Bruins, with new head coach, are again the team to beat

For nearly two decades, talk of prep cross-country in Utah Valley has begun with one team. And until somebody knocks them off their perch, Mountain View remains the team to beat.

This year the Bruins begin a new era without coaching legend Dave Houle. But the new man at the helm is no novice. Mike Hunter was an assistant coach at Mountain View for eight years before taking over the head position last spring.

"The transition has been pretty smooth," Hunter said. "We know the kids really well. I don't foresee any problems or letdowns."

The term "letdown" doesn't seem to be in Mountain View's vocabulary, as the Bruin boys gun for their 10th straight state title.

And while they look strong enough to continue their trademark performances this year, Mountain View's teams may not be as lonely on the medal stand. Provo's boys are also coming off a title run, and Timpview returns a young and hungry crew.

For the girls, Spanish Fork upset Mountain View in Region 4 last year, and Orem, Provo, Timpview and Payson are all in contention for the 4A girls crown this season.

5A boys

Every year, Mountain View seems to pull something new out of its hat to produce the same old winning result. This year it could be Steve Rowe, a senior sprinter from the Bruins' track squad who will compete for the first time in cross-country. Senior Coulsen Goodwin is the top gun, with Luke Harrison and Travis Fuller back to help defend bragging rights.

The top competition in Region 4 could come from any number of schools. American Fork looks to rebound after a disappointing third-place finish at state and looks strong with senior Geoff Nelson and juniors Ben Felix and Jarett Pulsipher to help out.

Lone Peak and Spanish Fork both return a strong core of runners. Danny Barney and Marcus Forbes should be strong for the Knights, and Timpanogos' Matt Reeves and Brent Young lead the way for the Timberwolves. Pleasant Grove is coming off a strong summer session with high hopes for the coming season.

5A girls

Spanish Fork turned a few heads last fall with its upset of perennial power Mountain View in the Region 4 championship. The Dons should contend again this year, as they return three of their top five runners from that championship squad.