HOULTON, Maine — With a solid core of returners being joined by freshmen transitioning from a very successful junior high season, Greater Houlton Christian Academy cross country coach Taylor Quint is excited about fielding both a boys and girls squad this fall.
“This season is being built on a solid base of summer miles and the runners are completing workouts strong,” Quint said. “They will be looking to tune up and progress throughout the season to hopefully peak at the Regional Championships in late October.”
Members of the girls squad include juniors Bridgett Hill, Grace Graham and Jillian Ross; and freshmen Teagan Ewings, Kathryn Nightingale, Jannelle Ross and Olivia Nadeau.
Graham finished in the top 20 at States last season and is running very strong after establishing a strong base of running throughout the year, according to her coach. Hill is running her first cross country season, but did compete in track and field this past spring. She has proven to hold her speed throughout the 5-kilometer course, Quint said.
Ross was Hill’s teammate in track and field this past spring and is also running cross country for the first time. She has been working hard in practice and has some strong times to start the season.
Ewings joins the varsity team after an extremely successful junior high career. “Teagan has established herself as one of the top runners early on in the season,” the coach said. Nadeau and Nightingale are also coming off successful junior high careers.
Members of the boys squad include juniors Wesley Ganglfinger, Alex Walker and Brendan Curran; sophomores Cole Winslow and Isaac Potter; and freshman Will Austin.
Ganglfinger and Winslow are returning runners who both qualified for States last season. “Wesley and Cole bring another summer of training and competing to this season as they contend for the top,” Quint said.
Walker and Potter were also busy over the summer logging miles and so far appear to be faster and stronger this season, she said. Austin, who joins the varsity team after successful junior high career, is a strong, smooth runner that brings a lot to the team, Quint added. Curran is a first-time runner.
“We are excited to see what the season holds, are honoured to represent both the Lord and GHCA, and intend to run the race well,” Quint said.