Northgate Cross Country Preview: Broncos Excited for New Season

School: Northgate
Sport: Cross Country
Coach: Peter Brewer
Key returners: (Boys) Ryan Niese, Arnie Hermes, Danny Stalters; (Girls) Kelsey Austin, Kristen Curry and Erin Delaria
Top newcomers: (Girls) Jessica Carpenter
Quote: "We are young and enthusiastic," coach Peter Brewer said.

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For Northgate High cross country coach Peter Brewer, the upcoming season is truly a tale of two teams.

On the one hand his boys squad is coming off a second-place finish in last year's Diablo Valley Athletic League that would have most coaches feeling pretty good. And Brewer would be able to count himself among that group except for one problem, four runners from last year graduated last spring and most of his team are juniors and sophomores with little varsity experience.

On the other is the girls squad than finished third in the league in 2009. This year's team will not only see all but one member of that team running in 2010, but will also see the addition of a seasoned runner with State Meet experience on her resume.

All in all, it adds up to what should be an interesting fall campaign for the Broncos.

"Definitely excited," Brewer replied when asked about his teams' prospects. "We have a larger team this year and we are young and enthusiastic."

What Brewer is hoping for is the right mix of experience to temper all of the youthful enthusiasm his team possesses. On the boys side, that means seniors Ryan Niese —second team all-league in 2009 — and first team all-leaguer Arnie Hermes —currently recovering from a broken foot — along with sophomore Danny Stalters —also second team all league in 2009 — will need to step up and lead the way.

So far, Brewer has seen his team a willingness to work hard from the boys squad, but how that will translate in meets remains to be seen.

Experience is the last thing Brewer has to worry about with his girls squad and that experience has already manifested itself over the summer as the team put in a lot of work — and mileage — under the summer sun prepping for the fall.

Seniors Kelsey Austin, Kristen Curry and Erin Delaria are the unquestioned leaders. The addition of senior Jessica Carpenter from Wheatland High adds the postseason experience to the mix that can only help push the Broncos through league competition.

And pushing the leaders will be a strong pack of newcomers to the squad. Senior Lauren Giammona, a newcomer to the team, has caught Brewer's attention during recent workouts as has sophomores Maddy Campbell and Amy Boucher.

And in case complacency rears its ugly head, Brewer has the luxury of a deep group of junior varsity and frosh-soph runners just waiting for a chance to move up to the varsity level.

Challenges await for both teams and Brewer, along with the rest of the Broncos, are eager to see how the two teams' tales will end in 2010.

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