Senior Co-Captains Will Pace The Fontbonne Cross Country Team

With a new coach comes a new look, hope and optimism. And that's what first-year Fontbonne Academy cross country coach Meghan Somers plans on adding to an already talented squad.

While she may be new to coaching cross country, Somers is no stranger to the girls, having served as an assistant track coach last spring. A recent graduate of Bates College with a degree in history, Somers recently moved to the area where she's currently an Admissions Administrator for the school.

"I'm pretty familiar with the girls, and they know me pretty well,'' said Somers. "I'm pretty excited with how the team's looking so far, and I've been very impressed with the work ethic that they've implemented over the past week of practices."

Leading the way will be senior co-captain and league all-star Catherine Vu, who's already raised Somers' eyebrows during preseason training.

"She's (Vu) been running very well, and her times are excellent,'' said Somers. "She's got a great attitude and she's improving her times every time she's out there. She's working very well with the younger runners we have on the team."

Other key runners from the squad include senior co-captain Lina Train, who was also impressive during last season's run.

"She (Tran) has also contributed with some great times during our (trials),'' said Somers. "She's also really stepped it up and provided us with the senior leadership that we need."

One freshman that also could emerge as a force for the varsity squad is Colette O'Connor, who's also managed to compete among the top of the seasoned pack.

"She's been very impressive, and I think she could definitely make in impact on the lineup,'' said Somers. "She's done a great job so far, and is making great progress."

Along with O'Connor will be sophomores Erin Fanikos and Michelle Hurwitz and Pamela Wang, all of whom managed to hold their own during the first few practices of the season.

As for numbers, Somers only has nine runners out for the team so far, but is optimistic that the roster will grow in the coming weeks when the school year kicks off.

"We have a small group of dedicated runners so far,'' said Somers. "But we're hoping that when the school year starts, that those numbers will increase. The girls are very excited to get the season started, and I'm looking forward to a great season."

Finishing in the middle of the pack last year with a 2-3 mark, Somers expects Ursuline Academy and Norte Dame of Hingham to be among the top teams in the league once again.

"Our goal is to improve on our mark from last season and to qualify for the states,'' said Somers. "I think it's something that we can definitely achieve. We have some really great runners that could really shine among the top in the league."

After a series of time trials and practices, the Ducks will kick off the season on September 21 when they'll face-off against Norte Dame of Hingham.