The dog days of summer have given way to a cool start to the school year, and that means local high school runners will be storming trails in final preparation for the cross country season.
Cloverdale will have new direction this year under head coach Yavé Guzman, who will take over for former coach Leanne Fogg. The first-year coach is brimming with enthusiasm with what he’s seen so far from a team that is equal parts talent and experience.
Heading the list of varsity returnees are two of the top runners in the Coastal Mountain Conference in four-year senior team captain Julie Edwards and third-year junior Paden Collard.
“We’re excited and looking forward to the new season,” he said. “Julie is returning in great shape and looks to make a great show at the CMC and NCS Championships this year. Paden returns in the best shape he’s ever been, he’s been doing great off-season work and after been close to making the state championship the past two years and hopes to get there this season.”
Other top returnees for the Eagles are junior Alex Visconti, senior Christina Cardenas, senior Tucker Morgan and sophomore Sophia Witt.
The team will be bolstered by three first-year athletes that include Josephine Swartz, Joseph Faso and Christopher Lopez, who is pulling double duty on the CHS soccer team.
