Cross country led by fresh legs

By Jimmy Chai, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, September 3, 1998

This year's Long Beach State men's and women's cross country teams are setting out to accomplish new feats with fresh legs and young, hopeful attitudes.

"We're a young team and we'll grow, and this is a nice foundation."

-Andy Sythe

49ers cross country, head coach

"We are all sophomores and freshmen, except for one senior," said Andy Sythe, men's and women's cross country head coach. "We're a young team and we'll grow, and this is a nice foundation."

The women's team graduated five seniors, including its No. 1 and No. 2 runners.

"Last year, we had a strong season both men and women," Sythe said. "A lot of the improvements were made all the way up to the conference meet."

This year, Sythe is experiencing new changes, starting with Jen Johnstun, a new assistant coach.

"It's a little overwhelming, but not bad," said Johnstun, a graduate assistant from Weber State University and seven-time National Collegiate Athletic Association qualifier. "It's a lot more demanding [than running]. You can't just worry about yourself. You have to worry about 20 other people."

With Johnstun comes a new strength-training program and a fresh psychological aspect since she has competed on a national athletic level.

"We are a lot more improved from last year. The last two workouts, we have as many as five to six athletes running faster than our No. 1 did last year," Sythe said. "Our recruits are better this year than last year."

But with the young group, it is a learning process.

"We allow mistakes to be a learning experience, and allow the experienced athletes to teach and develop their own leadership," Sythe said.

The men's daily workout includes weight training and a 16-mile run, while the women run 12 miles.

The 13-member men's team and 7-member women's team are preparing for their first meet on Sept. 5 at Carbon Canyon Park in Brea, hosted by Cal State Fullerton.

However, Johann Appell, this year's top recruit, is out with a foot injury and is not expected to run in the first meet.

"We are going to be as good as he is. We are going to take it one step at a time, one week at a time," Sythe said. "Not look at the big picture at the end, but look at the big picture for its parts. And we will piece it together and come up with the final product."