Veteran cross country coach Dameon Marlow has state-tested talent at the top of both his boys’ and girls’ rosters as he prepares White River for another season.

The squad will get its first test Tuesday at a “class meet” in Spanaway. In that format, seniors will compete as a group, as will juniors, sophomores and freshmen.

The Hornet boys this year are headed by Marcus Dickson and Kody Gould, both seniors. Dickson has qualified for the state cross country meet his previous three seasons and Gould has made the state trip twice. Dickson will be looking to continue a remarkable run; during the spring track season, he captured state championships in both the 800- and 1,600-meter events.

Others moving to the top of the boys’ team are Chris Fisher, Les Fueston and Taylor Moser. Kyle Smith, a sophomore transfer from Oregon, also is looking to make his presence felt.

Marlow is faced with a predicament all coaches love. He figures he might have nine varsity-level runners competing for the seven slots.

The girls team is much the same, with two state-level runners returning – seniors Lauryn Wate and Kelli Coyle, with Wate a three-time state veteran and Coyle a two-time participant.

Other Hornets with varsity running experience include Katie Simmons and Christina Ramous.