Can King’s girls do it again?

King’s is looking to make a little history next month at the Class 1A state girls cross country championships.

No girls cross country team has four straight titles at any level.

With five of their top seven runners back, the Knights appear to be a prime position to capture their fourth championship in a row.

King’s is led by a trio of senior standouts — Adele Eslinger, Morgan Hamm and Makenzie Taylor — all of whom have been varsity letter winners since their freshman year.

“They have been the backbone of the team for four years,” King’s coach Rod Wilcox said. “Now it’s their time to shine.”

Eslinger finished sixth last year, while Hamm placed as a sophomore. The top six is rounded out by junior Stephanie Rice, sophomore Emma Barr and sophomore Sami McDevitt.

“The top six are established,” Wilcox said. “We’ll find out who’s seven later.”

The Knights will head into the postseason with high expectations and a lot of attention from their competition.

“I guess by now they’re used to being the target,” Wilcox said. “It’s not a big deal. They just go out and do their best. The rest of it will be fine.”

Last year, the Knights set a state record for girls titles with six.

“We’re looking to extend that to seven,” Wilcox said.

The King’s boys team finished third at state and graduated three seniors. So Wilcox views the 2009 season as a rebuilding year.

Seniors Nate Fabion and Nick Lowe-Hale may not be the fastest runners on the team, but the two have provided valuable leadership.

The top returner is sophomore Hap Emmons, who finished 32nd at state.

“He’s looking to get on the podium this year,” Wilcox said.

Other standouts include junior Ryan Gamache and sophomore Jared Clemens.

The Knights were ranked third in a recent statewide poll. The goal is come home with some state hardware.

“It’s a battle to get top four in state,” Wilcox said. “But they could surprise and move up higher.”

The boys squad has a healthy turnout of about 30 runners, while the girls number only 11.

“All we need is five good ones,” said Wilcox, who noted that some potential runners play soccer.

“It (turnout) comes and goes the last few years,” Wilcox said. “Hopefully, we’ll get another surge going.”