Coupeville Sports

Claire Mayne is one of 16 runners on the roster for the reborn Coupeville Middle School cross country team. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

To build something, it’s best to have a solid foundation.

Coupeville schools are reviving their cross country programs this fall, after a two-decade pause, and the best news is the response happening at the middle school level.

When the first day of practice arrives Monday for the CMS squad, coach Elizabeth Bitting is expecting as many as 16 athletes to show up.

That’s double the turnout so far at the high school level, and with nine of those CMS runners in 8th grade, next year’s CHS squad could have a huge influx of newcomers.

Bitting, who also coaches the CMS track and field team, was a standout cross country runner in high school and college.

Now she has the chance, along with CHS coach Natasha Bamberger, to bring the sport back to life in Cow Town.

As she counts down the hours until the first official practice, excitement and anticipation bubbles through her veins.

“A few are still working on getting their physicals completed and I am still battling with vacations, but it should be a good season,” Bitting said. “Now if only Mother Nature would cooperate and make all this unhealthy air go away, I would appreciate that!!!

“Looking forward to finally hitting the pavement with these awesome athletes!!!!!”

The roster through Aug. 26:

8th grade:

Aiden Anderson
Evan Johnson
Carolyn Lhamon
Claire Mayne
Cristina McGrath
Abigail Place
Abigail Ramirez
Helen Strelow
Tate Wyman

7th grade:

Hayden Harry
Erica McGrath
Samantha McMahon
Allison Nastali
Cole White
Andrew Williams
Jesse Wooten