By MIKE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
Stevens Point Area Senior High has an experienced and deep team entering the 2000 girls cross country season.
The Panthers, who finished 11th at the state meet a year ago, have four of their top seven runners back from last year, including the first two finishers at the state meet.
"We do have a team with a lot of varsity experience," SPASH coach Mike Olson said. "What we need is just a bust-a-gut attitude where everyone races their hearts out. We don't have a blue-chipper. We have a lot of great girls, but no one that's going to go out and dominate every race."
Leading the list of returnees are juniors Kim Klosno, Kerry Hyland and Ashley Francis. Klosno was SPASH's second finisher at state and Francis was the team's seventh runner. The three ran the team's top times at last Saturday's intrasquad race.
Senior captains Alexis Sustman and Laine Willkom, SPASH's top finisher at state a year ago, are also returning.
Sophomores Jackie Kropp and Lindsay Rosicky are in the mix for the varsity team, as are Kelly Dickey, Katie Cychosz and Taylor Ebens, who are also senior captains. Senior Jody Schneider was the team's ninth runner at the intrasquad race and Danielle Gralla is recovering from an injury. Newcomers who could race with the varsity are senior Kim Reese, junior Amber Perri and freshman Beth Behnke.
"Because of our depth and balance, I expect the varsity to change from week to week," Olson said. "Come tournament time, we're going to have a tough choice."
The Panthers open their season Saturday at the Marshfield Columbus Invitational.
In the Wisconsin Valley Conference, Olson said D.C. Everest, the defending champion, is the favorite again. The Panthers finished second last year.
"We have a lot of work to do in order to catch them, but I think it could be done," Olson said. "If they slip up and we can continue to work hard, I think we can give them a run for their money.
"It's a matter of who gets more determined and who can get their goals."