Helias cross country endures long preseason

The Helias Crusaders and Lady Crusaders will start the cross country season this morning.

Finally.

"We're antsy," Helias coach Mary Haskamp said as the Crusaders and Lady Crusaders prepared for today's Jim Marshall Invitational at Cole County Park. "We're tired of running against each other. The fun part has worn off, you don't get the adreneline rush you have at a meet. It's no fun to run against the same kids each day."

Preseason practice for all sports started a week earlier than normal this year. But for most cross country teams, their schedules remained the same. That meant one more week of practice for what already was a long stretch of preparation.

"We had our camp May 28," Haskamp said. "And they've been running pretty much since then."

One thing is for sure. Helias won't wait as long to start the season next year.

"If we have to, we'll host a meet," Haskamp said.

Action begins today with the varsity boys at 9 a.m. The varsity girls will run at 9:30 a.m., followed by the junior varsity races (boys 10 a.m., girls 10:30 a.m.).

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The numbers are up for the Lady Crusaders. Way up, as a record 20 runners have come out for the team.

"I've had 18 before, but this is the most we've ever had," Haskamp said. "I've got 25 uniforms, so it's a good problem to have."

And not only are the numbers up, so is the depth on the team.

"I could pick out my top five right now, but the next seven, they could be anywhere from 6-12 depending on the week," Haskamp said. "We're going to see who's feeling good, who's running well."

Kaitlyn Shea, a senior, is the No. 1 runner. Shea is a three-time all-state runner, including a 12th-place finish last year.

"She trains with the boys because they push her," Haskamp said.

Kayla Yanskey, a sophomore, is Helias' No. 2 runner. As a freshman, Yanskey was all-state by virtue of her 24th-place finish.

"She's within eye-shot of Kaitlyn at practice," Haskamp said. "And lately, they've been getting closer."

Kylie Frank, another sophomore, is slotted in at No. 3. She battled injuries for much the cross country season last year, but had a very good spring in track.

Molly Light, a junior, is No. 4.

"She was sick most of last year, but she's running strong and working her tail off," Haskamp said.

Kylie Mullholland, also a junior, will hold down the No. 5 spot.

"She has some issues with her legs, but she's worked really hard to earn her spot," Haskamp said.

Alicia Englebrecht and Abby Hake, both freshmen, will round out the final two varsity spots today.

Haskamp said sophomore Lanie Hentges would have a varsity spot, but is battling a foot injury. Hentges just returned to practice this week, but has been working on her fitness on the bike and in the swimming pool.

Others who figure to be in the mix for varsity spots this season include juniors Maddie Casten and Lizzie Stumpe, and freshman Hannah Crane.

With Shea and Yanskey leading the way, the Helias girls finished ninth in Class 3 last season. They are looking to do a little better this season.

"This team is looking at being on the award stand," Haskamp said. "I don't know if that means first or second or third or fourth, but they want a team trophy. There are a lot of good teams out there, so we have a lot of work to do before then."

In an effort to do that, Haskamp has boosted the strength of the schedule.

"We tried to amp it up because of the quality of our girls, they need more competition," she said. "One thing we were missing was not being in enough huge races with a lot of kids to get the feel of the state meet."

Among the new events are the Hancock Invitational and the Capital City Cross Country Challenge, which will be held on the state course at the Oak Hills Golf Center.

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On the boys side, the Crusaders have 11 on the roster.

Elliot Knerschield, a junior, has led the way at practice.

"He's a great leader because he works so hard," Haskamp said.

Thomas Asmar is the lone senior on the team. Other juniors on the varsity include Joe Bruemmer and Jordan Wieberg.

"Joe has been running all year and he's looking good," Haskamp said. "Jordan was our No. 8 or 9 runner last year and he's made a lot of progress."

Ethan Rackers, a sophomore, will be joined by freshmen Trent Distler and Nathan Wieberg to round out the starting lineup today.

"The freshmen both need some experience to learn how to be consistent," Haskamp said. "I've giving them a shot at it."

Two Crusader juniors - Zach Smith and James Vignola - are potential varsity runners who have been battling injuries.

Smith, who ran some varsity last season, was injured last spring and is not back to 100 percent, Haskamp said.

"He is running differently because he's still hurt and then he's hurting something else," she said. "We just need to get Zach back to 100 percent.

"James has had an ankle sprain that has kept him out of practice."

Haskamp believes the boys will show steady improvement throughout the season because of their work ethic.

"I know it can be tough for them to see how the good the girls are, but to tell you the truth, right now the boys are working harder than the girls," she said. "They know they have to work hard and they're doing it."