Font ResizeHINSDALE, N.H. -- Tanner Nichols will again lead the charge this year for the Pacers cross-country squad as their top runner.
"He put in a monster summer," said the team’s coach Glenn Hammett, who went on to say that Nichols racked up 500 miles in the 10 weeks preceding practice. Hammett said he’ll be looking to Nichols for a top-20 finish at the Division III Championships and expects him to place high in the Meet of Champions.
Along with Nichols, teammate Nick Dowley will also serve as team captain. "Dowley will be a top-five scorer who will also be instrumental in helping out the new runners," said Hammett.
Newcomer Florin Handelman also looks impressive this year. "He should be a top-five finisher as well," said Hammett. "Our seniors Dan Bruce and Evan Dunkley will also be a strong presence on the track. This is our year to make a big jump. We are aiming for the podium."
The boys are looking to improve on their sixth place finish at the Granite State Championship (unofficial Division IV meet), and earn a top 12 at the next Challenge.
On the girls side, this will be the team’s final season with their captain, Roxy Toussaint. Toussaint was an All Granite State Conference runner last year and finished 16th in the Division III meet to earn a berth in the Meet of Champions.
"We will have a tight pack behind Roxy with (captain) Taryn Fisk, (captain) Brittany Melroy, Starr Bruce, and Katelyn
The girls will look to improve on their fifth place showing at the GSC and 17th place at the Division III meet. The Pacers’ next meet will send them to Sant Bani School on Monday at 4 p.m.
Hinsdale roster: Coach -- Glenn Hammett. Boys: Seniors -- Tanner Nichols, Nick Dowley, Evan Dunkley, Daniel Bruce. Junior -- Sam Calderwood. Sophomore -- Ultin Akeley. Freshmen -- Florin Handelman, Chase Fisk, Drew Cooper. Girls: Senior -- Mackenzie Schultz. Juniors -- Skylar Bonnette, Elise Atkins. Sophomores -- Megan Finnell, Kathryn Fecto, Mary Lavigne. Freshman -- Shannon Gailey.
