From the July 24 Edition of The Bridgeport News
by Jeff Toquinto
Editor of The Bridgeport News

On Aug. 4, Bridgeport’s Cross Country team will kick
off its 2003 campaign. And despite not qualifying any
runners for last year’s state cross country meet,
coach Julie Hartley believes the Indians program is
getting close to breaking through.
“Each year we seem to do a little bit better as a
team, and this year I have high hopes,” said Hartley.
“I think you’ll start to see some of the benefits of
the new middle school program that went into place
last year.”
Hartley is hoping some of those runners taking part in
Bridgeport Middle School’s program will show up for
the first practice at Bridgeport City Park. Practice
begins at 7 p.m. and Hartley advises those coming to
have a completed physical form and to be ready to run.
“We have some kids that may be coming out this year
that could help immediately,” said Hartley. “We also
have some kids coming back that will definetely
contribute.”
For the girls, Kate Merinar will be counted on to be a
team leader. Despite being a sophomore, Merinar brings
with her the experience of competing in last year’s
state track meet and coming just one place away from
qualifying for the state cross country meet.
“She barely missed last year,” said Hartley. “She
should do well for us this year.”
Hartley is also looking to the arrival of freshman
Jenna Fogg, whom she said she is expecting to tryout.
Fogg was a standout for the Braves last year.
On the boys side of things, Hartley is also looking
for better things. She said runners such as Ben Booth,
Brink Murray, Eric Green and Nick Green could make a
difference. The coach is also trying to get freshman
Heath Haws to join the fold as well.
“There should be a lot of good freshmen,” said
Hartley. “Plus, you combine their program with the
fact there has been a resurgence in Bridgeport’s track
program and you have it benefitting what we’re trying
to do.”
The Indians will also hold their second annual BHS
Indians Freedom Run Sept. 20 at Bel Meadows Country
Club. The event includes the following timetable: 7:30
a.m. Course Tour; 8 a.m. Open Race (5000 meters) 8:30
a.m. coaches meeting; 9 a.m. varsity prep girls race
(5000 meters) 9:30 a.m. varsity prep boys race (5000
meters); 10 a.m. junior varsity prep boys and girls
race (5000 meters); 10:30 a.m. prep awards ceremony;
10:30 a.m. middle school coaches meeting; 11 a.m.
middle school girls race (2500 meters); 11:30 a.m.
middle school boys race (2500 meters); noon, middle
school awards ceremony. The schedule is subject to
change.
The course consists of rolling hills along the golf
course, woods, and two small stream crossings. Spikes
can be worn.
The top 10 individuals in both the varsity boys and
girls races will receive medals. Awards will also be
given to the top boy and girl finisher in the JV race.
The team champion and runner-up in both boy's and
girl's varsity races will receive awards.
The entry fee for the race is $25 per team or $40 for
both boys and girls teams. No charge for junior
varsity runners. Make checks payable to Bridgeport
High School. Admission fee is $3 for adults and $1 for
students or to anyone not transporting a team of five
or more in one vehicle. All WVSSAC passes will be
honored.
Please return entry forms no later than Sept. 15. They
can be acquired on line at www.bridgeporttrack.com or
at www.runwv.com.
Please contact Coach Julie Hartley with questions at
641-4965.