PREP BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Runners to watch

Published 5:12 pm Monday, September 13, 2010

Angelo Comeaux

Everett | Senior

2009 recap: Finished 32nd in the Class 3A state meet in 16 minutes, 36 seconds.

2010 outlook: The top runner on an Everett team ranked No. 7 in the state coaches’ 3A preseason poll, Comeaux could end up as one of the Seagulls’ best-ever distance racers, Everett coach Bruce Overstreet said. “Angelo has definitely done his homework (rigorous training) this summer,” said Overstreet, “and he has big aspirations and he’s got the talent to match. I’m anticipating he’s going to be right in the thick of things (in 3A).” Comeaux, who placed second Saturday in the 2-mile Sehome Invitational’s senior boys race, could turn into a solid marathoner some day, Overstreet added.

Conner Ballew

Archbishop Murphy | Senior

2009 recap: Placed 14th at the Class 2A state meet in 16 minutes, 29 seconds.

2010 outlook: It didn’t take Ballew long to make a strong impression on first-year Archbishop Murphy coach Paul Turner. Ballew was “absolutely perfect” during summer training and the coach expects great things from the senior runner. “He will have a breakout year. He will be one of the best in any classification,” Turner said of Ballew, who will test himself against talented big-school competitors Saturday at the South Whidbey Invite and Sept. 25 at the Bellevue Invite.

Aaron Campbell

Cascade | Senior

2009 recap: Finished 63rd in the Class 4A state meet in 16 minutes, 34 seconds.

2010 outlook: After learning from former teammate Dylan Hopper, who now runs for Western Washington University, Campbell will try to fill Hopper’s role as a determined, inspiring leader. Campbell qualified for state in both cross country and track as a junior, and trained hard all summer, Cascade coach Steve Bertrand said: “I think he’s pretty excited about improving on last year.” Campbell placed sixth in the 2-mile Sehome Invitational’s senior boys race Saturday.

Tyler King

Coupeville | Senior

2009 recap: Representing Oak Harbor, placed fifth in the Class 4A state meet in 15 minutes, 33 seconds.

2010 outlook: Due to a change in the athletic agreement between Oak Harbor and Coupeville, King will no longer run for Oak Harbor in the postseason. Instead, he will represent Coupeville and aim for a 1A individual state title. “His natural ability sets him apart from the other kids,” said Oak Harbor coach Eric Peterson, who still trains King. “He’s one of those kids that’s got the ability but he also understands he needs to work and push himself.”

Sean Roe and Blake Nelson

Jackson | Senior and Junior

2009 recap: Roe (12th place, 15 minutes, 50 seconds) and Nelson (43rd, 16:20) helped top-ranked Jackson place second at the Class 4A state meet.

2010 outlook: Nationally ranked Jackson doesn’t have one top-notch runner; it has at least two, maybe three. Nelson, Roe and senior Grant Grosvenor are all two-time distance-event district champions (including cross country and track). They are big reasons why the Timberwolves are No. 23 in the Powerade Fab 50 preseason national team rankings. “Our top three guys are as good as anybody’s top three (in the state),” Jackson coach Eric Hruschka said.