The Lady Warriors placed second in the state behind Holy Cross last season. Elk Lake is expected to mount a challenge to the Class A favored Lady Crusaders again this year.
Sophomore Justine Johns and junior Katie Bennett, both first-team all-stars and state medalists last year, are back for Elk Lake. So is senior Kenzie Jones, a first-team all-star.
Perhaps the biggest keys for the Lady Warriors, though, could be the returns of two runners from injuries. Senior Jenny VanEtten, who finished fourth in the state in Class A as a sophomore, missed all of last season due to injuries suffered when she was struck by a car while riding her bike. Sophomore Keri Jones also missed last season with a back injury, but is healthy.
“I think it will be another battle between the two of us,” Elk Lake coach Will Squier said of his team and Holy Cross. “They had a real strong team last year and now they’re a year older. I think we’re quite a bit stronger than we were last year, and deeper.”
Other girls runners to watch this season include Montrose senior Emma Washo.
Among the boys, runners to watch are Montrose sophomore Owen Brewer and junior Hunter Bedell of Elk Lake.
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