The North Canyon girls won the Girls team title at last year's Division 2 Section 3 meet
North Canyon
While the North Canyon boys and girls track teams are coming off a State Championship season, the boys and girls of the Rattler distance team have been hard at work putting in the miles all summer. North Canyon had a talented core of underclassmen at the helm of the girls' team last season and after some strong performances on the track, we'll likely see them come into their own as maturing leaders for the Lady Rattlers. Juniors, Stefana Purkovic and Cassandra Ogburn will likely lead the charge while Bella Gallo (So.) shows a lot of potential as a no. 3 for now. The guys will be led by Seniors Matthew Palmer and Sean Lundberg who both PR'ed with sub-ten-minute 3200m performances at the track and field State Championships. Jesus Padilla (Jr.) and Kevin Moreno (Sr.) have also made big improvements this spring as sub five-minute milers.
Coaches Jason Scronic and Michelle Boulay Say…
Who are your top returners?
NCXC's top boy returners are Seniors Matthew Palmer and Sean Lundberg who ran in both the 1600m and 3200m at state. NCXC's girls brings back 6 of its 7 varsity athletes from 2016: Senior Ariel Rey; Juniors Stefana Purkovic, Cassie Ogburn, Dafne Cortez, and Andrea Diaz; and Sophomore Bella Gallo. Many of these ladies are coming off strong performances at the state track meet.
Do you have any impact freshman / incoming transfers?
Right now, NCXC is not aware of any impact freshman boys, but we are looking for major improvements from two of our returning underclassmen, Jesus Padilla and Paul Gonzales, and we also have a few young sophomore and freshmen girls that could make an impact in 2017.
What meets are you keying in on this year?
Each race throughout the season is used to focus on some key strategies to prepare for the end of the season district, sectional, and state races. Every race is important.
How was your preseason training?
Preseason went well with minimal issues. The NCXC boys were able to get some great training in with minimal issues. However, the biggest achievement came at summer camp when the boys had an opportunity to bond and come together as a team. Many of the girls had an opportunity to keep active in some community 5ks and even attend some regional cross-country camps. NCXC is excited to see what this offseason work can bring to the season.
Have you set any goals as a team?
NCXC's team goals continue to evolve as the season progresses, but the NCXC boys' team has high aspirations and is excited to compete. With a top-5 finish at state in 2016 and coming off a State title in Track, NCXC is setting the bar high this year and is looking to continue to compete in 2017. There are some great teams in our district, section, and division that will make this season fun to watch.
2017 Girl Returner's Top Times 2017 Boy Returner's Top Times