Gambill set to make seventh state finals appearance

JASONVILLE -- The 2009 Shakamak boys cross country team members are front row (from left) Drew Gambill, Brock Dowell, Scott McNabb, Brodie Crowe and Dylon Phipps. Not pictured are Tyler Richardson and Jason Allen. (By Travis David/Greene County Daily World)/ [Order this photo]

Gambill, who is coming off a fourth-place finish in the 800 meters in this past spring's Track and Field State meet, will be looking for his third straight trip to the state cross country championships at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute.

"A lot of coaches would like to be in my position and be able to talk about Drew," Lakers head coach Jon Miller said. "He is without a doubt one of the most accomplished athletes that the area has had."

One could say the State Finals and Gambill go hand in hand. Entering his senior season, Gambill has appeared in six state finals with two in each of cross country and track and field, as well as on the baseball team.

"He's one of those athletes that just doesn't stop working," Miller said. "As a coach you never have to worry his conditioning and his competitiveness."

With a standout athlete like Gambill, Miller knows his team is always a threat to have a good finish in the big meets.

"It's nice to know you have a kid that can give you a low number each and every meet," he said.

The Lakers will also have all-Tri-River Conference performer, Tyler Richardson on the team as well. Richardson, also a senior, is expected to be their No. 2 runner this season.

"In Tyler we possess a really good No. 2 runner," Miller said. "He is entering the season a little behind schedule, but he is another all-conference runner and is a real competitor for us."

Other runners that Miller expects to compete for the top five spots are returning runners, Scott McNabb, Brock Dowell and Jason Allen.

Dylan Phipps and Brodie Crowe round out the Lakers seven-man roster.

"Dylan has not ran before, but he has put in just as many miles as anyone this summer," Miller said. "We are really excited about him."

The head coach also is impressed with what he has seen out of Crowe.

"Brodie has a lot of upside," Miller said. "The potential is there to be a good runner and help this team tremendously."

With a perennial power in Clay City in both the TRC and Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference as well as a tough Eastern Greene in the SWIAC, Miller knows it will be tough to earn conference titles.

"You always want to have a good showing in both conferences," Miller said. "We know its not an easy task with North Central and Clay City in the TRC and Clay City and Eastern Greene in the SWIAC. We just want to be in the upper half, and hope to survive and advance in the sectional."

The head man mentioned health will play a big part in the Lakers success this season.

"We have a good group of kids this year," Miller said. "We are a little behind as a whole on our conditioning as some have dealt with injuries.

"It may take a while for us to reach our full potential, but by mid-season we hope to be fairly competitive. It's fun to have great individuals in a team sport. We plan to be here until November again."

The Lakers will open their season on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at home against Owen Valley, Brown County and North Vermillion.

Shakamak

Boys Cross Country Roster

Player Gr.

Coach: Jon Miller.