Cross country is a sport that depends on the combined individual effort of many runners. This year, the Southport girls’ cross-country team has the tools needed to fit this description of the sport, including a returning front-runner in senior Nicolette Crouch, and new blood in junior Kelly Hodges.
In cross country, the top five finishers for a team score, which makes depth quite important. For a team to have depth, there needs to be a high amount of competition for varsity spots. This works in the Southport squad’s favor considering the large amount of returning runners. One of these returners is Crouch, who has been a lead runner at Southport for four years.
“Nicolette is consistently getting better,” noted head coach Mr. Nathan Fishel. “She is the total package for a runner.”
Senior leadership by Crouch is one important part in the dynamic of this year’s team. In addition to the consistency of the Crouch and the returning members, a new factor has appeared this year in Junior Kelly Hodges. Hodges is a recent transfer from Warren Central who has stepped up to be Southport’s consistent second scorer, behind Crouch. Fishel was pleasantly surprised by Hodges’s ability.
“Kelly is low maintenance, and has high expectations,” said Fishel.
Hodges was pleased with the environment she has been welcomed into. She says that Southport’s style of training is more diverse than Warren’s, and this has helped her running. Also, Hodges says her new teammates have welcomed her into the squad with open arms, which has helped her to adjust to the new team.
“Southport’s team is really close,” said Hodges. “I feel like I’m part of a family.”
With front runners Crouch and Hodges leading the way, the team has its eyes set on a sectional win. Fishel is confident in the team’s chances.
“This year’s team has a really positive attitude,” said Fishel. “They are a very hard working, coachable group.”
For the past two years, the girls have fallen just short of the sectional title, grabbing second place team finishes. This experience in sectional competition, coupled with the duo of Crouch and Hodges helping to lead the squad, could take the team far before season’s end.
By: Clayton Leslie
SHS News Bureau
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