Remember that phrase, "Everything old is new again"? It might well describe the state of the state's prep cross country teams, as the 2001 season nears its halfway point with two invitationals of note this weekend.
Past champs are likely to be champions again this year as well.
Mountain View has moved from 5A to 4A; Fremont from 4A to 5A, but no matter. Both of those teams should be listed among the favorites, again, for their respective state titles. And on Sept. 22, the state's visibility nationally will increase again, with a number of schools entered in the Great American Race in Charlotte, North Carolina. The only questions remaining as teams prepare for next month's state finals at Sugarhouse Park concern which teams, and individuals, will emerge on top. Here's a look at each state classification.
CLASS 5A — In boys, you can pretty much count on this being a three-team race for the gold. Perennial powers Bingham and Davis will benefit most from the Mountain View move to 4A, and West Jordan looks like it should be contender as well. All three of these schools will be headed to Charlotte next week, but Davis is not running in the same race as the Miners, Bruins, or Jags. Dart coach Roger Buhrley has three juniors among his top five runners, led by Jace Nye and Brad Phippen, along with Mark Oram. He's also watched his JV program continue to improve, building the same kind of base that Mountain View and Bingham have enjoyed for years.
The Miners' top threats are Jason Hunt, Jared Dimick, and Ryan Merriman, and coach Jeff Arbogast's team is always tough when it comes to the big races. West Jordan also looks strong with Scott Hillman and Bob Lambert leading the way.
Fremont's Bryant Jensen may be the best individual in 5A. He placed second last Saturday at the Provo Bulldog Invitational and is having a great season thus far. Others to watch in 5A include Copper Hills' Cody Bowles and Taylorsville's Alex Santy, both top 20 finishers in state a year ago. The likely champs: Davis or Bingham.
The 5A girls' title should also come down to a battle between Bingham, Davis and Fremont. The Miners return all-world twins Laura and Jackie Zeigle, along with Stacie Grover and Angie Campbell, all of whom finished in the top 12 at state last year. Barring injury or illness, the Miners shouldn't be beaten. Fremont probably has the best chance, returning four of the five runners that won the 4A title last year. Jamie Stubbs should challenge the Zeigle's for medallist honors, while teammates Annie Larsen and Stephanie Wilson also return. Lisa Frischknecht leads a Davis team that includes Wendy Wilson and Allison Passey as well. Most likely to wear gold in a month: Bingham.
CLASS 4A — Mountain View's arrival in this classification should create a classic battle between the Bruins and defending champion Box Elder Bees, and both teams could earn national rankings before season's end (Mountain View is already fourth according to Harrier Magazine). At MV, coach David Houle may have his deepest team ever, at least in terms of his top five runners who are less than 30 seconds apart from one another in dual meets, as well as last weekend's Great Race of the Great Bay in San Francisco (which Mountain View won). Top Bruins include Nate Houle, Steve Strickland, Sterling Goodwin, Mike Steele and Kyle Kramer. Box Elder coach Russ Garn returns six of his top seven racers from last year, including Shaun Kelley, perhaps the best of 4A, along with Craig Bown and Josh Kelley. Orem will also be a strong contender, with Dustin Ormond, Robert Esperson and Clark Nielson back. This is Mountain View's title to lose, however, and the Bruins won't.
It's a safe bet the 4A girls' title will reside in the city of Orem this year, at either Mountain View or Orem Highs. The Bruins have to be considered slight favorites at this point, again blessed with a depth of talent, led by sophomore sensation Heidi Magill. Not far behind are freshman Heidi Houle and returner Tiffany Strickland. But Orem can make a strong case of its own, with junior Amber Harper (arguably the best in 4A) and teammates Megan Matson and Brittany Bodine on board. Provo will also be strong, led by sophomore Jenna Taylor. East High's Sarah Bugden and Ellie Wolf will lead the Leopards, and Mountain Crest returns Ashley Johnson. State champs: Mountain View over Orem, but just barely.
CLASS 3A — Defending champ Ogden and runnerup Judge Memorial should battle it out again this year, but both of those teams' coaches are well aware of a posing threat from Uintah.
In fact, Quinn and Hall are hoping to develop the same type of competitive rivalry between their two schools that Mountain View and Bingham enjoyed for many years in 5A (and still do in statewide meets). Hurricane's Tony Jones, Wasatch's Kellen Jones, and Uintah's Joseph Leake are among top returners. Look for Judge to prevail in a close three-way battle.The most likely heirs to the 3A crown is Pine View (which has beaten Cedar already this year). Pine View has Misha and Ida Everett back to try to end Cedar's dynasty. Wasatch also looks strong. The safe bet is Pine View.
CLASS 2A — Monticello returns Andy Butler from last year's state champion team, and should contend along with Grand County (Ryan Stucki returns, the top 2A runner, and Matt Buymon). Monticello should win its third straight girls' title as well, with Richfield close.
CLASS 1A — The boys' and girls' titles could both go to St. Joseph's of Ogden, the runaway boys' champs in 2000 that look strong as ever.