The Ellsworth High School boys’ cross country team has a 2A regional title to defend and head coach Eric Coonrod expects that to be the focus of the 2019 season.

“The boys’ team lost some key runners to graduation, but we have some strong runners coming back and I anticipate the boys’ team to be as strong as it was in 2018,” said Coonrod, who begins his 11th year with the EJSHS cross country program.

Lost to graduation were Josiah Bolton, Micah Bolton, Caden Whetzel, Dave Wesseler and on the girls’ team, Kara Rodriguez.

Key runners returning from the 2018 season are: Noah Erichsen, Logan Erichsen, Hayden Rogers, Braden Schulte, Jaxson Stefek, Jonathan Spachek, Grady Mueller, Joni Schroeder, Brenna Pruitt, Chelsy Most and Kirsten Meier.

Promising newcomers are Yousoph Mostafa, Pedro Marquez, Travis Bentley, Byron Johnson, Ian Hays, Cassie Duncan, Olivia Neuman and Braeden Sheridan.

“Our numbers are down on the girls’ side this year, and we’ll have some high expectations for the girls to step up a little and be ready to perform as well,” Coonrod said.

Janet Schulte is assistant cross country coach.

The last time Ellsworth won a state cross country title was in 2004, when both the boys and girls were 3A champions.

“Most of our team has been running in our program since middle school and many were running over the summer. Experience and condition will certainly help us out,” Coonrod said.

“Those that didn’t get the miles or races in over the summer will be under pressure to work hard to make sure they’re able to step up when needed in a meet.”

Coonrod predicted Southeast of Saline boys and girls will be tough to beat this year. Beloit also could be a challenge.