Girls cross country: Newport returns to action, post-Amber

Tony Altobelli

NEWPORT BEACH - One thing is certain for Newport Harbor High girls

cross country coach Eric Tweit. Roll call will be a breeze this year.

With only five runners, no seniors and only one junior, Tweit’s

Sailors have definitely begun a new era on the trails in 2001.

“This is probably the youngest team I’ve ever had in my years as a

coach,” Tweit said. “It’s an unpredictable group being so young, but all

five have had great summer workouts and they’re all great kids so no

matter what happens in terms of results, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Sailors’ “veteran” runner is sophomore Lauren Paul, who shadowed

former Newport standout Amber Steen (University of Arizona) during the

course of her freshman year.

“Lauren had a great first year with us and she had a great summer,”

Tweit said. “She qualified for the (CIF) Southern Section finals last

year and ran in the state finals as well. She’s one of the best

sophomores we’ve ever had here at Newport.”

Junior Andi Sarris has been Tweit’s biggest surprise during the

off-season. “She’s improved the most out of all the girls,” Tweit said.

“She’s done a great job of running hard this summer and she’ll be a great

leader for us as our captain.”

Another sophomore with big race experience is Amanda Abbott, who

joined Paul at the Southern Section Finals. “She was brought up to the

varsity level midway through last year and she really improved during

that time,” Tweit said.

Joining the Sailors from the track and field team, as well as the

beach is sophomore Lisa Evans. “She loves to surf and she was a part of

our track program,” Tweit said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she

can do in cross country.”

Sophomore Heidi Peschelt, younger sister to former Newport runner John

Peschelt, will round out Tweit’s preliminary first five and with the

start of school approaching and freshmen arriving, the team should

continue to grow for the years to come.

“They’re very motivated to reach CIF and I think they have the talent

to do so,” Tweit said. “Barring any injuries, this could be a year which

could really help our program excel in the future. If everything works

out right, all my runners will be back next year, so this year is a

learning year.”

NEWPORT HARBOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Amanda Abbott So.

Lisa Evans So.

Lauren Paul So.

Heidi Peschelt So.

Andi Sarris Jr.

Coach - Eric Tweit