PENDLETON — Longtime girls cross country Coach Melissa Hagerman starts a new era as the boys coach this season as well.

She has a depth of talent on both sides.

Sophomore Ava Jarrell returns with experience after competing in the state track meet finals in the 800-meter run as a freshman. Jaycee Thurman and Hadley Walker had very solid track seasons last spring.

As a freshman, Jarrell led the team to a third-place finish in last year’s regional race at Delta and placed ninth overall. Jarrell and former Arabian Laney Ricker often traded the top finish throughout the season.

“We lost a solid group of seniors last year, but there is no doubt the girls will apply what they learned from the previous seniors and have a great season,” Hagerman said. “They have been dedicated to getting stronger and faster.”

The Arabians won the Madison County meet, were second in the Hoosier Heritage Conference and advanced to the semi-state last season.

Returning runners (girls): Raya Conway, Abby Davidson, Jillian Green, Ava Jarrell, Luci Lamper, Cassie Reed, Julieanne Spejewski, Jaycee Thurman, Hadley Walker, Olivia Welpott

Newcomers to watch: Lily Hessler, Sam Sutton

For the boys, returning senior Andrew Blake advanced to semistate last season and is joined by several other returnees including senior Jason Lyst and junior Will Coggins.

“The returning runners have shown a lot of promise and stepped up as leaders,” Hagerman said. “Several of the other boys have the potential to be leaders.”

Hagerman said she believes she has a strong team this season.

“I think the boys will be pretty solid and competitive. We have a lot of new runners who will be able to help the team out. Coach (Alan) Holden developed some great leadership in the returning runners,” Hagerman said.

Returning runners boys: Andrew Blake, Will Coggins, Jack Goehring, Jason Lyst, Dillon Penrod

Newcomers to watch: Jackson Craig, Benson Davis, Brighton Harrington, Devin Koperczak, Ashton Smith, Zack White