Panthers look to defend

Delta is the defending NWOAL boys cross country champion, but it could be an uphill battle to repeat. The Panthers lost a pair of all state runners in Nick Thomas (league champion) and J.D. Wilcox (league runner-up) to graduation.

Despite that loss, the Panthers do return several key runners from last season. Colin Fisher, Elliot Oberneder, Zachariah Lee, Maxx Lackie and Zech Hites are back.

"Five out of our two seven will return this year with two seniors on the team," said Coach Jeff Taylor. "We have a promising young class that will again compete for a league title and district title."

Tim Sintobin will b returning from the 2006 regional championship team to add to the experience. Promising newcomers are Kevin Abair and Nate Jackson.

Losing two all state runners could be a weakness, along with overall depth. "We have 11 boys on the squad, losing five from a year ago," said Taylor.

At the league level, he sees Bryan as the favorite. Locally he sees Pettisville, Hilltop and Fayette having strong teams. "We should be able to compete but must hope to stay injury free."

Girls CC

The Panther girls team returns some experience as they look to stay in the top half of the league.

Leading the returnees is defending NWOAL champion Jessica Kern. Also back are Amber Gombash, Andrea Mohler, Charity Tripp and Caitlyn Witt.

The front runners of the team should be a strength, according to Taylor.

"Our gap between 3-4-5 will be an issue this season," he said. "Losing two of our top seven girls from last year will be difficult, but newcomers should fill the gap."

Gone from last year are Sarah Steiner and Alycia Robinson.

In the league race, Taylor sees Wauseon as the favorite with Bryan most likely to follow. "If healthy, we should contend for a top 3 or 4 position."