By Gerry deSimas Jr.
CollinsvillePress.com
CANTON >> There was a point in time when the Canton High boys cross country team was ahead of the pack. In a four-year span from 2008-11, the Warriors won two NCCC championships, 38 consecutive dual meets, one Class SS state title and three Class SS second place trophies.
The Canton girls cross country team (7-6, 7-6 NCCC) returns virtually its entire squad. Four different girls ran in the No. 1 spot a year ago and they are all back – Eliza Chekas, Leigh Ann Rossitto, Emily Coleman and Emma Frawley. Veteran runner Emily Jarka also returns.
Freshmen Emily Briggs and Ali Bahre provide some depth and competition for the other runners on the squad.
What can Canton accomplish? The NCCC is tough with defending Class MM champion Avon and outstanding programs in Ellington and Granby. But Canton hopes to improve on its performances from a year ago. The Warriors were sixth at the NCCC championship meet and sixth in Class S.