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.