Boys' cross country preview: Wood, Handley aim for regionals

August 27, 2011
By Robert Stocks

WINCHESTER- Only eight points separated Northwestern District champion Skyline and runner-up Handley a season ago, and both the Hawks and Judges return most of their top runners again this year.

The Hawks return four all-district runners, including district champion and junior Tom Madden as well as seniors Clay Jones, Marshall Eckert and Sean Park (who finished fourth through sixth, respectively, in the district).

That easily gives defending district champ Skyline, who finished fourth in the Region II meet and then sixth in Group AA, the nod as the coaches' choice to repeat in the Northwestern again this year.

"I figure Skyline is the favorite," said Handley coach Mark Stickley. "Hopefully we can close the gap or get closer to them."

The Judges were the only district team that was almost within striking distance of the Hawks last season, but Handley must replace standout Tom Delaney, who was second in the Northwestern, fourth in Region II and seventh in Group AA.

Although Delaney's presence and leadership will be missed, the Judges still return three regional qualifiers in Jim Thomson (eighth at district), Chris Arslan (ninth) and Adam Arslan (15th).

With 37 runners in the boys' program, depth shouldn't be an issue for the Judges but Stickley hopes his runners can continue to push each other throughout the season in order to make a run at the district title (which will be held at Millbrook on Oct. 26).

"I feel like I've got a lot of depth," Stickley said. "Hopefully it's good depth and up [in the race] where it needs to be."

James Wood might not boast the quantity of numbers Handley has in its program, but the Colonels do return enough quality to compete for one of the regional berths that go to the top two teams in the district.

Joe Davet (seventh at district), Danny Alstadt (11th) and Blake Armstrong (13th) give the Colonels three returning regional qualifiers.

After a total of 16 points separated Skyline, Handley and third-place James Wood last year at the district meet, Colonels coach Mike Onda said he thinks the district race could be even more competitive this year.

"I think we'll keep moving up closer to [Skyline and Handley]," Onda said. "It's going to be a lot closer than it has been in years past."

In the Bull Run District, Lorenzo Lara takes over a Clarke County program that appears to be rebuilding after the graduation of Paul Myer and Steven Trayer and a ninth-place finish in Group A last year.

James Wood
Coach:Mike Onda, eighth year

Last year:Third in the Northwestern District

Key losses:Cody Barr, Jake Carpenter, Tyler Trice, Cody Wright

Top returner:Blake Armstrong, Sr.; Joe Davet, Sr.; Luke Farinholt, Soph.; Nick Stasiak, Sr.; Jacob Sunderlin, Jr.; Dylan Wilson, Jr.; Danny Aldstadt, Jr.

Key newcomers:Ryan Platt, Fr.

Outlook:The Colonels boast a lineup with both experience and talent, and Wood could make a run at a regional berth if everyone can stay healthy.

Davet (seventh), Alstadt (11th) and Armstrong (13th) give the Colonels a trio of returning regional qualifiers.

"[Davet, Alstadt and Armstrong] should be in the top 3 but we have some guys coming on strong," Onda said. "I think we've got eight or nine that are constantly battling for the top seven positions. I think our guys will be very competitive. They keep getting better and better."

First meet:Today, at the Great Meadow Invitational, 9