Cross Country

Cross Country 2009 Season Outlook

The 2009 Wildcat harriers have plenty to look forward to this fall. With all of the key components back from last year’s very competitive men’s and women’s squads, the addition of several very talented runners instantly places the men’s and women’s squads in the heart of the battle for the conference crown.

On the women’s side, the return of the reigning conference champion and runner of the year, Danielle Burcham, gives the Lady Wildcats an instant edge from the outset. Burcham, the most decorated runner in the history of the women’s XC program, returns with a vengeance for her final campaign, ready to improve on her stellar season from last year and perhaps make a run at a national appearance.

Mary Kate McCaffery returns for her final season as well, fresh off a spectacular third place conference finish. Mary Kate brings so many intangibles to the team with her leadership and ability to find another level during races. She is unquestionably a contender for the overall conference title and will give the ladies team another solid presence at the front of the pack.

Junior LJ Slaughter returns hungry to be part of the all conference discussion, and will be an invaluable piece of the puzzle in helping the team secure a top spot come late October. LJ’s steady work ethic and calm demeanor will certainly help the younger runners on the team this fall. Transfer Danielle Riley may well be the key addition that helps propel the team to victory, as she brings a strong background of success and a fiery determination that will undoubtedly inspire her teammates.

The addition of freshmen Kristy McCrea (Padua Academy/Wilmington, DE) and Alexis Zabielski (Padua Academy/Middletown, DE), give the ladies the firepower and depth needed to keep the women on pace in their quest for first.

Kristy comes to Wilmington after a very successful senior season at Padua Academy, where she was pivotal in helping her team capture the Division I state XC title. Teammate Alexis brings a familiarity with big races, and has the ability to help get her teammates focused to race.

“I am very pleased with how our women’s team has come together. If we stay healthy, we have as good a shot as anyone to challenge for the title. Our top women should have unprecedented success this fall,” stated Coach Jones.

In speaking of the men’s squad, Jones had lofty praise as well. “Our men’s team looks very promising this season. We have had the good fortune of a solid recruiting class along with some fine additions to the team that, in my opinion, give us an outstanding opportunity to get the job done.”

Highlighting the men’s team is the return of last season’s conference championship runner-up, Rodney Rosario, who after a summer of quality work, is ready to change the fortunes of his bridesmaid finish from a year ago. Rodney will be a catalyst for the team, with his exceptional speed and ability to push the workouts.

Freshman Bill Steele (Rising Sun HS/Connowingo, MD) has stellar credentials from an exceptional cross country and track season during his senior year. Bill should make an immediate impact with team scoring, and could very well challenge for a top spot come conference time.

Vinnie Trotta (Dickinson HS/Wilmington, DE), also a freshman, brings a wealth of potential to the Wildcats and is expected to challenge for top seven during the season.

Paul Riggio, a junior, looks to rebound from some injury issues and recapture the form that should place him in all conference status, while freshman Todd Johnston rounds out the returning veterans and should lend valuable support to a strong men’s squad.

“What’s really going to separate this year’s squad from previous seasons is the addition of the three veteran men who have the coveted combination of leadership, experience, and talent. They will undoubtedly be the backbone of the team this fall, and will determine the level of success we have in late October and November. I have absolute confidence in each of them,” stated Coach Jones.

The first of these three runners is senior Kyle Barnum, a former CACC Conference Champion and runner of the year in 2002. Barnum returns to the Wildcat program after some time off from running. He has maintained an intense off-season training routine, and is poised to spearhead the men to success on October 24th.

Senior Chad Darlington has a very distinguished background as well, bringing with him a unique blend of strength, speed, and discipline that will likely have him rivaling the conference leaders during the championship race.

The final member of the veteran trio is senior Matt O’Brian. Matt comes to the Wildcat program in superb shape, eager to spark the team with his leadership, keen work ethic, and course savvy. Matt has the ability to run with anyone in the conference, and may be the pivotal factor in leading the Wildcats to prosperity.