Reedsport cross country looking strong

REEDSPORT — The top names for boys on the Reedsport cross country team should be familiar for those on the coast, while the top girls will be quite literally foreign.

Juniors Justin Halstead and Duncan Law return for their third years of running for the Braves, while German foreign exchange student Hanna Rieser and freshman Lindsay Wright look promising for the girls.

Halstead and Law ran sixth and seventh in their season-opening meet at the Oakland Invitational on Thursday, while Rieser was ninth in the girls race, her first ever.

“Hanna comes from a soccer background but enjoys running,” Reedsport coach Ron Frakes said. “She’s taken to cross country well and is looking good.”

Halstead placed 17th at the District 4 championships last fall as the Braves tied Bandon for third place in the team standings. Law, Tony Hernandez and Sean Halstead also return from that team.

Sophomore Anthony Halstead, among the top 3A lightweight wrestlers, placed 30th at districts, but is out until midseason with a knee injury.

“It’s nice to have some experience on the team but they’re still young so will be around in the future,” Frakes said.

Sophomore Alan Roy had a strong debut Thursday, placing ninth in Oakland. Freshman Dalton Burch is new to the program.

Freshman Lindsay Wright joins the cross country program with an already impressive track and field resume. Wright won the youth girls pole vault at the State Junior Olympic meet in June for the Prefontaine Track Club.

“Lindsay’s running experience is mostly sprinting, but she’s a good athlete all-around and this wil be good for her,” Frakes said. “She’ll be one to watch out for.”

She’ll also play on the Brave volleyball team along with freshman Suzy Martinez.

Sophomore Rebecca Hedges is the lone returning girl. Brazilian exchange student Marina Faria also joins the program.

Reedsport hosted the annual Road, Lake and Dune Run Saturday and the Far West League/Sunset Preview meet is Tuesday in nearby Lakeside. The District 4 championships will be Oct. 25 at Bullards Beach State Park.