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Eastern Region cross country preview

WHEN: Today. Boys meet begins at 3:00 p.m.; girls begin at 3:30.

WHERE:

Bells Mill Park, Chesapeake.

COST:

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students.

BOYS’ OUTLOOK:

Gloucester’s Douglas Fenstermacher is a contender for the individual title after his Peninsula District win last week. He is likely to challenge Kellam’s Bobby Peavey for the championship. The district champion Dukes also have a chance to qualify for the state meet with a top four team finish, but Western Branch, Ocean Lakes, Hickory and Kellam are formidable. Menchville, Kecoughtan and Bethel join Gloucester in the regional field, but none are likely to be serious contenders. Among individuals, Heritage’s Orlando Burton (PD runnerup) could slip into the top 15 and secure a spot in the state meet.

GIRLS’ OUTLOOK:

Last week’s duel between Gloucester’s Hannah Varnell and Hampton’s Kristina Woodard proved they are the class of the Peninsula District. Varnell edged Woodard by one second, while the rest of the field lagged nearly two minutes behind. The competition this week is tougher, including South Hampton Roads stars like Tallwood’s Octavia Rinehardt, Ocean Lakes’ Stacy Nobles and Western Branch’s Callen Powers and Natalie Wynn. Rinehardt should add to her fantastic senior year with a regional crown. Varnell and Woodard can be expected to place highly and advance to the state meet. Gloucester heads the list of PD entrants, which also includes Bethel, Hampton and Kecoughtan. Quality competition from Ocean Lakes, Western Branch, Great Bridge, Hickory and Kellam will probably thwart any PD squad from advancing to states.

DANIEL MAHER