PREVIEW: Experienced Panthers carry State Meet hopes

     For the first time in 24 years, there was not a Monticello High School team in the State Cross County Meet last year.

     The Panthers, who were moved up to Class 3A in most sports a year ago, would like to see that change, beginning with this year’s drop back to 2A.

     “If we maintain our focus on development of the runners, we’d like to see if we can compete for the (River Valley) Conference titles, place in the top three at the State Qualifying Meet, and get on the stage at the State Meet,” 18^th-year head coach Dan Sauser said.

     Both Panther teams have plenty of experienced runners who can help them achieve those goals. Each team returns eight letter-winners.

     For the boys, state qualifier Carter Kurt is back for his senior season. Also returning are senior Grant Hospodarsky, juniors Dylan Ponder, Harrison Ahlrichs, Ian Temple, Jacob Miller, Chesney Capron and Walker Spence.

     “Much like last season, the boys will have a lot of returning experience as well as a good number of runners to develop,” Sauser said. “We have a number of questions as to who will be the leaders up front. We have all the pieces, but will have to work on putting it all together as we go through the season.”

     The girls return their lone state qualifier from last year, Emma Althoff, who is now a junior. Other returning letter-winners are seniors Karle Kramer, Lydia Recker and Triniti Etzel; juniors Mya Postel, Katie Roher and Savannah Freese; and sophomore Rylee Kraus.

     “Depth will be a strength of this year’s team,” Sauser said of the girls. “In addition to returning the whole team, key additions of freshmen Leah Koehler, Ava Capron and sophomore Marisa Kehoe will add even more depth. The girls are looking really good, so I have little concern at this point.”

     The Panthers have good numbers; 25 boys and 20 girls are out for the team.

     “We have a lot of young runners, so both teams will need to see development in runners four through seven,” Sauser said.

     As usual, the Panthers will face a number of tough Eastern Iowa opponents. Among the conference favorites are Tipton and Mid-Prairie for both boys and girls, and Iowa City Regina for the girls. Williamsburg, Marion and Mount Vernon are other area teams that appear strong.

     Sauser is assisted by Vallerie Lynn, and volunteer assistants Bruce Novak and Mike Lambert.