The Lions hope to place at sectionals this season after finishing in eighth place in 2015.
Cherry Hill West girls’ cross country 2016 season preview
Last season: Last season, Cherry Hill West finished in the middle of the pack in South Jersey Group III. In the sectional meet, the Lions finished in eighth place out of 15 teams. Two young runners were the top finishers for the Lions in the meet, with freshman Mirasha Williamson and sophomore Keller Bean putting up times under 22 minutes.
Returning Athletes: Head coach Maggie Strimel is excited to see what the junior class will do this season for the Lions, saying they work together really well. Bean is the one to watch, but Strimel hopes to see Emily Santana, Sally Johnston and Cassaundra Hoch improve as well. There are also four returning sophomores, led by Williamson and Liz Santana.
New Players: A group of freshman has been working hard over the summer to try and make a positive impact for the Lions this season. Out of the freshman class, Strimel said Cammy Wright is the one to watch for the season.
Key games: Some of the big meets this season include the Oct. 8 South Jersey Open at Delsea High School, the Camden County meet at Gloucester Twp. Park on Oct. 14, the Olympic Conference Championships on Oct. 21 at Rowan College at Gloucester County and the South Jersey Group III sectional meet at Delsea on Nov. 5. The cross-country season finishes with the Group III championship meet on Nov. 12 and NJSIAA Meet of Champions on Nov. 19, both at Holmdel Park.
Season outlook: Strimel said this year the team’s goal is to place at sectionals. She admits there is a lot of competition in South Jersey Group III from schools like Seneca, Ocean City and Mainland, but believes the team still has a shot to meet its goal.
