Every year, the Carmel girls cross country team can be counted on for a high finish at the state meet.
Last year was no exception, when the Greyhounds placed fourth. But believe it or not, that was the lowest finish for Carmel since 2006, when it finished fifth. The Greyhounds have set that high of a standard.
It wasn’t too long ago when the ‘Hounds won five consecutive state titles, and Carmel always wants to win more. The Greyhounds have a chance to do that, as they return six of their seven state runners from last season.
Carmel coach Andy Dalton said this year’s team “has the potential to do some really special things and take many by surprise. Our young team has really grown up since and I think they can build on the experience they gained in championship races last year.”
The ‘Hounds will be led by senior Phoebe Bates, who has been a star for Carmel since her high school career began. Dalton said that Bates’ primary focus for the season is the team, and winning a state championship with her fellow runners.
“Anything else that happens individually is just the gravy on top,” said Dalton.
The other five returning state runners, in order of how they finished in Terre Haute, are junior Abby Parker, sophomore Jamie Klavon, junior Brooke Waldal, sophomore Alivia Romaniuk and junior Anna Christie.
Carmel tends to use more than seven runners during its journey through the post-season, and last year was no exception.
Other tournament runners back for the Greyhounds are two semi-state runners, senior Lily McAndrews and junior Roni Ledezma. Senior Elle Nichol ran at the regional, and seniors Emily Hand and Halle Welch both competed at the sectional.
Two more seniors, Martha Hunter and Sydney Haines, ran on Carmel’s state qualifying 4×800 relay (with Hand and Christie), and Bates finished fifth in the 1600 run.
“Not far behind Phoebe, we have an amazing pack of Hounds who will be fighting together,” said Dalton.
Carmel begins its season Aug. 24 at the Zionsville Invitational.
“There is plenty of racing to do between now and November 2nd, but we are excited to see where it goes,” said Dalton.
Carmel senior Phoebe Bates will lead the Greyhounds girls cross country team this year. The ‘Hounds are rated third in the Indiana Runner pre-season rankings. (Kent Graham/File photo)