Elizabethtown's girls cross country team aims to improve on last year's one-loss record.
Runners attending media day:
(from left in photo)
Rowan Hess, senior
Gabbie Grifone, sophomore
Elizabethtown came close to a title last year with a 6-1 record in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The plans are to reach the top spot this year. Coach Ed Barlow looks to key meets with Lampeter-Strasburg and Warwick.
Hess and Grifone lead the team. Hess, with years’ experience, has a goal to run a sub 20:00 time, and Grifone, a sophomore, is training to run a sub-18:50 time.
Hess has been training with her teammates during 5:30 a.m. runs, and Grifone, during the off season, prefers later runs by herself. Grifone emphasizes her commitment to nutrition, especially iron, in her training regime.
Besides cross country, Hess competes in track and field, and Grifone is a three-sport athlete -- cross country, basketball and track and field. Grifone also plays summer softball.
Both athletes look forward to college. Rowan’s school and major are undecided right now. Gabbie plans to study at a Division 1 university and run cross country.
LNP | LancasterOnline hosted Cross Country Media Day at its downtown Lancaster office to connect local media with Lancaster-Lebanon League players and coaches.
