PART ONE: ON THE ROAD WITH FERRIS

Ferris High School of Spokane, Washington enters the 09' season with a stellar #10 National Ranking by Milesplit.us.  Despite a generous #1 ranking by Harrier, it appears the Saxons have been given a reality check that championships are won with effort and nothing is given for free.  Look for the Saxons of Spokane to move up in the rankings over the coming season as they continue their quest for state and national dominance. 

It is difficult to anticipate what a good summer of training will produce when the spikes hit the trails in the fall.  However, with the exemplary coaching of Legend Mike Hadway and all seven runners returning from a squad that placed third at State in 2008 (falling short of the title by only 12 points!!!) we have good reason to be optimistic about the Saxons state and national prospects.  

Led by senior standout Adam Thorne (8^th XC State 2008) who is coming off a stellar track season in which he posted personal bests of 4:14.67 for the mile and 9:10.65 for the two mile, the Saxons look primed!  At the State Track Meet he showed tremendous leadership in completing the difficult distance double placing 3^rd in the 1600m (4:18.41) and 5^th in the 3200m (9:15.19).  It should be no surprise to anyone that he enters the fall campaign as the Saxons Team Captain ready to execute a full frontal charge on all state and national competitors!

Running in stride with Thorne is a tough spirited resolute pack of hungry competitors with an eye single to complete annihilation of local, state, and national rivals.  Composing this pack are Tim Colliton, Perry Domini, Justin Zimmerman, Alex Kimsey, Jeremy Gavelin, and Scott Davis.

Achieving a State Title and an NXN birth will not come easy and nothing will be given for free.  Nobody will roll over, and we should expect stern challenges from in town North Central and Cross State Henry Jackson.  Nothing is set in stone, but everything seems Saxon Red.  Although we are highly optimistic, how many times has the favorite been upset?  Consider the nationally dominant Mead teams who faultered at State to unheralded squads.   Determination, Fortitude, Focus, and Composure will be the hallmarks of this year’s king of the mountain.  As of right now, all the cards seem to be in the Saxons hand, let’s hope they play them right!  One misstep and Western Washington favorite Henry Jackson High School will be more than happy to claim victory.   

Later this week we will be spending a workout with the mighty Saxons, stay tuned for Part 2 of On the Road with Ferris.  On the 12^th of September the season opens with the Tracy Walters Invitational at Audubon Park in Spokane, Washington.  Milesplit Washington will be onsite for the festivities and will be posting site pictures, results, and interviews in Part 3 of On the Road with Ferris.