It almost seems unfair that Bonney Lake should have two juggernaut juniors on the same girls cross country team, but that’s exactly the case.

Coach Andy Foster’s roster is graced by not only Sierra Espinal but also by Marie Wilson. These two are best friends and have been making an impression in South Puget Sound League 3A meets, regional and state tournaments for the past couple of years. Now this one-two punch appears to be poised to step out of the shadow cast by former Panther Veronica Stinnett and ignite this year’s BLHS cross country team.

The tandem will not be alone in their quest to return to state. Aid will come from junior Hope Dickson and sophomore Haley Theriault, which just about rounds out the top five scorers.

The cupboards are not bare for the boys side of things, either, as Foster explained that the girls and the boys reported for the first few days of tryouts in better shape than ever.

Leading the boys squad will be senior Andrew Cunningham, who enjoys being part of the team to stay in shape for the wrestling season, junior Ryan McGraw and freshman Nolan Weber.

The Panthers will commence their season today, Wednesday, with a nonleague warmup against Sumner High School.