Wildcat cross country has good numbers this fall

Members of the 2008 Cassville Wildcat cross country team is pictured above. In the front row, from left, are: Tia Baker, Courtney Beagle, Ariel Oswald and Cheyann Essley. Second row: Danielle Krumwiede, Jessica Barrientos, Kristi Whitcomb, Nanci Young and Hannah Elkins. Third row: Coach Chris Shore, Henry Essley, Corey Wilbanks, Caleb Wilbanks, Gage Holloway, Willie Linenbrink, Nashe Lugeanbeal and Jeremy Ashwell. Democrat Photo [Order this photo]

The girls team returns seniors Courtney Beagle, Cheyann Essley, Tia Baker and Ariel Oswald and junior Hannah Elkins. Key newcomers are juniors Nanci Young, Kristi Whitcomb and sophomores Danielle Krumwiede, Jessica Barrientos and Ariel Gonzalez.

Last year, the Ladycats won the Big 8 Conference championship and were team qualifiers following the district meet. Coach Chris Shore believes his girls team should be competitive again this fall.

"Our girls team could be a surprise," said Coach Shore. "We lost some good runners, but I think we'll still be good this year."

On the boys' side, Coach Shore welcomes back junior Willie Linenbrink who will be joined by a large group of newcomers. These top prospects include senior Nashe Lugeanbeal, juniors H.D. Essley and Jeremy Ashwell and freshmen Gage Holloway and Landon Long.

"We've got a lot of boys out, which will be good," said Coach Shore. "This team has little experience back from last season, but they are working hard."

A few soccer players will run cross country this fall to add depth to the squad. These dual sport athletes include senior Corey Wilbanks, junior Caleb Wilbanks and Lugeanbeal.

The CHS cross country squad opens its season at Carthage on Sept. 11. The Wildcats will host the annual Cassville Invitational on Oct. 13. The Big 8 Conference meet will be held in Carl Junction this year on Oct. 25.