Lawrence High senior Chris Williams has a chance to do what only one other boys cross country runner in Kansas has accomplished -- win three consecutive big-class state meets.
Former Shawnee Mission Northwest standout Steve Fein is the only other runner to win three big-class state titles (1992-94).
Williams, the two-time defending Class 6A state champion, has won 15 of 18 races for the Lions the past two seasons.
"I'm elated to have a leader that has the experience, intelligence and background to do some of the things he does as a team member," LHS cross country coach Dick Reamon said of Williams. "Chris stands to be maybe the best in the state."
Williams and his teammates will open the season this morning at the Baker Invitational at Baldwin Country Club. The boys varsity race will begin at 10 a.m. The girls will run at 9 a.m.
The boys' meet features SM Northwest and LHS, the top two finishers at last year's state meet. The girls' meet also features the top two state placers -- SM Northwest and Olathe South.
Reamon believes the LHS boys can push Northwest again come Oct. 30 at the Class 6A state meet at Rim Rock.
"I'm real high on the boys team," Reamon said. "I don't want to be so high that we can't match our expectations. Everyone involved believes it's going to be a very fine year. They've all done quite well. I think they paid quite a price."
Senior D.J. Hilding is running No. 2 for the LHS boys. Williams and Hilding are the team captains.
Following a mile run with their teammates, the two took an extra lap around the Haskell track at last week's jamboree. Williams wore a black mask, a black and red cape and a "Captain Cross Country" shirt. Hilding waved the LHS cross country flag.
"We decided to take a lap to be funny," Williams said.
Like his coach, Williams is excited about the season.
"Northwest is a powerhouse, and we're starting to consider ourselves in their caliber," Williams said, "and this meet (today) is a good way to start the year. Our team looks leaps and bounds better than before."
Williams, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, has received plenty of recruiting attention. He has narrowed his choices to Princeton, Duke, Arizona and Michigan.
He said he likely will decide on a college in February.
"I think about it every day," Williams said. "But I'm not in any hurry. I'm going to wait until the cross country season is over and make my mind up over winter break."
Joining Williams and Hilding at today's meet will be Eli Allen, Adam Beals, Brian Collins, Dylan McClain and Justin Riley.
Sophomore Andrea Hemphill, 19th at state last year, is the top runner for the LHS girls.
"Andrea is a very fine athlete, maybe one of the better athletes in Lawrence," Reamon said.
Senior Elise Schnose is running No. 2 for the girls.
Other top runners for the LHS girls are Megan Bates, Sarah Butler, Megan Rahmeier, Skye-Laurel Riggs, Stacey Urban and Kristina Young.
"I like our kids' attitudes and effort," Reamon said.
Reamon is in his second stint as LHS cross country coach. He coached the Lion girls from 1983 to '96 and was the LHS boys and girls coach in '94-'96.
-- Steve Rottinghaus' phone message number is 832-7152. His e-mail address is srottinghaus@ljworld.com
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