Fall Sports Preview: Girls' Cross Country Small on Numbers, Big on Heart

Every athlete competes to win, and the athletes on Hopatcong High School's girls' cross country team are no different.

But in addition to competing against the best runners from other schools, the Chiefs' upcoming 2010 season is as much about personal competition as it is a battle between teams.

"For me, running is about competing against yourself," senior Melissa Mendez said. "Plus the team is like our family."

"Cross country is not like other sports as far as the competition against other teams," coach Peter Oeson added. "You definitely want to do well in competition but, ultimately, it's us against time. That's what cross country is really all about. It's an individual competition between yourself and the clock."

Despite losing two runners from last year's 3-3 team due to graduation, the Chiefs are confident they can equal or improve on last year's record.

"We have a good foundation because the core of our team consists of full-time runners," Oeson said. "It's their primary sport."

Oesen, who is entering his 12^th season of coaching both the boys' and girls' cross country teams, doesn't believe that the team's small squad, consisting of just seven runners, will have a negative impact on their season.

"We lost a couple of seniors from last year's squad," Oeson said. "But I'm confident that we'll have a couple of individuals who will elevate their game. I think we'll see a big improvement."

Leading the Chiefs' squad this season will be senior tri-captains Mendez, Colleen Duncan and Tina Clapsis.

The closeness of the Chiefs' captains was on display during the girls' Friday morning run as Mendez, Duncan, and Clapsis finished their run together, at the head of the pack.

Even after their run was finished, the unity of the Chiefs' captains was evident as they frequently finished each other's sentences when responding to questions.

All three captains felt optimistic about both their individual improvement and the team's chances to equal or improve on last season's 3-3 mark.

Oeson had nothing but praise for the contributions of his team leaders.

"Melissa has been with us for four years. In that time she has been one of the hardest-working athletes. It has been my pleasure to coach [her]," Oesen said of Mendez.

"Colleen has a lot of natural ability. She has a natural runner's build and she has improved each season."

"Tina is also works very hard, and she contributes a lot to the team in terms of leadership."

Despite the girls' emphasis on personal goals, Clapsis did admit that the Chiefs are looking forward to competing with rival Lenape Valley.

"It's definitely a friendly rivalry. But we always look forward to facing them," Clapsis said.

Roster

Captain Melissa Mendez, Sr.

Captain Colleen Duncan, Sr.

Captain Tina Clapsis, Sr.

Briana Kuty, Jr.

Amanda Scallan, So.

Nicole Walthour, So.

Jade Webster, Fr.