Big things might be expected from the Enumclaw High School girls cross country program this season, as the Hornets return each member of the varsity squad that not only qualified for last year’s Class 3A state championships, but hauled home a 10th-place trophy.

Under the guidance of veteran coach Jeff Jacobson, the talented crew is ready for the fall campaign that kicks off Tuesday when the Hornets host a jamboree at Nolte State Park. Also participating will be White River, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Kent-Meridian and Kentlake.

On the girls’ side, Jacobson’s biggest problem is every coach’s dream.

“We’re probably 14 kids deep,” he said, noting that he’ll have girls running junior varsity races that would be legitimate varsity runners for many schools.

Aside from his state squad, Jacobson has inherited Sierra Myers, who ran for White River a year ago, and has a strong freshman crew that should push the upperclassmen. Among the ninth-graders expected to keep the program strong are Nikki Gachen, Jenny Hogan, Nadine Huff, Peyton Vick and Caitlin Harris.

Proven veterans – who ran with the state’s best in the Tri-Cities a season ago – are Carissa Gwerder, Chandler Weiman, Nerissa Huff, Melissa Gonzales, Emily Eilertson, Taryn Schreiner and Julia Harris.

Enumclaw’s boys’ squad hasn’t had the same kind of recent success, but has a handful of veteran varsity runners to count on.

Leading the way is third-year runner Larry Calvert and other top candidates include returnees Braden Timpe, Ryan Weller and Kevin Nelson, along with Cory Johnson, Tyler Gachen, Eric Flowers, Hogan Olofson and Brandon Shook.

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