Stuart Country Day Cross Country Counting on Youth

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart will have a young cross country team this season. Considering who those youngsters are, however, that may not be a bad thing.

Elisa Mercando figures to be the top runner for Stuart. She was a Second Team All-State Prep selection as a sophomore last season.

"She'll be our team leader this year as a junior," Stuart Coach Len Klepack said.

Margaux Glovier made an impact on the team last year as a freshman. Now that she's back for her sophomore season, she should be even better.

"She was in the top three of our team last year as a freshman," Klepack said. "She has also been training well."

These two girls provide a solid one-two tandem for Stuart.

"We just have to get a good back group to support Elisa and Margaux," noted Klepack. "We have some girls that can do that"

The lone senior on the team is Jennifer Dias, a standout in basketball and spring track.

Rania Siddiqu and Emily Morgan, both freshman, are two underclassmen who can also help the team.

According to Klepack, Stuart had 12 girls out for cross country last year. With the addition of soccer as a sport, Klepack believes that number will probably be down this season.

"We have a few other girls that should be out, but they just haven't officially signed up for the team yet," Klepack said.

"We're hoping to be as strong as last year's team. We think we have the top girls that can be even better."

Stuart was 3-4 last year and placed seventh out of the 11 teams entered in the state Prep B championships.

Stuart is scheduled to start practices on Thursday, Sept. 1. Its first meet will be Sept. 13 at Princeton Day School.

"We just have to go across the street," Klepack noted. "They beat us last year. Over the years, we've been pretty even-steven with them."

Besides, there is one great perk in running against Princeton Day School.

"They give out good cookies," Klepack laughed."We're all looking forward to the season. It's an exciting time."