Cross Country

Cross Country 2008 Season Outlook

The 2008 Wildcat Cross Country teams are in the midst of some exciting changes. Lindsay DiEmidio, a former Wildcat runner, has been added as Assistant Coach, while the composition of both teams has changed. Each of the 2008 squads are a mix of veteran leadership accompanied by a strong influx of new faces, a new wrinkle that might have the Wildcat harriers shining brightly in late October.

The Lady ‘Cats return the very talented Danielle Burcham (C. Milton Wright HS/Bel Air, MD), who, based on her outstanding conference and regional performances, is one of the early favorites to capture the individual conference title. Danielle is positioned for a fantastic season which could see her break several records and earn her several post season accolades. Two time All-Conference runner Mary Kate McCaffery (Padua Academy/Wilmington, DE) will give the ladies veteran leadership, inspiration, and excellent performances, while sophomore LJ Slaughter (Middletown HS/Middletown, DE) is likely to move into All-Conference status, in large part to her off season training and smart pacing.

Sophomore Brittany Anthony (Concord HS/Wilmington, DE) looks to improve upon her top effort, which she ran at the conference meet last fall. With a year of course knowledge and training behind her, Brittany will be counted on for solid positioning and should battle for a strong scoring position at season’s end.

Freshmen Stacey Hamilton (Christiana HS/Newark, DE) and Tyler McDaniel (A.I. duPont HS/Wilmington, DE) will use their enthusiasm and strategy to solidify the women’s scoring, and by conference time, should provide the team with enough firepower to finish well in the championship meet.

The men’s team has an intriguing blend of veteran savvy and raw talent, which if mixed correctly, could earn the squad an all time best finish come late fall. Seniors Dave Creppon (Mt. Pleasant HS/Wilmington, DE) and Joey Boggs (Carrollton HS/ Carrollton GA) will guide the Wildcat crew, with Creppon hoping to earn a long coveted All-Conference finish in his last campaign before graduation, while Boggs looks to improve upon his best from last season and in the process, help the men peak at the right time.

Sophomore Kevin McLaughlin (Middletown HS/Middletown, DE) appears primed for a breakout season, ready to capitalize on his excellent off season training, secure All-Conference honors, and make a mark at the championship race. Paul Riggio (Gaithersburg HS/Gaithersburg, MD) has shaken off several setbacks and injuries from his freshman year and seems ready to challenge for the top spot while also locking down All-Conference status.

Joining the veterans are a trio of very talented freshmen, Rodney Rosario (McKean HS/Wilmington, DE), Brian Walsh (Salesianum HS/Wilmington, DE), and Devon Wescott (William Penn HS/New Castle, DE). Rosario brings with him outstanding speed (1:55 for the 800) and has the physical skills to run with the conference leaders. Walsh has the sense of pace and endurance to be with the top folks as well, providing he utilizes a well crafted race plan. The final member of the rookie class, Wescott, is the dark horse of the three. If Wescott can quickly adjust to the new distance, run within himself, and learn the art of race strategy, his status as wildcard may have the Wildcats cashing in late in the season.

Coach DiEmidio and Coach Jones know that hard work lies ahead in the next few months, but are optimistic that at the end of this year’s journey, there just might be some big rewards.