2016 Girls Team Preview

2016 Girls Cross Country Season Preview

Coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history, the Trapper girls cross country program is looking to reach even higher in 2016.  Last season, the ladies qualified for the 3A Bi-District Championships for the first time after an impressive three runners finished in the top five in the District Meet. The incredible finish included their first individual district champion since 1995, and the District Runner-Up.  Though the team didn’t qualify for the State Meet, it did have two individuals represent Fort in Pasco at the State Championships for the first time in over two decades.  On top of their success on the course, the ladies also had a spectacular run in the classroom.  Three varsity team members finished with a 3.9GPA or higher (including two 4.0 students) leading the team to an overall GPA of 3.65.  With their top two individuals returning, and some new talent joining the fold, look for the girls to continue their rise as a program to watch in Southwest Washington cross country. 

When talking about the 2016 Lady Trappers, you have to start with sophomore Emily Phelps.  Last season as a freshman, Phelps put together one of the most impressive seasons in program history.  After not losing a dual meet race all season, Phelps won the District Championship, finished 6^th at Bi-Districts, and then 59^th at the State Meet.  For her accomplishments, Phelps was named the 2015 3A GSHL Runner of the Year.  Throughout the season, fellow sophomore Anna Harrison seemed to be right behind her.  Harrison finished second to Phelps in every dual meet, and was Runner-Up at the District Championships.  Harrison finished 23^rd at the Bi-District Championships and then 67^th at the State Championships.  Lastly, she was also named First-Team All-League. 

Leading the group of newcomers will likely be freshman Dhamar Campos.  After a strong showing at last year’s Middle School District Meet where she finished in third place, Campos worked hard all summer to prepare for this season.  Known as an ultra-competitor, Campos should not be intimidated by more experienced runners.  Fellow freshman Olivia Pearson has also done well in early season workouts and will add depth to the varsity team.  Sophomore Jessica Vincente has been a bright spot for the team after coming to cross country from track last season.  Vincente should be one of the team’s top five runners in 2016, as she has already improved her times greatly in the early season.  Rounding out the varsity team is a pair of juniors in Nelly Campuzano and Nicole Ocampo.  The team’s only upperclassmen, the duo brings some maturity and guidance to the young team.