The Comets lost four of their top seven runners from a team that claimed the Greater Miami Conference, district and regional titles en route to finishing second at the state meet.
However, instead of counting on freshmen to step in, varsity runners Mikey Loehr and Michael Uematsu return with a new group that has been in the program.
“All our guys have just worked their way up through the ranks,” Rapp said of his squad of 120. “Our guys are working very hard and will see the results of that hard work down the road a ways.”
Mason girls coach Chip Dobson also returns a strong core from a team that finished third at the state meet.
Ellie Brush and Ailee Henderson return with freshman Brooke Harvey looking to make a strong push into the top three.
The Comets already own a title this year, winning the Wilmington Invitational after finishing fourth in the OHSAA preseason invitational.
“We are making progress, but have a long way to go,” Dobson said. “We are young, and the roster is in constant flux.”
Lebanon experienced: Last year was a banner year for Lebanon cross country.
The girls won the Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division and were runners-up at district before finishing sixth at the regional meet.
And the news gets better for coach Mark Bierkan.
Lebanon returns four of its top five runners, including state qualifier Jessie Hartman.
Melanie Pacheco, Sydney Stegeman, and Melena Wahl also return for the Warriors, who have added a pack of freshmen led by Sophie Cropper, Mia Mantei, and Lily Bevan.
Lebanon opened with a third-place finish at the Bob Schul Invitational at Milton-Union.
“We are right where we want to be,” Bierkan said.
The Lebanon boys also claimed the GWOC and district titles before finishing eighth in the regionals with a squad featuring school record holder Nick Jarvis.
With Jarvis gone, the Warriors should be led by state 800 qualifier Kelby Caplinger, who is drawing interest from the University of Miami, TCU and Baylor. Brandon Huddleson and David Klenk return and will be joined by Jackson Siddall and Sam Duncan.
The boys started the season by winning the Bob Schul Invitational.
Kings loaded: The Knights boys team didn't lose anyone from a squad that finished fourth in the district and ninth at the regional meet.
Second team All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference performers Max Schowalter and Isaac Onnen return as do first teamers Chris Stock and Gideon Diebel.
Add in a strong junior class of Jack Chambers, Nate Muenchen, Robbie Winkler, Noah Stubenrauch, and John Naughton, all who run sub-18 minute marks, and Kings has a strong core back.
Kings opened the year 11th in the OHSAA Pre-Season Invitational and was second at the Lakota East Fall Classic behind ECC foe Loveland by three points.
While the boys team is looking to claim the title, the girls are looking to defend their ECC title.
Kings was also third in the district meet and finished seventh in the regional.
All-ECC performers Hannah Chunn and Brooke Conner graduated along with second team honoree Mary Claire Bauman, but the Knights return a strong group.
Hannah Rasmussen, Leah Maschino and Jennfer Cooper will be the top runners after earning first team honors in the ECC last year. Katie Pihl, Gwyn Gorley and Teresa Klaber add depth along with newcomer Karleigh Conner and freshman Anya Martin.
Kings finished third in the OHSAA Pre-Season Invitational and claimed the Lakota East Fall Classic.
Panthers prowling: After years of dealing with number issues, Little Miami coach Eric Bond looks for the Panthers to make some noise in the Southwestern Ohio Conference this year.
Little Miami will be led by seniors Sara Day and Savannah Henn with Ella Hartman also pushing for a spot in the top three.
Lydia Vach moves up from a strong junior high career while Katie Shuckmann looks to bounce back from injury to contribute.
The boys team also looks to claim a SWOC title and advance at least two runners to the regional meet.
Ryan Honkomp, Tejas Dinesh and Dawson Paul return to lead the Panthers while Jacob Anderson and Jacob Boldman have made strides through a strong summer program.
The boys have won the first two invitationals they competed in and Bond believes it is a sign of things to come.
About the Author