Through rain or sunshine (probably rain), the Coupeville Middle School cross country runners are ready for a new season. (Photo by Morgan White)
Cross country is booming.
A little over a week out from her team’s first meet, Coupeville Middle School coach Elizabeth Bitting has 27 runners on her roster, a group which includes a hardy mix of returning veterans and first-time competitors.
It’s an almost perfectly balanced roster as well, with 14 boys and 13 girls answering the call of the trail.
One new quirk is the addition of sixth-graders to the mix, as Washington state has opened cross country and track to them starting this school year.
The youngest members of the team won’t count towards point totals, but get a chance to discover the sport, which is invaluable.
“They will be attending all races with us and running in all races,” Bitting said. “They get to experience the whole adventure and get a sneak peak of their competition in the future. This is a good thing!
“Just last cross country season 6th grade athletes were not able to participate in any sport at the middle school level and now they can participate in cross country and track. Strides are being made.”
As the early practices have played out, Bitting has been thrilled to see how her runners are already embracing the sport.
“Week one has gone AMAZING!!!!,” she said. “All these students are incredible athletes. They have been working so hard and already showing so much dedication.
“I’ve even had to increase some of the runs because they were just up to it,” Bitting added. “For example, day one, I ran the route backwards and when I met up with the front pack I casually asked, “Up to running further?” Without a beat the leader answers, “Sure. Why not?” So they ran farther!”
The CMS harriers make their competitive debut Saturday, Sept. 21 at South Whidbey’s Carl Westling Invitational.
The roster:
GIRLS:
6th:
Dianne Brown
Teagan Calkins
Aleksia Jump
Brynn Parker
Liza Zustiak
7th:
Edie Bittner
Aubrey Blitch
Lillian Stanwood
Ayden Wyman
8th:
Erica McGrath
Samantha McMahon
Sofia Milasich
Marlen Montiel
BOYS:
6th:
Cody Badger
Adrian Cunningham
Malachi Somes
George Spear
7th:
Jack Porter
Johnny Porter
Landon Roberts
Thomas Strelow
8th:
Alex Clark
Dayvon Donavon
Hayden Harry
Hank Milnes
Gabe Reed
Cole White
Coupeville Sports 