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55 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, October 11, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 24, 2004 Setting the pace Crater senior Kendel Nelson is the top returning cross country runner in the state By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Kendel Nelson can almost see the finish line to her prep cross country career. The Crater High senior turned the corner long ago into an elite Southern Oregon Conference runner and is now heading down the home stretch. Nelson has finished in the top three at districts in each of her first three seasons, but it’s the state level where she’s looking to make a bigger splash. As the top-seeded runner in the state after a fourth-place finish last season, Nelson is hoping to bring her Comet teammates along for the ride this year. "I think the team has a great chance at state," says Nelson, a first-team all-SOC runner in each of her first three seasons. "We’ve done a lot of workouts together and the team seems pretty together. Advertisement "Most other years there was a lot of drama on the team, but not this year." The cohesive Crater team finished in a two-way tie for second with Klamath Union in a preseason coaches poll. Each garnered 40 points, while North Medford was narrowly picked to take the SOC crown with 41. The Black Tornado returns six of its seven top runners from last year, led by sophomore Brittany Dunn, while Ashland sophomore Natalie Hemphill is the top Grizzly returnee. Klamath Union lost just two girls from last season’s district champion team, but must replace SOC runner of the year Katie Leary. Seniors Jessica Wood and Lorane Young highlight the strong Pelican squad. Besides Nelson, the Comets also boast seniors Sharon Kent, the fifth seed in the district, and Jenna Cunningham, freshman Kristen Haga and sophomore Laurie Stoutenburgh, sister of Crater boys standout Isaac Stoutenburgh. "I’d say the (conference) race is pretty wide open," says fourth-year Crater coach Justin Loftus, who has gained much-needed help in first-year assistant Jodie Keyser. "This is the first time that I’ve had a team that will be in the thick of the SOC race. "But it will depend on who peaks out at the end of the year." Nelson hasn’t had any problems finding her finishing kick at season’s end. The 18-year-old took fourth at the Nike Jim Danner Invitational then parlayed those results into a third-place finish at districts last season. "I just try to do what’s best for the team," says Nelson, who led Crater to its first-ever team title at the Prefontaine Classic last Saturday. "I guess I’m kind of a pace setter ... most of the girls (on my team) make goals of trying to beat me." All modesty aside, Nelson has made great individual gains at the state meet. Her fourth-place standing at state last year was an improvement from 16th as a sophomore and 92nd as a freshman. "She’s really focused on team right now," says Loftus. "We don’t like to push (Nelson) too hard early on. We’re kind of holding off until the bigger meets. It seemed like we did something that worked last year, so we’ll go with it again." Not including possible state accolades, Nelson’s success this season may have an even bigger reward. The University of Portland and University of San Francisco have shown interest in Nelson, and may possibly offer a scholarship. "It will be a big year for her," says Loftus. "Right now Kendel’s having great workouts with the team. She’s been a great leader for this group." Nelson’s already turned the corner. Now she wants to bring her teammates with her. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities