Fitch cross country teams lack experience

September 11, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

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By GREG GULAS

Fitch head cross country coach Rich Kempe is currently in his 34th year with the Falcons, including 13 as the head boys and 19 as the head girls mentor.

During his reign, his teams have won 10 conference titles, have made 10 regional appearances and one state final, while earning multiple Suburban League and Mahoning County crowns along the way.

He is assisted by Amy Diefenderfer (fourth season), the current Fitch High record holder in girls cross country and in track in the 3200 meters and as part of the 3200-meter relay.

Both teams are young in 2010 with just one senior dotting the roster of the two squads.

The nine-member girls team is led by freshman Carissa Jenkins, who has the best time so far this season in the area (19:41). Jenkins won the school’s opening meet and placed second at the McDonald’s Billygoat Classic. The only runner to beat her was last year’s defending Division II state champion.

Returning letterwinners include senior captain Sarah Guerrier, juniors Danae Kempe and Taylor Marshall and sophomore Amanda Choma. Sophomore Sara Greathouse is also expected to contribute as are freshmen Courtney Dockry, Zoe Logston and Mary Ann Tul.

The boys squad, with no senior on the roster, is led by junior letterwinners and co-captains Alex While and Dan Rein, along with Anthony Jordan.

Other retuning lettermen include sophomores Don Koehler, Patrick Ferguson and Nathan Snyder, who provide a solid nucleus for this year’s team.

Promising newcomers include juniors Josh Reid, Alec and Eric Yurchelefrodl and Cole Bury, and freshman Zack Patrick, Willie Mellott, Zack Goist, Bryce Baker, Zach Barber, Jeff Bishop, Christian Bittler, Brandon Starcher Colin Wilson, Jeff Bishop and Isaac Woolery.

The boys squad placed second in their season-opening meet and followed that up with a sixth-place finish the second time out.

“We have to continue to increase the intensity of our workouts throughout the season, including two-a-day sessions,” Kempe noted.

“In distance running, two-a-days are a lifestyle — not a temporary situation. For reasons like this, our successful distance runners have been our school’s most successful students, both in school and later on as adults.

“It takes extra dedication, commitment and work ethic to be a successful distance runner. This follows them their entire lives,” he added.