THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609130257
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MICHELLE SCHLOFF, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 95 lines
Reigning three-time Southeastern District champion Great Bridge is looking to make boys cross country the next dynasty for the Wildcats, second only to the school's wrestling tradition.
Although the Wildcats lost all-district runner Eric Adams to graduation, first-year coach Mike Colaiacovo thinks that if the Wildcats can stay healthy they should have a chance at holding off traditional rival Western Branch, last season's second place finisher in the district, and Lakeland, a newcomer from the Bay Rivers District.
Western Branch and Lakeland return some key runners. For Western Branch, top returnee Billy McGlaughon will try to defend his individual district title. Four of Lakeland's top five competitors from last year are returning.
Don't count out Deep Creek. The Hornets have a tradition of being consistent in the field and they have four returnees who could be promising if they remain healthy.
Here's a look at the district's teams:
DEEP CREEK
Coach: Scott Hughes
Last year's record: 7-4
Key returners: Connell Williams, Jeff Reichelderfer, Justin Howe and David Cowell.
Top newcomers: Joey Barham, David Biagioni, Chris Waller and Brian Knight.
Analysis: Some of the new runners will have to step up if the Hornets are to be competitive.
GREAT BRIDGE
Coach: Mike Colaiacovo
Last year's record: Won district and region titles
Key returners: Jason Santucci, Brian Walsh, Greg Holden, David Bristow, Cliff Carris, Travis Lewis.
Top newcomer: Mark Tomcarry.
Analysis: Great Bridge is looking to capture its fourth district championship in a row under Colaiacovo, who replaces the highly successful Steve Sawyer as head coach. A strong tradition and a solid group of returnees should help the Wildcats overcome any adjustments to a new coach and the loss of several runners who were redistricted to Hickory.
HICKORY
Coach: Matthew Puryear
Last year's record: First-year school
Top newcomers: Matt Bruckner, Zak Montoya, Benjamin Blackwood, Jeremy Austin, Michael Carey and Robby Hanawalt.
Analysis: Last year, Bruckner finished eighth in the district and qualified for the state meet and will give the young Hawks an outstanding role model. Montoya ran jayvee cross country last year and the rest of the pack are first-year runners.
INDIAN RIVER
Coach: Tim Woolfe
Last year's record: Not available
Key returners: Dennis Johnson and Michael Hayes.
Top newcomer: Andrew Privott
Analysis: The Braves hope some younger runners can help them to be competitive.
LAKELAND
Coach: David Wessel
Last year's record: 10-1 in Bay Rivers District
Key returners: Andy Franklin, Keith Arthur, Leonard Wiggins and Josh Smith.
Top newcomers: Scott Fowler, Jerli Plude and Johnathan Felumlee.
Analysis: This year will be a rebuilding year for coach David Wessel. Last year's team finished second in the Bay Rivers District and second in the Group AA region meet.
NANSEMOND RIVER
Coach: Tanya Reed
Last year's record: 0-6
Key returners: Daniel Canada
Top newcomers: Scott Moore, Steven Pitts Jr., Alexander Pendleton, Thomas Fink and Lorenzo Parker.
Analysis: With only one returning runner, the Warriors may find it difficult to win in their new district.
OSCAR SMITH
No information provided by coach.
WESTERN BRANCH
Coach: Bill Jolkman
Last year's record: 4-1
Key returners: Billy McGlaughon, Robbie Birsch, Dameon Brindle, Ryan Thomas.
Top newcomers: Mark Manny, Lawrence Ward, Kenny Masingo and Frank McLemore.
Analysis: With a strong cast of newcomers to complement McGlaughon, the defending district champion and No. 3 runner in the region, the Bruins will be contenders as usual. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Andy Franklin is a key returnee for Lakeland High School. by CNB