BY DEAN CRIDDLE – News-Democrat
BELLEVILLE — The days of hoping to have enough quality athletes be competitive at the varsity level apparently are over for coach Gary Calhoun and the Althoff cross country program.
At least in 2010.
Led by the trio of Savannah Ames, Sarah Schmidt and Jennie Gardner on the girls side and a superb group of freshman boys, the Crusaders have a record number of 27 athletes in their program this fall.
“The most we ever had before was 16, so to have 27 this year, we’re thrilled with that,” Calhoun said. “I really don’t know why. I do know we picked some up who have crossed over from other sports.
“The competition is the main thing. It used to be where if you were on the team, you had a position. Now if you don’t perform, there is someone waiting in the wings to take your spot. The best part is the kids. These are great kids who are blending well as a team.”
Megan Gillom, Trisha Quinn and Emily Flake are three other runners Calhoun is high on and should provide quality depth.
“Actually, we have four soccer players who have crossed over and are running for us this season,” Calhoun said. “I’ve always wanted to have that because if they run with us we’ll get them in great shape for soccer. Now we have that.
“Also, it allows these kids a chance to compete. As they showed during the soccer season, these girls love to compete.”
Senior Cullen Brant, an all-Belleville city runner two years ago as a sophomore, returns to lead a young, but very talented boys team.
Three freshmen — Michael Barnes, Jack Buese and Joey Bartholomew — are in the Crusaders’ top tier of runners.
“Joey, as a freshman, has come in and right now is our No. 2 or 3 runner, but I have high hopes for all three of those freshmen. They’ve all come in and looked very good,” Calhoun said. “Cullen (Brant) is our No. 1 guy and he’s always had a lot of potential. I know he’s worked hard and is anxious to come out and have a good senior season.
“Our boys are running in the 18-19 minute range for three miles. We know we have to get that lower, but we’re working hard to do that.”
While the Crusaders should have one of their better seasons in 2010, time will tell if they are able to compete with the area’s top Class 2A programs, such as Triad, Mater Dei, Highland and Cahokia, for a spot in the Class 2A state meet in early November.
“That’s the goal,” Calhoun said. “We took the girls team to state a few years ago and that was a great experience. It’s always great to be able to get an individual or a team to the state meet.”
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