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It is the fastest most talented group of cross country runners in Sarah Ellis’ five years as Lowell’s girls country coach.

“There will also  be more depth than I have ever had,” Ellis said. That can be attributed to the largest roster. There are 27 girls on this year’s team.

“It’s rewarding to see the numbers and to see the respect the girls have given the program,’ Ellis said.

Senior Amber Martin told Ellis,  “cross country is the hardest thing she’s ever done, but I still want to do it.”

Lowell returns all but one of its top runners of a year ago. They are seniors Carissa Paiz, Karis Dilly, Skye Thebo, Lyndsey Crawford; junior, Rebekah Betts; and sophomores, Jess Graves and Rachel Walters.

“if Carissa keeps healthy I think she is in for a good year and will be our top runner,” Ellis explains. “I believe Rachel will be right there and knows how to surprise.”

New faces the could disrupt the order are freshmen Patricia Ramirez and Emily Judd.

What is not expected is a shakeup in the order at the top of the O-K White. The Pioneers and Grand rapids Christian are expected to maintain their stranglehold on the league’s top two spots. Ellis believes East is the slight favorite.

As for her Red Arrows, the coach thinks third is attainable.

Ellis also believes by year’s end she could have four runners stopping the clock in under 20 minutes.

“Good runners are those with a natural stride who have a willingness to hurt and then to wrk though that hurt,” Ellis concludes.

Filed under: Cross Country, Fall Sports Preview, Lowell