Corona del Mar searching for answers

Joseph Boo

NEWPORT BEACH - “We’re still trying to figure out what to do,”

Corona del Mar’s boys cross country coach Bill sumner said about his

team.

That might sound like something to worry about, but it doesn’t signify

a disaster to CdM. CdM has quite a bit of experience returning. The best

are juniors Josh Yelsey, Travis Beardslee and senior Judd Heitbrink.

Yelsey finished 13th in the Sea View league finals and runs the mile in

4:25. Beardslee finished ninth, while Heitbrink was 28th in the league

finals.

While they were strong in the league finals, none of them have yet to

take the next step to the CIF or state meets. And the rest of the roster

is full of young, unproven runners.

Nevertheless, Sumner expressed his desire in going to the state meet

with this team, and the team might have enough talent to pull it off. But

for that to happen, Sumner needs a runner to take it to the next

level.”I’m looking for someone to step up,” he said.

For now, Sumner is trying to assess what kind of team he has.

“I’m looking at them to see where we’re at right now.” Sumner said. “I

would like to see them get more mental toughness. I would like to see

most of them tougher. That’s why we have tougher competitions early, to

make them tougher.”

Despite all the uncertainties surrounding the team, the Sea Kings

should be one of the favorites in the Pacific Coast League. With three

solid experienced runners, they are one of the deeper teams in the PCL.

And the younger runners, like sophomores Dustin Hoffman and Mark

Pomrampz, look promising.

Also, the league they moved to does not have one standout team.

Northwood, with the Irvine runners, will be tough, and so will

University. But Costa Mesa is in transition, and each of the top teams

face some questions of their own. Sumner might be looking for answers

for his team, but it won’t take a big one to win the league. Going

further, on the other hand will require a definitive one.

Roster

Josh Yelsey Jr.

Travis Bearslee Jr.

Dustin Hoffman So.

Mark Pomrampz So.

John Grod So.

Ben Inouye So.

Kevin Kramer Sr. Coach: Bill Sumner