Bonney Lake Cross Country: Panthers have several returning contenders

Published 3:52 pm Monday, August 31, 2009

Bonney Lake High cross country coach Andrew Foster is excited about the upcoming season with several key returning lettermen back.

Foster said about 45 boys and girls showed up during the first week of practice.

Senior Veronica Stinnett and Chloe Beal return to anchor the Panthers’ hopes for the girls. Both advanced to the Class 3A state meet last year with Stinnett finishing 28th. Another returning runner is Karlie Pyl.

Foster said the girls’ team looks “really strong” with a couple of newcomers, including Maria Wilson, Victoria Wilson and Sierra Espanal.

Brandon Baumchen, who reached the state track meet, should be one of the top runners for the Bonney Lake boys’ team.

“Along with Brandon, we have some newcomers who should be able to help us this season,” Foster said.

Other returnees are Blair Libby, William Edwards, Zack Parmley and Jake Gould.

Newcomers for the boys include Reed Hawkins, Ryan McGraw and Gordy St. Peter.

The Panthers are practicing on a new course in the Cascadia development. Foster said the runners will practice after school with a few morning turnouts.

The season opens Oct. 16 with the Panthers hosting Capital.