The Sumner Spartan cross country squad again appears loaded and, just as they did last season, followers should be prepared to see a lot of success on the approaching nippy fall afternoons.

Despite being a dominant force in league meets last season, the purple and gold only qualified a couple of runners for the state cross country meet in 2010, and will be looking for greater representation this year.

The boys side of the equation includes the senior tandem of Cory Brandt and Reid Selmer. Additionally, the starting lineup includes juniors Josh Goodsell, Coltin Tanner and Jose Hernandez.

Added to the mix are talented freshmen Bridger Robinson, Christian Strong and Kai Dawson, in addition to sophomores Arturo Perez and Zach Traufler.

It will be much of the same on the girls side, only with even younger and more rapid runners. While the top senior is Gabby Phelps, the female contingent will also be fortified by the presence of juniors like Jasmine Babcock, Natasha Wilson, Allie Sims, Katie Wire and athletic newcomer Robi Long.

Sophomore candidates are Saylor Nygaard, Esther Hong and particularly Abi Hensler, who burned up the track in the distance events late last spring as a ninth grader.

This year’s Sumner cross country season gets under way with a nonleague meet against Bonney Lake at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday.