent is high.

"Everyone will be challenging for a varsity spot," he said.

"I'm excited about the talent we have coming back this year," Pyrc said. "We have six of the top seven ladies back in action this year, as well as four of our top five guys."

Running strong for the team this season will be Mark Blackmon, the 2007 4A cross country state champ. Blackmon's teammates include Seth Warner, Jon Tennis and Drew Marshall, who are all coming off a great summer of training.

The new talent coming on the team this year will make competition for the seven varsity spots tough.

Senior Quanika Blackmon has enjoyed a successful high school athletic career and will be looking to finish strong as a senior.

"She will be off running for a lucky college program next year, but we will enjoy her talent and leadership for one more season," Pyrc said.

Runners Taylor Miller and Abbie Lewis are also coming off a successful summer track program and expectations are high for them as well.

The Yellow Jackets start their season with the Trojan Invitational at Rock Hill Saturday, Sept. 6.

The boys team is seeded seventh in the state and the girls currently occupy the fourth spot.

"At the very least this information tells our athletes that they will have a target on their backs and few things motivate a strong runner like being chased by good competition," Pyrc said.