Whitney Orton of Panguitch looks to continue her undefeated championship career this cross country season- Photo by Kyle Perry
The 2013 Cross Country season is upon us, with the first meet of the season this weekend at Stansbury. This week, in preparation for the new season, we will preview each division beginning with 1A.
Girls-
Last season Panguitch girls where the top in the state, and this year they will look to repeat. They have a pretty good chance, as they return their entire team from last years state meet. They will be led by 2012 state champion Whitney Orton. Last season was her freshman season and she dominated all through the year. She won the state cross country title, and went on to win 4 events at the state track meet. Her teammate Catania Holman is the second returner will help the Panguitch team cause.
Last season Wayne and Saint Joseph had a close battle for 2nd and 3rd at the state meet. Wayne’s entire top 5 from last season were freshman, and now, with a season under their belts, they will be looking to challenge Panguitch for the top of the podium.
Boys-
Monticello Boys won last seasons state title. They graduated their top 2 from last years state meet, but their entire team finished in a close pack taking the 7th through 13th scoring positions. So take off their top 2 and they would have won the state meet.
In the individual side of things, Vance Weston of Rich looks to have a big XC season. He was 9th at the state meet last season. He improved on that greatly in the spring, winning the state 800m and 1600m titles, as well as placing 2nd in the 3200m. Ethan Young of Milford is the top returner from last XC season. He was 2nd in XC as well as 2nd in the 1600m and will be looking to add gold to his collection. Also keep an eye on Kyler and Keldon Norris of Panguitch. Both seniors, they will be looking to lead a strong 1-2 punch for a Panguitch team that could challenge Monticello very well this season.