Wolverine runners looking to improve times

SWITZ CITY -- The 2009 White River Valley boys and girls cross country team members include (front row, from left) Cade Hill, Laura Hughes, Shana McDonald and Chris Spencer. Back row (from left) Joseph Robert, Ty Robbins, Nick Johnson, Cole Goodman and Luke Mowery. (By Travis David/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

There will be seven boys on the Wolverines roster this year, however, Wells was not as fortunate on the girls side, as only two girls came out for the team.

"This will hopefully be more fun for the boys this year since they can actually score in meets," Wells said. "They will also realize that having a team score they will be relied on more than just running for themselves and that their place will help the team out as well."

Sophomore Trey Graves is the top returning runners for the Wolverines. Wells said Graves should be able to improve on his 26th-place effort in the Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference finish as a freshman as well as a stronger finish in the sectional.

"We would hope Trey would be able to move up overall this season as he is a year more mature and is used to the longer course at the high school level," Wells said. "The ability is definitely there, he just needs to focus more on what he needs to do."

The head coach, a runner in his prep days Shakamak High School, also mentioned he would like to see some of the other kids on the roster to be able compete with Graves for that top spot.

"We have a few new kids out for the first time this season," Wells said. "We would like for them to be able to push Trey to create more competition within the team, but right now I am just not sure on what they are capable of."

Wells said he is trying to get the team to learn in order for them to be successful they need to be able to push themselves a little harder in practice and try and block out the initial pain.

"I want them to be able to challenge themselves," he said. "They need to realize to be competitive they need to get over the initial stage of the hurt they experience with some of the longer runs.

"If they stop when it burns a little, then they are going to hit a stale spot. They need to be able to get to that next level."

Wells also mentioned it is tough to get a team motivated when in years past the program has not had a successful track record.

"We need someone to step up and lead the team and give some of the younger kids something to strive for," coach Wells said. "It's a challenge though when there is not a tradition already in place here like an Eastern Greene or Clay City has. But that is our goal."

Junior Shana McDonald and freshman Laura Hughes are the lone girl runners for Wells this season. McDonald will be starting her third season in a cross country uniform for the Lady Wolverines.

"Shana has been training solid all summer," Wells said of his most seasoned runner. "If she stays healthy she should be able to drastically improve from her times last season."

Hughes, the younger sister of the Lady Wolverines top runner the last four seasons, Jennifer Hughes, has a lot of potential, according to Wells.

"Hughes ran pretty well at the junior high level," he said. "She just needs to be able to make the transition from the 3K in junior high to the 5K in high school."

Wells mentioned its a little frustrating knowing there are some good girls athletes but only two that is out for the cross country team.

"Obviously I would like to have more girls out for the team," Wells said. "There are plenty of good girl athletes and volleyball is a big competitor. But if that's what they want to do then that's OK. It just makes it tough, and it also says a lot about the two girls we do have.

"They both have the right attitude and as a coach that is all that you can ask for."

The Wolverines will open the season today at home against North Daviess and Linton-Stockton.

"We just want to have a successful season," Wells said. "And a successful season for us is to keep everyone healthy and running faster at the end of the year then what they started out at."

White River Valley

Girls Cross Country Roster

Coach: John Wells

White River Valley

Boys Cross Country Roster

Coach: John Wells