'Fear This' By Mike Blackerby editor@oakridgesports.com You’ve probably seen those cars with the “Fear This” logo plastered at the tops of the windshields. Most likely, those vehicles belong to members of the Oak Ridge High School boys’ cross country team. However, the Fear Factor has nothing to do with the automobiles they drive. Coming off a 2005 state Class AAA title, coach Allen Etheridge’s harriers have plenty of reason to be confident, if not cocky. Five of the seven runners who helped Oak Ridge’s boys to their sixth state championship return. “I want to repeat,” that’s my personal goal,” said Etheridge, in his third season as head coach of the Ridgers. “I want there to be no questions – no ifs and buts – about us being the best team this year. I really never felt like we ran as well last year as we could have.” While Etheridge was certainly pleased with the Oak Ridge boys’ first C-C title since 1991, he wants a dominating performance this fall. In last year’s state meet, Oak Ridge scored 122 points to edge out Bolton (144) and Brentwood (148) at the Steeplechase Course. “Last year, people talked about us all year. We were ranked No. 1 in the state the entire year and went the entire season with a big bull’s-eye on our backs. Personally, I like that. I don’t want us to sneak up on anybody. I like people to fear us.” Junior Chris Cole figures to do his share of terrorizing this season for the Wildcats. After earning all-state honors as a freshman, Cole suffered through some injury problems last season. Cole was 14th in the state as a ninth grader and 29th as a sophomore. “He was one of the best freshmen in the country,” said the refreshingly blunt Etheridge. “Then, he had a succession of injuries. Last year was a struggle for Chris.” This year, if Cole stays healthy, the sky is the limit, according to Etheridge. “Chris has had a great summer. He ran more miles than ever before. Realistically, a top-five finish at the state is well within his reach. I think he can win it.” Etheridge said that Cole’s speed is what sets him apart. “Chris has run a 51-flat in the 400. There are a limited number of cross country runners who can do that. Joe Angellini is the only other one I’ve coached who has that combination of speed and distance (ability).” While a healthy Cole is without question the Wildcats’ pacesetter, several other runners are nipping at his heels. Etheridge said that juniors Ethan McGroom, Emerson Peacock and Maclean O’Donnell like to, shall we say, challenge Cole. “Probably everybody on the team knows that when Chris is healthy, he’s the leader of the pack. But they want to beat him – they’re not that far behind. “Ethan has had an unbelievable summer. He’s my break-out pick this year. Emerson is right there with Chris and Ethan. He has run 40 to 70 miles a week this summer. He’s in great shape. Maclean is a great racer who is incredibly strong running the middle miles.” The Wildcats also have great senior leadership in captain Ben Shassere, according to Etheridge. “Ben had a good track season and he is in really good shape.” Etheridge said precocious freshman John Sharpe and junior Cory O’Lear are strong bets to fill out the Wildcats’ seven-man varsity roster. “John is better developed and knows more than just about any freshman you’ll find. John’s gonna compete and he’s a lot closer than these guys think.” “Compete” may be the mantra for this bunch of Wildcats, said Etheridge. “This is definitely the most competitive group I’ve coached in my 10 years here.” |
