After wining it first-ever Missota Conference crown in 2007 and finishing second in 2008, the Tiger boys cross country team slipped to fifth in last year's standings. Led by returning state meet qualifier Elliot Fenske, this year's team is looking to move back near the front of the pack.Coach Keith Revels, in his fourth season at the helm of the Tiger running program, said last year's slide had a lot to do with ill-timed illness and injuries, two things he hopes to avoid in 2010.
"Timing is everything when you get to conference and section meets," he said. "You really need to be healthy, especially if you don't have a lot of depth."
Revels should have a little depth with five of his top seven varsity runners returning, although the presence of graduates Nick Arenberg and Levi Freetly will be sorely missed.
In addition to senior Fenske who ranked fifth in both the conference and section meets last fall, seniors Carl Elmer and Matt Thomas, juniors Lincoln Kirchoff and Chad Retterath, and sophomore Alec Wilson bring some varsity experience to the lineup.
"Carl is an extremely hard worker and both he and Chad had very good track seasons last spring," Revels said. "Lincoln and Matt both have the ability to be a top five runner for us and Alec has another year under his belt."
Justin Rees, Brandon Strohfus and Josh Ruthenbeck head a long list of 50 runners from last year's junior varsity squad. Underclassmen Trevor Breezley, Andy Morris, Brandon Heller and Adam Wallenta have also shown promise in early practice sessions.
Revels picked defending champion Red Wing as the team to beat in the race for Missota honors with Lakeville North, Lakeville South and Owatonna the pre-season favorites for Section 1AA honors.
"Losing two of our top five scorers from last year team means that some guys have to step up and drop time," Revels said. "With only six returning lettermen back, help from the junior varsity or newcomers is a must."
Shawn Anderson and Jon Holmes return as varsity assistant coaches for the 2010 season.
The Tigers will get a look at how they stack up against some of the best teams in the metropolitan area when they open their season, Friday, Sept. 3, at the Dakota County Championships in Eagan.
