Led by a wily veteran and an up-and-coming sophomore, the Jackson cross country teams are setting their sights high for the 2003 season.

The boys team is anchored by senior Caleb Knox, who was picked in a recent coaches’ poll as one of the elite runners in the state.

“He had a great summer,” boys coach Eric Hruschka said of Knox, who got sick late last year and struggled in the postseason. “He’s trained harder than any other runner I’ve had at Jackson. He’s got some pretty high goals. He want to run really well at the end of the season … I think he’s pretty focused and motivated.”

Despite losing some weight and not being at full strength, Knox nevertheless finished 32nd at the Class 4A state championships.

Knox rebounded to have a strong track season in the spring. At last weekend’s Capital Invite, Knox (11:32) just missed Carl Moe’s record (11:30).

Sophomore Jeff Helmer, who took 53rd at state as a freshman, worked out with Knox over the summer and should continue to move up.

“He’s going to have a great season,” Hruschka predicted. “He also did some solid running. They (Helmer and Knox) kind of trained together … they’re good friends. They pushed each other over the summer. They’re a lot more prepared for this year.”

Also back is Phil Collins, who ran at state two year ago.

“I’m expecting those three guys to be the leaders,” Hruschka said.

In part because the Wolfpack returns its top six runners from a year ago, Jackson is ranked No. 10 in the Washington State Cross Country Coaches Association Class 4A Poll.

Division rivals Kamiak and Jackson are No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, and Meadowdale is No. 2 in the 3A poll.

“It’s going to be a tight, tight race,” Hruschka said of the league race. “It’ll probably be the best conference race in the state … it’s only gong to make us better and keep us focused toward the end of the season.”

The Jackson girls team also returns a top state competitor in Allison Graham, who won the Western Conference 4A South Division title and placed 22nd at the state meet.

Girls coach Traci Bianchini has high hopes for her sophomore standout.

“She’s doing awesome. She had a great summer,” Bianchini said. “She’s put in the time and hopefully she’s going to be able to repeat what she did last year.”

For Graham to have the success she did in the postseason as a freshman was an outstanding achievement, according to Bianchini. At districts, Graham had to go up against teams such as No. 2 ranked Snohomish and highly regarded Stanwood.

“That year of experience will definitely work in her favor (this year),” Bianchini said.

Other top Jackson runners include sophomore Emily Ochs and senior co-captains Kristine Duncan and Stephanie Christiansen.

“On paper, we should be a contender to win Wesco South,” said Bianchini, who added that staying healthy and avoiding injuries, as always, remains of paramount importance.