NU runners seek repeat

Nevada Union's boys cross country team was the only of the four teams in western Nevada County to qualify for last season's Sac-Joaquin Section meet, where it finished fifth.

NU's chances of qualifying for the second meet appear better than the other three squads again this season as the Miners have more runners returning (seven) than NU's girls (two), Bear River's boys (two) and Bear River's girls (five).

The Miners girls are loaded with promising newcomers, though, and the five returners for Bear River's girls were vital parts of the team last season.

The Bruins boys are in one of the tougher positions, with just the minimum of five runners filling out the team's roster.



Nevada Union boys

The loss of Andrew Primrose, who now runs for the University of Washington, did little to hurt the Miners' chance at repeating a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I meet.

As far as NU coach Gene Gilligan can tell, mostly just Nevada Union's notoriety was affected.

"Without him we're sort of unknown," Gilligan said.

But Primrose was the only senior last year, which means most of the team returns intact.

NU seniors Sean Lane, Parker Brown, Dan Freitas and Cody Hood are four of the top five Miners runners. Junior Chris Greiner is the fifth.

"Sean Lane definitely seems the strongest and the fastest, but it's hard to say who's going to be our No. 1 runner," Gilligan said.

Lane led the Miners on Friday in the first meet of the season in Rocklin, where he placed 23rd.

While NU has a good chance to make it back to the section meet, Gilligan said NU's goal is more than that.

"We'd really like to go to the state meet," he said.

The state championships, which feature the top two teams from each section, are held every year in Fresno.



Nevada Union girls

The Miners aren't stacked with returning runners this season, but they strive to make up for their lack of experience with enthusiasm.

NU senior Hannah Harrison and junior Laura Rodrigues are the only runners back from last season.

Rodrigues led her team Friday at the Rocklin Invitational, where she finished in 21 minutes, 47 seconds for 31st place.

Beyond Rodrigues, though, many of the top-five positions are still up for grabs.

Allison Chapple and Aly Dorfman are each fighting for top-five spots. Both are seniors in their first year on the team.

Three freshmen have also impressed coach Sara Freitas.

Emma Ussat, Hannah Webb and Erinn Ramirez have given Freitas reasons to feel confident in the team's future.

"They're freshmen who have experience running track and cross country at their middle schools," Freitas said. "I'm really impressed with their work ethic. I think these kids have a good future."

The focus shown by Jill MacKenzie, a junior in her first year on the varsity team, has also impressed Freitas. Hailey Gilligan, Amanda Fry and Miranda Kent are also making the step up to varsity.

"It's definitely a rebuilding year," Freitas said. "But with the strength of the senior girls I think we're going to have a really well-rounded team."



Bear River boys

Bruins coach Mike Moore is more concerned with keeping his runners healthy than just about anything else.

With only five runners on the team - the minimum to compete in most meets - one injury halts the season.

"If we lose one we're done, so it's a real tight group," Moore said.

The Bruins opened the season Tuesday in the first of two Pioneer Valley League meets at Twelve Bridges in Lincoln.

Chris Boyer and Jake Josephian are the only returners from last year's squad.

"They're hard workers," Moore said. "We've been doing a lot of good training. With the dedication that they have we'll be able to compete with the big schools."

Bear River girls

Only two runners from last year's team are gone this season, leaving the Bruins in good shape in the Pioneer Valley League.

Among the returning runners for Bear River are Rebecca Logan, Cricket Hooker, Catey Cramer and Nicole Tintle, were on the team in 2005.

"The girls are going to be real strong," coach Mike Moore said. "I think they'll do real well this year. Especially with Rebecca and Cricket ... the girls try to follow them."

Because Hooker is the only senior on the team, even more success is likely for the team in the future.

Bear River opened the season with the first PVL meet Tuesday at Twelve Bridges in Lincoln.

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To contact Sports Writer Jeff Miller, e-mail jeffm@theunion.com or call 477-4247.



A closer look



Bear River boys

Coach: Mike Moore, second year

2005 finish: Did not qualify for section meet

Returning letterwinners: 2

Athletes lost: Glen Wheeler, Kevin Mandrup, Alex Masucci, look up the other

Key contests: Pioneer Valley League meet No. 1, Sept. 12 at Twelve Bridges (Lincoln), PVL meet No. 2, Oct. 11 at Twelve Bridges.

Bear River girls

Coach: Mike Moore, second year

2005 finish: Did not qualify for section meet

Returning letterwinners: 5

Athletes lost: Genevive Speas, Chloe Lyon

Key contests: Pioneer Valley League meet No. 1, Sept. 12 at Twelve Bridges (Lincoln), PVL meet No. 2, Oct. 11 at Twelve Bridges.



Nevada Union boys

Coach: Gene Gilligan, third year

2005 finish: 5th in Sac-Joaquin Section Division I

Returning letterwinners: 7

Athletes lost: Andrew Primrose, Tony Britton

Key contests: NU/Asics Invitational Sept. 16 at Nevada Union, Sierra Foothill League meet Oct. 4 at Nevada Union.



Nevada Union girls

Coach: Sara Freitas, seventh year

2005 finish: Did not qualify for section meet

Returning letterwinners: 2

Athletes lost: 2-Lucie McKirdy, Sara Violett

Key contests: NU/Asics Invitational Sept. 16 at Nevada Union, Sierra Foothill League meet Oct. 4 at Nevada Union.