By Cort Reynolds
ADA - Five experienced runners and one ace senior newcomer will combine to lead the Ada cross country team this fall.
Third-year head coach Josh Klein has stayed positive despite seeing his combined Bulldog harrier roster shrink from 14 in 2016 to 12 overall last year to eight this campaign.
"We have low numbers and not enough to field a full girls team," admitted Klein. "Yet the kids we have out want to run and are passionate about it. We are young, but we have some good leaders."
Senior Miguel Jordan is a newcomer to the team, but not to distance running. He won the Northwest Conference title in the 800 meters last spring, and enhanced his skills by competing in Australia this summer.
Jordan should be the team's top runner. "I expect Miguel to run in the 17 or 18-minute range," offered Klein. "He has good endurance."
Junior letterman Michael Crouse is expected to be the number two runner. Klein thinks he will run in the 18's this season. Crouse is the team's top returning male runner, having finished 39th at the Div. III district meet in Ottawa last fall in a season-best 19:39.4.
Junior letterman Hunter Wells is likely to be the team's number three runner, provided he can overcome shin issues. Klein also expects Wells to run under 19 minutes.
Freshman Riley Ferguson could be the team's fourth runner. "He is small but mighty," said Klein.
Sophomore letterman Jacob Morgan returns as the likely fifth runner.
Senior Brice Ferguson is also a returning two-time letterman. He has been hampered by recurring lower leg injuries the past two years.
"I think the boys can finish in the middle of the NWC race," Klein offered. "I hope and think our top three boys can all run well under 20 minutes (for 3.1 miles) by season's end."
The Bulldog boys came in eighth at the league meet last fall. Crouse took 50th last fall at the NWC event in 21:13.
Only two girls came out for the team, as five letter winners declined to return.
Dedicated senior Alexis Ennis is the top returning runner, having won two letters. She finished 39th (26:19) in the NWC meet last fall as Ada came in fifth out of seven teams. Ennis also came in 58th in 26:47.4 at the district meet last season.
"Alexis will probably be our number two runner," said Klein.
Freshman Lauren Mullins is expected to be the top Lady Bulldog runner. "She was a good distance and mile runner in junior high," said Klein.
"I am looking forward to see what she can do. I hope with work she can get down to 22 minutes."
Five runners minimum are needed to compile a team score, with a total of seven optional in case of a tie score.
Cross country is a sport that develops mental toughness by demanding unglamorous, individual hard work with little fanfare and no aid.
"Our goal is to continue to improve and move up in the NWC," noted Klein. "(Defending champion) Columbus Grove should be the favorite in the girls standings, while Lincolnview is the boys favorite to repeat.
"Inexperience and low numbers are concerns, as is a lack of summer training. But the kids are working hard."
Ada competes at the Grove Invitational Sept. 1. The Bulldogs host their lone meet, the Hardin County Invitational, on October 8. The NWC title meet is Oct. 13 at Spencerville.
Ada CC at a glance
Head coach: Josh Klein, 3rd year
2017 NWC finish: Boys 8th/8, girls 5th/7
Roster numbers: 6 boys, 2 girls
Top returnees: Jr. Michael Crouse, Jr. Hunter Wells, Sr. Brice Ferguson, Jr. Alexis Ennis
Top newcomers: Sr. Miguel Jordan, Fr. Lauren Mullins, Fr. Riley Ferguson
