Scouting Report: Hamilton Southeastern Girls

The Hamilton Southeastern girls cross country team finished sixth at the state meet in 2011 in a very close battle between multiple teams. Fifty-three points separated third from tenth place last year. Coach Golden loses three of his top seven runners to graduation including the team's number three, four, and six runners.. This year's squad is led by sophomore Rachel Nitchwitz. As a freshman, Nitchwitz finished sixth in a time of 18:35.80 on the tough LaVern-Gibson course. A pair of upperclassmen, junior Jessica King, and senior Emily Wagoner are slotted at the second and third spots. King had a season best time of 18:59 last year while Wagoner is the team's third fastest returner at 19:37. Sam Stensland, Courtney Pfanstiel and incoming freshman Bailey Coleman will also compete for spots on the varsity squad. Pfanstiel is coming off an injury plagued 2011.

On the track, Nichwitz has dipped under 5:00 for 1600 meters and finished 8th at the state meet with a time of 5:02.73. She was also a member of the 4x800 meter relay that finished seventh at the state. Jessica King and Emily Wagoner have posted 1600 meter times under 5:25 in 2012. Coach Golden says this group has been training hard over the summer and are very athletic. Each of his top six has an extensive background in another sport as well such as swimming, gymnastics, and soccer.

Coach Golden Says....