Youthful talent

Youth has commonly been a theme among athletic programs at Sage Hill

School, and with this season’s girls cross country team, that story

is the same.

But what hides beneath the freshman or sophomore listing on the

roster is talent, something the Lightning should have this year.

Only a freshman last year, Katie McKeon found herself the Academy

League champion, the fourth-fastest runner in CIF Southern Section

Division V, and the first Lightning athlete ever to reach the state

championships.

Not the worst credentials from a freshman. This year she returns

to the lead the Lightning.

“I think everybody on last year’s team looks up to her as a team

leader because she did so well last year,” Sage Coach Nate Miller

said. “I think she’ll be a really important runner.”

McKeon is slated to team with freshmen Cait Williamson and

Mackenzie Muhonen to form a potent triple punch, Miller said.

Expected to join the trifecta in the final two scoring positions are

sophomore Sara Montazami and junior Rachel Blitzer. Senior Kelsey

Rose and freshman Aiyana Bobrownicki will add depth, Miller said.

McKeon, however, is expected to be the clear-cut No. 1 runner,

Miller said.

“A year of experience will help her a lot,” said Miller, entering

his fourth season. “I wouldn’t speculate on how much time she’ll drop

because it’s tough to tell. She’s filled out a little more and she’s

a little more toned and muscular, which might help her.

“I expect her to have an equally, if not better, season this

year.”

McKeon was named the league’s Runner of the Year last season after

finishing first at the league finals in 20 minutes, 16 seconds, good for CIF Southern Section Division V preliminary qualification.

She advanced to finish second in the Division V preliminary race

in 19:56, qualifying for the final, which she clocked 19:19 for

fourth and state qualification.

But her exceptional run ended in Fresno, where she had to quit

midway through the championship race due to respiratory problems

caused by a recent flu virus. Miller said she was in line for a

top-15 finish.

“She’s real determined to get back there,” Miller said. “I think

we have a really good shot at taking three girls, if not the whole

team -- if we stay away from injuries.”

The two freshman expected to follow McKeon are near the same

talent-level as the sophomore, Miller said.

Sage finished fourth in league last season.

ROSTER

Aiyana Bobrownicki Fr.

Rachel Blitzer Jr.

Katie McKeon So.

Mackenzie Muhonen Fr.

Sara Montazami So.

Kelsey Rose Sr.

Cait Williamson Fr.

Coach: Nate Miller (4th year)