Campolindo Cross Country Preview: Talented, Experienced Team Returns for Cougars

School: Campolindo

Sport: Cross country

Coach: Chuck Woolridge

2009 record: Boys: second in NCS, sixth in State; Girls: second in NCS, seventh in State.

Key returners: Boys: Dylan Laucher, senior; Girls: Carrie Verdon, junior; Grace Orders, senior.

Top newcomers: None

Quote: "A lot of our guys are tentative about putting in the kind of effort and investment it takes to compete at the highest level." -coach Chuck Woolridge

Website:  www.campotrack.com

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The Campolindo High boys cross country program has built a tradition as one of the best in the state, consistently winning North Coast Section championships and competing for state titles.

At least one current Cougar is committed to upholding that tradition. But it's the rest of the team that worries coach Chuck Woolridge.

"A lot of our guys are tentative about putting in the kind of effort and investment it takes to compete at the highest level," Woolridge said. "The question is whether or not they're going to step it up."

The lone boys' runner who has earned Woolridge's confidence is senior Dylan Laucher, who finished 41st in the state for a 16:05 5k race at the championship meet. Laucher has been running 80-mile weeks in the offseason and has established himself as the Cougars' clear top runner.

"He's a great model," said Woolridge. "He really has what it takes."

Whether his teammates have what it takes to be NCS champions, Woolridge isn't as sure. Petaluma won the section in 2009, ending Campolindo's bid for a third consecutive title, and Woolridge called the Trojans favorites to repeat.

"They're talented and very motivated," Woolridge said of Petaluma. "We're talented. We're waiting to see if someone decides they'd like to take the risk to get to the next level."

Admittedly, the standards are higher at Campolindo than at most other schools. Few teams would be disappointed by finishing sixth in the state.

"We take a lot of pride in our program," said Woolridge. "We expect them to put in the time and effort to get better."

Campolindo's girls finished seventh in the state and second in NCS last year, behind two-time defending champions Maria Carrillo. The Cougars return their top four female runners, led by junior Carrie Verdon, who finished ninth in the state with an 18:19 time at the championship meet.

"Carrie Verdon, (senior) Grace Orders, (senior) Sara Mostatabi and (sophomore) Sarah Orders are arguably the best top four of any in the state," said Woolridge. "However, last year's fifth runner doubled the team score at the state meet. If that doesn't improve they will not be a contender."

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