Carmel High School girls cross country team isn't just one of the premier programs in the Hoosier state, it is also one the top programs in the nation. In 2010, the Greyhounds finished seventh at NXN in Portland Oregon, and followed that up with a fifth place showing in 2011. On the state level, Carmel finished runner-up in 2009 and won state title in 2010 and 2011. That team graduates three seniors Sarah Bennett (2nd at state), Allison Jacobsen (18th), and Rene Wellman (20th). Fortunately for coach Mark Ellington Carmel doesn't rebuilt it reloads.
The 2012 squad is led by juniors Kelcy Welch and Gina Genco. Welch placed fifth at the Indiana State Cross Country Finals and has a personal best of 18:05. She placed fifth at the Indiana State Track finals in the 3200 meter with a time of 10:46. Genco has a personal best of 18:09 and has been All-State her first two years at the State Cross Country Finals. She finished thirteenth last year. Both Welch and Genco were members of the Carmel team's that placed in the top ten at Nike Nationals. They will be joined by a pair of sisters with who also have national experience from 2011, sophomores Kelsey and Haley Harris. Haley was actually the top placer at the Nike regional coming in 19th, while Kelsey was the top finisher at NXN in 76th.
Coach Ellington Says...
We are all about depth. It is very hard to ask the same crew of athletes to show up and race at their best week after week throughout the fall. We ask 15-20 athletes to be ready to compete in a varsity race throughout the season. We don't change our expectations just because #16 is running instead of #5 one week. All girls are given an opportunity to contribute, and we train them as if they will be on our tournament team late in the season. This has also contributed to our ability to "reload" each year, as several girls gain experience from their previous seasons.
What meets do you have circles on your calendar?
Who do you enjoy competing against the most?
What are the team goals for the season?
We are looking to Three-peat as Indiana State Champions...not an easy proposition. Everyone is gunning for us, and we have some big shoes to fill due to graduation. Our girls are working to prove they are deserving of the attention from the rest of the state. We'd also like to qualify for our third straight NXN championship race.
2012 Returner's Top Times
5K XC
| Carmel High School | 78 | |||
| 1) Kelcy Welch | 18:07.60 | 3 | ||
| 2) Gina Genco | 18:12.90 | 6 | ||
| 3) Haley Harris | 18:28.00 | 14 | ||
| 4) Kelsey Harris | 18:39.50 | 26 | ||
| 5) Emma Mccausland | 18:45.10 | 29 | ||
| Average Time: 18:26.62 -- Total Time: 1:32:13.10 -- 1-5 Split: 37.50 | ||||
| 6) Ellen Schmitz | 18:49.00 | 32 | ||
| 7) Jessica Lecher | 19:31.00 | 87 | ||
Girls 3200 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 10:47.34 | Welch, Kelcy | IHSAA State Championship |
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Girls 1600 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 5:11.50 | Schmitz, Ellen | Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference |
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| 5:15.28 | Genco, Gina | Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference |
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| 5:18.47 | Welch, Kelcy | North Central Invitational |
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