NTL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: DESPITE LOSSES, ATHENS LOOKS TO BE IN THE RUNNING FOR ANOTHER DIVISION TITLE (2024-09-03)
Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Despite losing three of its top six runners, Athens girls cross country coach Scott Riley believes his team will be in the running for another NTL Large School Division title in 2024.
“We have 11 hardworking girls on the varsity team currently,” said Riley. “I’m pleased with our numbers, which are up slightly from where they have been the past few years.”
The Wildcats lost Thea Bentley and Emily Henderson to graduation, and junior Abby Burgess to the soccer team.
“All three girls were key pieces to the team winning the NTL large school championship,” Riley noted.
Riley said his team has a mix of experienced runners and newcomers this season.
“We have some familiar faces, as well as some new faces this season.
“The girls have been working really hard with many of them running some good mileage throughout the summer,” noted Riley.
“We have some great leadership but will have to rely on some younger girls run well and be in key roles this season,” he added.
Athens returns three-time state qualifier Sara Bronson, along with junior Ava Hughes, sophomore Haylie Horton, and senior Maryrose Bertsch.
The Wildcats newcomers include last year’s top junior high runners freshmen Alissa Vough and Tatyana Nasser, as well as junior Karolin Roelle, sophomores Grace Ellsworth, and Joelle Vaughn, and freshmen Kaylee Bolt and Marlene Roelle, who are all new to the program this year..
“Alissa Vough and Tatyana Nasser ran on our junior high team last season and had a great deal of success,” said Riley. “We also have a few first-year runners we are looking forward to seeing how they run.”
What are Riley’s expectations for 2024.
“Our team has been pretty strong the last few years and we are hoping to continue with the same level of success,” he said.
“With the mix of youth and experience, we are excited to see where we stand and get started with some races.
“We are looking to see the girls continue to grow throughout the season as they gain experience,” added Riley. “If they develop, this should lead to a strong post season for the team.”
AROUND THE NTL: “The NTL is always loaded with outstanding runners and strong teams,” said Riley.
“Tuesdays are always fun to see the great competition between the girls.
“As we get into the post season, I expect the NTL will have a large number of girls that run well at the District meet and set themselves up to qualify for the State meet,” noted Riley.
“As for teams, each division has a few teams who can win the NTL this season,” he added.
Athens opens the 2024 season this afternoon at Round Top Park against NEB and Towanda.
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IN PHOTO: Athens senior Sara Bronson. … VSR STOCK PHOTO.
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