LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid cross country team may be small compared to other schools, but coach Mel Frazer is excited about her runners' potential for this upcoming season.
Frazer said both the boys and girls teams have strong runners on them, and that they are the type of athletes who like to push themselves.
"They're young, definitely enthusiastic too," Frazer said. "They cheer each other on, even if it's just practice. They want to come. They want to work."
Article Photos
The Lake Placid cross country team gathers during a preseason practice.
(Enterprise photo — Mike Lynch)
The only drawback is that, as of press time, the runners will have to compete as individuals. That's because neither squad has the numbers to compete as a team. But that could change for the girls team because there was the potential of a girl from Keene joining the squad, Frazer said.
If that happens, it would give the Blue Bombers a young but talented squad to compete against other schools. Right now, the girls team consists of junior Anna Izzo, seventh-grader Gabby Armstrong and freshmen Curtis Rissberger, Nina Armstrong and Glenice Gallagher.
"The Armstrong girls will definitely be leaders for the girls, but I also haven't ever seen Anna Izzo race," Frazer said. "She time trialed well."
Fact Box
Rosters
Girls
Juniors
Anna Izzo
Freshmen
Curtis Rissberger
Nina Armstrong
Glenice Gallagher
Seventh
Gabby Armstrong
Boys
Seniors
Nick Stosiek
Juniors
Will Coffrin
Alex Coffrin
On the boys team, there are only three runners this season. Senior Nick Stosiek and juniors Will and Alex Coffrin, who are twins. Stosiek is a strong athlete who missed last season with an injury, while both Coffrins are experienced at the varsity level.
"The Coffrins also took three minutes off their personal records last year, so I think they'll be up toward the front," Frazer said. "It's a strong team."
Like Frazer said previously, the team's strength may lie in its enthusiasm. Many of the athletes are active in other sports, which she should help them this fall.
"It seems like the group of parents are very supportive," Frazer said. "They are the type of famillies that see you mountain biking. You see them out and about doing things. I think it's just a group of kids that has been taught to be outside and enjoy it. ... They want to be on the trail. they don't want ot be on a track. I think it's just a difference in families. They all ski together. I got lucky. Hopefully, you'll see good results."