Thomas Strelow (left) and Landon Roberts are back to make another run at state. (Elizabeth Bitting photo)
Depth is no longer an issue.
After returning from a two-decade layoff in 2017, the Coupeville High School cross country program has steadily built up its numbers.
Now, with a new campaign officially launching with the first day of practice Monday, Wolf coach Elizabeth Bitting has 24 runners on her roster, with the hope of a few more harriers joining the cause in the coming days.
That depth means CHS won’t be leaving any points on the table, as it often did in the first couple of seasons of the rebirth. Every meet, there will be a full lineup ready to run together and score together.
“One of our key strengths this year is our team size,” Bitting said. “This depth, combined with the talent and enthusiasm of our runners, is a major asset for us.”
Among those 24 runners, Coupeville returns eight state meet veterans.
The entire seven-man crew which competed in Pasco last fall, finishing 10th in the boys’ team standings, is back, as well as Noelle Western, who vied at state last year as an individual.
She and Carson Field have qualified for state twice in their prep career, while Landon Roberts, Ezekiel Allen, George Spear, Thomas Strelow, Kenneth Jacobsen, and Axel Marshall are also aiming for a return trip to the big dance.
Toss in a strong pack of other runners, some with prior varsity experience, and some new to the scene, and Bitting has ample reason to be sky high.
“This year, we’re fortunate to have the majority of our core team back, having only lost two seniors,” she said. “Both the boys varsity and girls’ varsity teams are returning with strong, experienced rosters.
“It’s an exciting time with seven freshmen joining us this year,” she added.
“From what I’ve seen, five of these newcomers have shown a remarkable work ethic and potential.
“Additionally, we have 10th grader Ethan Walling, who has already demonstrated his determination and commitment through his hard work and athleticism.”
Coupeville runners (l to r) Aleksia Jump, Noelle Western, and Reagan Callahan help anchor a deep Wolf team. (Elizabeth Bitting photo)
Coupeville’s main Northwest 2B/1B League rival, as always, will be Mount Vernon Christian, which moves from 1B up to 2B this season after new classification counts.
“Mount Vernon Christian has consistently been a strong competitor, and I expect this year to be no different,” Bitting said.
“They always push us to perform at our best, just as we strive to challenge them. It’s a competitive dynamic that keeps both teams sharp and motivated.”
While the Hurricanes provide the Wolves with strong competition, cross country often comes down to each runner battling with themselves, trying to shave time and set new bests.
“My primary goal for this season is to match or surpass our performance from last year, while expanding our roster and bringing more athletes along with us,” Bitting said.
“I’m aiming for a repeat of last year’s success and to build on it with an even stronger team.”
To get there, Bitting is focusing on two areas — increasing the overall mileage her athletes run and enhancing their finishing strength.
“I want to see our athletes push their mileage further and refine their already strong finishes,” she said. “There’s always room for growth and improvement.”
George Spear flies for the finish line. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Coupeville’s opening day roster:
Ezekiel Allen
Isaiah Allen
Zachary Blitch
Reagan Callahan
Kayla Crane
Carson Field
Beckett Green
Johnathan Jacobsen
Kenneth Jacobsen
Aleksia Jump
Aleera Kent
Axel Marshall
Lili Newberg
Jeann Nitta (Team Manager)
Lydia Price
Landon Roberts
Ivy Rudat
George Spear
Thomas Strelow
Will Tierney
Mikayla Wagner
Ethan Walling
Mary Western
Noelle Western
Devon Wyman
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