Laker boys still rule the valley

Pen High’s cross-country team is getting ready for its toughest challenge as they take a run at provincials in Surrey. The boys defended their valley championship in Princeton. The team is as follows: Front row from left: Kayly Phipps, Kirby Hodson, Carolyn Johnson, Emily Allin, Vicky Cumming and Cam Lynka. Back row from left: Coach Doug Davies, Layne Richardson, Arin Brungardt, Bernard Brendenkamp, Brian Lynka, Shayna Lawrie and assistant coach Todd Manuel. Missing is Mariah Chapman.

Five runners placing in the top 20 helped Pen High’s boys cross-country team complete a three-peat of valley championships.

The Lakers defended their title against a strong field at Bear Mountain Cross Country Ski Hill in Princeton on Oct. 27.

“It coudn’t have gone better, really,” said Lakers coach Doug Davies. “I think the kids ran as well as they could.”

A challenging course made more difficult due to snow and mud tested the runners. As the boys accomplished their goal, the girls finished third. With their results, the team heads to Surrey for provincials this Saturday. Davies said this year was a rebuilding one and he didn’t know what to expect.

“A lot of girls were new,” said Davies, adding they were not far from the top two teams. “They worked very hard to get there. Todd (Manuel) and I were pleased.”

Vicky Cumming was the top junior girl placing ninth.

“Everyone exceeded expectations,” added Davies.

Last year the boys were the seventh best team in the province, the girls 11th. With 32 schools competing this weekend, both sides look to improve on last year’s results.

“Our boys have a real shot for fifth to sixth — a little stronger than last year,” said Davies. “The girls have a shot for top 10. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that. Both teams want to finish in the top 10.”

Davies, a 19-year cross country coach, said this is one of his most satisfying years.

He’s been fortunate to work with a hard working group that at times he has had to hold back as they trained almost every day.

“Nothing was given to these guys,” he said.

+More Sports Headlines
<Back to Mobile Edition