Sports
Ocean City Girls' Track Team Looks to Build with Youth
The Red Raiders hope to improve on their 3-5 mark in the 2010 season.
The Ocean City High School girls' track team graduated some of its top scorers from last year's squad, which finished with a 3-5 record.
The Red Raiders are hoping that some new runners step in and up lead the team.
One of those athletes is Mary Kate Brelsford, a sophomore transfer. Brelsford, who is originally from the area, moved to Arkansas before returning to Ocean City High School this school year.
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The sophomore has already made an impact at Ocean City, making the Cape-Atlantic League first-team during the cross country season. Brelsford only adds to an already strong distance running corps.
"That is a good get for us because we lost a lot from last year," Ocean City coach Kevin Greene said.
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"I really like it, and I think we will do well," Brelsford said. "I'm really excited to win as a team and win in the relays."
Despite the losses from last year's squad, the Red Raiders remain optimistic for this season.
Ocean City returns several talented athletes and has promising underclassmen.
"We lost a lot of key girls," said Ocean City senior Sam Piergross, a distance runner. "We have Mary Kate this year to help the distance teams. There are a bunch of freshman and hopefully they will step up, and our sophomore class is very strong."
Ocean City returns several standouts, including Francesca Barbore and Kelly Williamson, who both made states a year ago.
Barbore, a junior, was undefeated last season in dual meets in the 400 meters, and made the CAL first-team all-stars.
Barbore also runs the 200, is part of relay teams and competes in the high jump and long jump.
"My goal is to (record personal bests)," Barbore said. "Last year, I made the first team and hopefully I do that again this year."
"We think we have a strong team for the 4x8—and we want to qualify for the Penn Relays, which would be great," she added.
Williamson, a junior, is among the team's top distance runners.
"Hopefully we can do well in the CAL meet, and I can PR in my own races," Williamson said.
Jackie Jernee is the team's top sprinter, and Kelsey Ladd and Ashley Conrad return to lead the throwers.
"As a team, I hope we can be dominant in the Cape-Atlantic League," Ladd said. "Individually, I just want to do my personal best."
