The Owls will boast an experienced team with six returning starters, including senior Phil Perkins. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We've worked harder at this time in this season that we ever had," remarked Ted Denton, beginning his 21st season as Marshall's head cross country coach. "We've had longer runs and more hill work."

That's paid off in a slew of fast runs, including several personal records during last Saturday's time trials.

"Those out in the past, we're seeing our times drop," Denton said. "Five were in the low 19 minutes, and all dropped times -- up to 39 seconds."

That could mean a good start for the Owls, who return six of seven starters on the boys' squad -- including both MSHSAA Class 3 Championships qualifiers: sophomore Damon Thompson and senior Matt Bledsoe.

Heading into the season opener, Thompson and senior Phillip Perkins have been shoulder-to-shoulder, with Bledsoe not far behind.

Senior Alex Jenkins and juniors Patrick Todd and Henry Yeagle also return in fine fettle, with junior Keeper Kays ready to crack the seven-man line-up.

"We've got four who are hanging together and the others aren't back very far," noted Denton, who is hoping they can run in packs to maximize Marshall's point value. "We're seeing that spread shorten a bit."

The Owls were fourth in their district last season, so bringing back so many experienced runners could mean a chance at returning to the state meet as a team after a two-year absence.

Besides sophomores Nick Jenkins, Bryson Fergison and Brandon Pace -- who made the biggest gains of them all -- freshmen Logan Simmons and Jon Fawkes have shown promise.

The girls' squad is even younger, but has great potential. Lindie Arends, a 2006 state qualifier, graduated and a handful of other varsity harriers chose not to return. However, sophomore Katie Wells -- who medaled in all nine meets as a rookie, finishing 55th at state -- leads a talented group.

"They're very much aware of what Katie accomplished last year," Denton said. "They set their sights on her."

Only 13 seconds behind Wells in the trial was freshman Arozo Shahobzada, who improved dramatically in the off-season.

"She's been running all summer long, and it's shown," Denton remarked. "There are times I've had to hold her back. She wants to run with the varsity boys."

Sophomore Chanelle Koehn has also posted record times, and sophomore Stormy Morrison -- new to cross country, but a teammate of Wells in swimming -- has been impressive. Much is also expected from sophomore Lauren McGrath, who has missed much of the pre-season after running ahead of Shahobzada last spring at Bueker Middle School.

Junior Emily Adams and sophomore Katie Arends are back, with juniors Jennifer Simmons and Mary Todd battling hoping to crack the top seven.

"It's looking pretty promising down the road, if they all stay together," Denton said. "I'm anxious to see them in competition."