Pack strategy key for Snohomish girls

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2001

By Bob Mortenson

Herald Writer

The venue may have changed, but the mantra remains the same.

The 4A Northwest District champion Snohomish Panthers go in to Saturday’s state meet at Pasco’s Sun Willows Golf Course knowing full well that to contend for the title they need to execute their familiar packing strategy.

"Definitely that’s our strength," Snohomish coach Dan Parker said.

Snohomish may lack a top-tier runner, but does boast seven high-quality harriers who are known to trade position from meet to meet. At Sun Willows the Panthers will need to carry each other to a collectively higher level in order to challenge the elite teams.

"North Central of Spokane should be the favorite," Parker said. "They’re very tough."

Parker is pleased to be unburdened by the favorite’s role.

"There’s less pressure than there is if you’re carrying around that number one spot," Parker said.

Snohomish, sixth at state in 1999 and second in 2000, seems to reload each season as opposed to rebuilding.

"I guess the success feeds upon itself," Parker said. "You’ve got to keep it fun and it’s fun being successful."

The Panther contingent includes four athletes with state experience, including sophomores Ashley Meyer and Amanda Mowers. Meyer set the pace for Snohomish in critical races the last two weeks. Mowers was a surprise sixth-place finisher at state last season. The veteran leadership, state experience and considerable talent of senior co-captains Jessica Culnane and Aimee Spada should not be discounted.

Snohomish, with a training regimen that includes swimming three mornings a week, continued to train hard in the days leading up to last Friday’s district meet at Skagit Valley College but will taper back this week.

"I think the rest will help," said Culnane who is looking to bounce back strong after a personally disappointing district meet.

Marysville-Pilchuck, which boasts three consecutive top-three finishes at state including a title in 1999, sealed this year’s bid by notching four of the top 22 spots at district, led by Alicia Farmer, a senior, who finished fifth.

"We’ve had to pick it up this year and have done a good job of it," coach Julie Coburn said. "All I ask of the kids is to come away from a race knowing they gave it the best they had and that they left nothing out on the course."

Celia Maclean of Shorewood edged Monroe’s Bethany Ojalehto in a thrilling duel at district and is fully focused now on Pasco.

"My best is still to come," Maclean said. "Top five, that’s my goal."

"Celia’s a very committed runner," said Shorewood coach Amy Chertock who also noted Ojalehto’s talent. "She’s a tough runner with great instincts. She’s a very intelligent racer."

Lynnwood’s Sarah Revoyr is perhaps one of the most improved runners from among area schools. As a junior last season Revoyr finished 21st in the 3A Northwest District. Last Friday she went out and claimed the district title in convincing fashion.

"I think that performance proves she can compete with the best of them," coach Angela Stark said. "I know other leagues around the state are very strong, but Sarah’s a tough competitor."

The King’s Knights head to state with a full head of steam after blowing away the Class A tri-district field by bunching seven runners in the top 16, led by Tricia Hansen, a senior, who placed third. After taking second at state last season King’s looks even stronger and is aiming for nothing less than the title this time around.

"I think we have really unified a whole lot this year," Hansen said.

Two-time defending champion Mount Baker appears to be a virtual lock for a third consecutive 2A crown. Still, South Whidbey, led by senior Karen Schwager, was the only squad within yodeling distance of the Mountaineers at district and the Falcons expect to make a strong showing on Saturday.

"I’m very excited," Schwager said. "We’ve got a lot of young talent."

Last year Sun Willows competitors were greeting by the runner’s bane, howling 50-mile-per-hour wind.

"That changed the whole complexity of the race," Parker said. "You’ve got to be able to tuck in behind someone and let them do the work. Then you fire by and look for the next person."

With the potential for harsh elements and the certainty of brutal competition the forecast calls for pain. And perhaps glory for those who prove impervious to all three.