BELLINGHAM

RED RAIDERS

Coach: Bill McClement

Last year: Finished second at the NWC Championships. Placed fourth at the 2A Northwest District meet and had two runners advance to state.

Runners to watch: Brian Chmelik (jr.), Joe Charbonneau (sr.), Paris Speidel (sr.), Simon Maguire (jr.), Jamie Sayegh (jr.), Rowan Chappell (sr.), Cedar Roberts (sr.), Jacob Stahl (jr.)

Outlook: Chmelik returns after placing 40th at state last year, and third-ranked Bellingham is expecting big things from seniors Charbonneau and Speidel, as they attempt to take another step forward this year. Speidel missed qualifying for state by only two spots last year out one of the most difficult districts in the state. "We have some good returnees," McClement said in a phone interview. "They've been pretty dedicated about their conditioning. At the same time, we all know that this is the most competitive district. We hope to be one of those teams that's in the hunt."

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.