By Sean Moran ’15 | Sports Editor

South’s girls cross country team lost their two best runners, but the team is still in contention for a state championship, Coach Stephen Zaranek said.

Our team is very solid, very deep, and very committed to reaching our potential,” said Zaranek.

The team lost their two best runners last year, Hannah and Haley Meier, both ’13, . Both runners had fantastic talent as they are attending Duke University for cross country, Zaranek said.

“Hannah and Haley brought extreme talent and leadership to our team,” said Zaranek.  “They were absolutely ready for the next level and I am very happy to see them both in a superb cross country program.”

Captains include Ellen High, Allison Cornell, Alexa Calas, Rachel Forcillo and Kelsie Schwartz, all ‘14.

“They are incredible leaders,” said Zaranek. “They help convey our message of commitment and hard work to all 122 girls on the team.”

Helping out coaches is the main job of the captains, Alexa Calas ‘14 said. This includes organizing spirit wear, taking attendance, leading team warm-ups and making locker signs.

“The captains this year are so supportive and everyone is doing their best,” said Megan Skalarski ’15.

The team also has some fantastic runners that can compete with the Meiers’ record breaking times, Zaranek said.

“Ersula Farrow ’15 is an exceptional runner at the national level. Ersula knows how to lead our varsity runners and set the tone for each race,” said Zaranek.

Off to a great start, is also the team’s astounding group of freshmen runners, Zaranek said.

“We have 36 freshman runners on the team,” said Zaranek. “They have the same work ethic and commitment toward the team as everyone else does. I am very, very pleased with our freshman class. They are special young women.”

The team has made great progress and is preparing to attempt to win a state title, Skalarski said.

The girls are already doing phenomenal,  Skalarski said. The team has a ton of talent and can compete for a state championship.

“We will be in the thick of things at the state level once again this year,” said Zaranek. “Four or five teams have better statistics than we do right now so one of our jobs is to close the gap on those teams. It is possible we could be a top five contender and when you are in the top five, anything can happen.”