Newport Harbor works hard during the summer
Joseph Boo
NEWPORT BEACH - Driving about town, you might see the girls cross
country team from Newport Harbor High in training. That’s exactly what
they’re doing, even they are following some chalked out line in a game
they made up. “We’re trying to make it positive and more fun to run,”
said Amber Steen.
At the same time, the girls are trying to absolve any disappointments
from the previous year. That’s when the Tars finished fifth in the CIF
Division IV finals, keeping them out of the state playoffs by one spot.
That one spot has been a sore point for the team, but it is also an
inspirational point.
“We’re trying to make amends for not making it to state last year,”
said Coach Eric Tweit. But Newport Harbor will have to do it without
Alicia McFall, who graduated. McFall finished second in the Sea View
League final and 17th in CIF. More importantly, McFall brought
unparalleled leadership and work ethic to the team. “It’ll be very hard
to replace her,” said Steen. “She made training a lot harder, and she
pushed us, but she also made it fun.”
The Sailors will be looking at Steen to fill in some of McFall’s void.
The junior placed an impressive 10th in the CIF meet, and she finished
seventh in the league. Along with co-captain Carrie Foss, she has carried
McFall’s work ethic over to this team.
“Steen’s been tremendous in summer training,” Tweit said. “She’s got
in the most miles during training, and she’s been very impressive.”
The team should be further bolster by the return of Foss, who fought
through injuries last year. The senior will be the No. 3 runner and will
be counted on for leadership.
The No. 2 runner is junior Sonya Mechkor, who placed 24th at CIF. “I
think she’ll be one of the big surprises in the area,” Tweit said. “She
had a good track season last year.”
Behind them are relatively young runners. In fact, only one senior is
on the team. That could provide some problems for some teams, but because
Newport Harbor is returning most of last year’s team intact, the Sailors
are seasoned. Nevertheless, they must up their intensity instead of
fading toward the end of the season, like they did last year. That means
the younger runners have to mature.
One reason for Newport Harbor to be optimistic is the fact that Corona
del Mar moved to the Pacific Coast League. The toughest competition will
come from Laguna Hills and Aliso Niguel. But the Tars will be in the
thick of the competition for the top spot.
“Right now the program’s in pretty good shape. We’re guardedly
optimistic,” Tweit said. “Let me stress guardedly.”
It’s understandable for Tweit to remain cautious. Last year’s defeat
still seems fresh. But the way the girls are working, that wound could be
soothed. “We’re trying harder to get to state,” said Steen. “We were
disappointed last year. I’ve never been there, and I really want to go.”
Roster
Amber Steen Jr.
Sonya Mechkor Jr.
Carrie Foss Sr.
Lynn Rinek Jr.
Natalie St. Andre Jr.
Erin Friedman Jr.
Jennifer Inouye Jr.
Ashley Steen Fr.
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