KP Cross-Country Runners Aiming High

The King Philip girls cross country team will be returning its top runner this fall, while the boys squad is welcoming a new runner atop its leader board.

Warrior coach Julie Nievergelt is hoping both squads can move up the ranks in the Hockomock League this year. 

“I’m hoping that the girls will be in the top five, possibly even higher if I can get them in shape by the end of the six weeks,” the coach said. “After finishing dead last in the league last year, the boys should be able to crack into the top three.”

While the girls lost a couple of talented runners to graduation, Nievergelt has her number one runner coming back in Stacey Wojcik. Although Wojcik is not in her best shape after having the summer off, the coach is not in the least bit concerned.

“No one really comes into the cross country season in the best of shape,” Nievergelt said. “However, they should be ready by the important races come the end of the season, especially Stacey.”

Wojcik ran a good portion of last season with a stress fracture in her foot and still managed to qualify for the states. Nievergelt firmly believes she’ll do better on two good feet.

The coach has two other talented runners in Hannah Beaulieu and Katie Lukes and, based on past history, both will be in running shape in no time and chasing down Wojcik. Rounding out the top five runners are Lily Talerman and Victoria Crabtree.

Unlike the girls team, the boys squad has a new leader on the course this fall. Senior Chris Allen, who runs track, decided to forgo putting on his soccer cleats this fall and run cross-country for Coach Nievergelt.

According to the coach, Allen took it upon himself to run cross-country due to his running potential and the fact that colleges were looking at him. His arrival immediately puts him as the boys front-runner.

With Allen taking over as the top dog, senior David Logan, last year’s number one runner, drops to the squad's third best runner. Sophomore Owen Gonser holds onto the number two spot.

"By David moving into the third spot, takes a lot of pressure off him. There was a lot of pressure on him to succeed,” the coach said. “I foresee a lot more potential in him this year, as he’ll be running a more relaxed race. In the past, he pretty much ran by himself, this year he’ll run with the other two, and they should push him.”

Tyler Hogan and Austin Gatcomb round out the top five and give the coach five talented runners, something she hasn’t had in some time.

“This year, we have five really strong runners, and I would be disappointed if we don’t finish in the top three,” Nievergelt said.

With the potential of both Warrior squads producing on the course, Nivergelt is jubilant as the season approaches.

“Where they end up all depends on staying injury-free and how quickly they get in running shape,” the coach said. “I’m very excited about the upcoming season as we have a great group of runners this year.”

King Philip's league opener will be at Franklin on September 13.