Xavier Prep’s cross-country program might have as many runners out this season than it ever has – 47 – and the Gators could almost stage a meet every week among themselves that might rival the depth and quality of a region or invitational.
“It is
probably the most ever,’’ admits long-time head coach Dave Van Sickle.
The large
roster doesn’t necessarily mean the Gators can unseat defending 6A Conference
champion Phoenix Desert Vista, but it least gives Xavier a chance against that
Ahwatukee program.
“We’re definitely
the deepest in the state. You never know -- anything can happen,’’ Van Sickle
said.
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Senior Tatum Goforth wants to help Xavier win a cross-country championship (Photos courtesy of Coach Dave Van Sickle). |
The roster is not overloaded in any one particular class. Everything appears to be balanced, averaging about 10-12 runners per class.
The Gators’
first two invitational appearances this season – at the Peaks in Flagstaff and
the Fountain Hills Invite in Fountain Hills – provided some hints in regard to
possibilities.
Xavier
appears to have at many as 10 girls who could wind up in the top two dozen, or
as close to that as possible. And it never seems to be the same runner stepping
forward every time. It depends on the day, and it could happen at any time.
Two of the
top runners are seniors Tatum Goforth and Hannah Wheeling. They provide
consistency with their performance an leadership ability that shows as an
example for the younger ones to follow.
Both are
expected to be among the contingent of 21 top XCP runners who will participate
in this weekend’s 40th Woodbridge Classic, one of the nation’s top
invitationals, in Norco, Calif., on Friday (Sept. 17) and Saturday (Sept. 18).
“We’re off
to a pretty good start as a team,’’ Wheeling said.
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Senior Hannah Wheeling. |
Many of the runners are trying to make up for lost time. Issues with the Covid virus limited their workouts a year ago, but this summer, the program was near full strength as the anticipation was high for the fall of 2021.
“We really
couldn’t train all summer,’’ Wheeling said of 2020.
The desert
heat won’t allow workouts after school, so the girls show up every day at about
5:30 a.m. to get their work in before showing up on time for their first class
of the day.
Wheeling
tries to not go beyond 9 or 9:30 p.m. before her head hits the pillow and
rarely sleeps past 4:30 a.m.
“I’m used to
it by now. It’s almost like I have an alarm system built in,’’ she said.
Proper
hydration and nutrition are a must.
She hopes to
continue to run in college, and has looked at a few already.
Goforth is
excited about the chance to make a push for the state title.
“We have a
super deep team,’’ she said. “I think we will have a really good chance to win
state.’’
She said she
has worked hard to keep her mental state on an even level as she prepares for
races beforehand and gets into the action during the race itself.
Goforth has
looked forward to the start of the season every year. She knows this will be
her last in high school and wants to make sure the time is memorable.
“The team
camaraderie. That’s what brings you back,’’ she said. “And having the
dedication and the drive to succeed.’’
Xavier Prep 2021 cross-country roster
Abby Macaluso,
Sr., Ade Luna, So., Alma Melendez, Jr., Ansley Burns, Sr., Ashley Stelnik, Jr.,
Ariana Thompson-Bueno, Jr., Barbara Paez, Jr., Bella Gomez, So., Bella Titus.,
Jr., Briony Campisi, Sr., Calista Flick, Jr., Cassara Ryan, Jr.
Catherine
Alaimo, Sr., Caroline Vietor, Fr., Charlotte McClelland, Sr., Elle Honde, Fr.,
Ellie Hilsabeck, Fr., Emily Manuelito, Jr., Erika Germinario, Sr., Grace
Teevan, Sr., Hannah Wheeling, Sr., Holland Carey, Jr., Jimi Gutierrez Marino,
So., Karime Morales, Sr.
Karina
Zaveri, Fr., Kylie Brown, Jr., Kylie Graf, Jr., Lily Beaver, So., Maia
Weingard, Sr., Mk Fairbanks, Sr., Marissa Mansour, Fr., Maggie Mostoller, Fr.,
Naomi Young, Jr., Nora Hinkle, Jr., Olivia Charles, Jr., Reese Brown, Jr.
Reyna Silva,
Jr., Riley Meza, So., Sarai Arkeveld, Jr., Sophia Corona, So., Sophie
Maroufkani, So., Summer Goodman, So., Susie Findlay, So., Tatum Goforth, Sr.,
Zoe Lopez, So.
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