New-look Breakers ready for season

A new look, a new trip and new faces are a few of the new features that make up the 2006 Laguna Beach High girls’ cross-country team.

By working hard during the summer, the Breakers took it upon themselves to raise funds — through selling baked goods at Main Beach — to purchase new uniforms which they picked out themselves.

During the second month of the season, October, Laguna will travel to the Clovis Invite, replacing the trek they’ve made the past two years to the Stanford Invite.

Youth and inexperience are two things Head Coach Earl Towner said dominate this year’s squad, although the Breakers do have a strong leader in senior Alex Crawley.

“Except for Alex, this is a very young and inexperienced team,” said Towner, who is entering his 15th year with the cross-country program. “Having lost three girls who have placed in the top five at state to moving, home schooling and a broken foot has been a setback.

“But this team has a lot of heart, talent, drive and determination. The girls are working together well and are progressing nicely. I feel when November arrives we will be biting on the bit to show teams in our division what Laguna teams are made of.”

Last year, Laguna placed fourth in the Pacific Coast League, fifth in the CIF-Southern Section Division IV meet and 12th in Division IV at the state meet.

This year, they will compete in the Orange Coast League, with Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa and Estancia.

Following is a list of the Breakers, with some comments from Towner.

Alex Crawley, senior: “All-CIF and All-State the last two years. Great talent, fine leader and well-respected going for it this, her last go around.”

Heather Thomas, junior: “A rags-to-riches story. Was one of the slowest as a freshmen, made the top nine last year and is continuing to improve and looks like top three this season.”

Kendra Arnold, sophomore: “Finished fourth at state as a freshmen.”

Chanel Brooks, junior: “Her best race last year was at CIF finals where she helped us make it to state.”

Ashley Eaton, junior: “On the bubble last year but showing plenty of promise of making varsity this year.”

Zoe Heath, sophomore: “Got injured last year but is looking strong this time around.”

Melissa Lenker, sophomore: “Did not make it through the season because of injury but is working hard and will be a big help this year. Lots of ability and heart.”

Kelly McCarter, sophomore: “Fifth at state last year. Was second position most of season until sickness dropped her at end of season. Very talented.”

Cassidy Robinson, sophomore: “Another of the many freshmen who had trouble getting through the season. Lots of promise and coming along nicely.”

Shelby Serra, junior: “Working hard to earn her spot on elite group. Has shown big improvements so far and expect more to come.”

Other returners: Emily Cronin, junior; Danielle Davidson, junior; Breanna Hite, sophomore; Amberlea Jackson, senior; AJ Kenny, junior; Leila Pearson, sophomore; Margaux Reckard, sophomore; Erika Tang, sophomore; Emma Thier, junior; Lauren Thomas, junior.

Newcomers: Gerry Artman, freshman; Ashley Bourne, freshman; Michelle Church, freshman; Chelsea Garmshausen, freshman; Jourdana Gergis, freshman; Elle Hartley, freshman; Hannah Hobson, freshman; Helen Kramer, freshman; Madi Silvers, freshman; Korinne Sullivan, freshman; Nicole Thomas, freshman, and Bryn Valiaka, freshman.

“What we have this year is more depth than this program has seen in years,” Towner said.

“Even though this is a young and unproven team, if they can stay focused and diligent, they have a great possibility to accomplish many of their goals.”