MERIDIAN

TROJANS

Coach: Mike Holz

Last year: Finished ninth at the NWC Championships. Placed third at the 1A tri-district meet. Finished 10th at the 1A State Championships.

Runners to watch: Kelby Todd (sr.), Collin Magnusson (so.), Davis Phillips (jr.), David Anderson (jr.), Derek Morrow (so.), Levi Morrow (so.), Jeremy Ryan (sr.), Jay Crandall (sr.), Rico Martinez (fr.)

Outlook: Ninth-ranked Meridian returns five of the seven runners it sent to state last year and has plenty of depth behind them. Not only that, Holz said the team did a great job in offseason preparation, so the Trojans are looking to take a step forward. Phillips should be a strong addition after converting from football because of back injuries. "He's a phenomenal runner," Holz said in a phone interview. "He adds more depth. It's exciting to see the possibilities on our guys' side. We are really strong 1 through 5. ... I'd be a liar if I don't say we don't want to win a trophy with these guys. Getting to the podium is a definite goal."

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