ROCKINGHAM — To win the Southeastern Conference cross country championship, a program has to figure out a way to beat the juggernaut that is Pinecrest.
Richmond coach Reggie Miller doesn’t think his teams are on the same level as Pinecrest — yet.
The Richmond girls team will return all-conference honoree Cameron Hudson. Last season, Hudson finished ninth in the conference meet.
In addition to Hudson, Miller will also welcome back his daughter, Brandi, as well as Kayley Mabe and Shelby Matheson. Summer Moore also returns after sitting out last season.
“I didn’t lose any girls from last year,” Miller said. “This year they have been working hard, staying dedicated, staying committed to the summer workouts. They are understanding in order to win, you have to have determination, commitment and hard work.”
For the second straight year, the girls roster will not feature a senior. Miller believes this group is a year away from being able to make some noise in the conference and region.
“We don’t have any seniors again this year,” Miller said. “I’m not going to say we are going to win anything this year, but we just want to compete at the level with the best teams to see where we stand. This same squad will be coming back next year, then I say they will have a strong chance.”
On the boys side, an all-conference performer will also return for Richmond. Brandon Silva, like Hudson, was ninth in the conference meet. Another all-conference runner from last year, Wells Griffin, who placed 10th, elected to not return to the team this fall.
Miller said there two seniors on the team this year and the rest of the roster is composed of ninth and 10th-graders.
“They are young, they are just looking to compete,” Miller said. “If they run in a meet like they practice, they will do good.”
Two of the young runners Miller believes will have a good season are Zachariah Hamilton and Tyler Parker. Miller added both of them participated in the running club at Rockingham Middle and competed in a 5K race. Miller is hoping the addition of Hamilton and Parker will be be able to replace the loss of Griffin.
With a relatively young and inexperienced squad, Miller’s expectations for the boys team may not be as high for the girls, but he believes they can do well.
“All I’m expecting them to do is compete and if they finish the race, they win the race,” Miller said. “If they ever quit in a race, then they will quit the next race. And the race after that. But if they cross the finish line, in the next race they will say, ‘Oh, I finished strong in that race, I will finish stronger in the next race.’
“If these boys improve, it could be something to see.”
Richmond will open its season Saturday evening by competing in the Jungle Run at South View. Miller said his teams will run in the “B” race to give them a little confidence before opening their SEC schedule. Richmond will travel to Lumberton Tuesday to face Lumberton and Pinecrest in a three-team meet.
Reach managing editor Shawn Stinson at 910-817-2671 and follow him on Twitter @scgolfer.