Small nucleus powers Moose

PALMER — Last year, the Palmer Moose boys cross country running program enjoyed a pretty successful season.

The Moose finished third in the Region III Championships and placed four runners in the top 19. But this year, the Moose have some holes to fill.

Region runner-up Wylie Mangelsdorf graduated and is among three athletes who finished in the top 19 who are no longer with the Moose. Now, as the Moose run ahead, head coach John Bishop is looking for junior Mason Minturn and sophomore Chris Osiensky to lead the charge.

“They’re definitely our team leaders,” Bishop said.

Minturn finished strong in 2009, using a time of 18 minutes and 45 seconds to place 28th in the region meet. This year, Minturn has shattered those numbers. Last week, Minturn clocked a 17:12 to finish 19th in the historically tough Skyview Invitational in Soldotna.

Osiensky, who was 16th in regions with a 18:02, has also cut his times significantly. The sophomore posted a 17:31 at Skyview.

Bishop is also looking for good things from junior Brice Munoz and sophomore Cody White. The head coach said he has seen both progress throughout their young careers.

The Moose have about 22 runners on the boys’ team, but only about nine on the girls’ squad, Bishop said. Leading that small group is senior Morgan Lundt, a four-year runner in the Moose program.

“She’s always been a varsity runner for us,” Bishop said. “We’re hoping to see her flourish this year.”

Gretchen Winter and Tress Whittfield also return to the team. Bishop also noted freshman Heidi Hannah, who will make her debut at the Colony Invitational Saturday.

Bishop said the Moose are stressing improvement, regardless of place in the standings.

“The focus is on personal goals,” Bishop said.

The Moose will compete in the Colony Invite Saturday and host the Palmer Invitational Sept. 11 on the Michael Janecek Running Trails at Palmer High School

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.