Running on empty

Rebuilding is part of high schools athletics. Kofa cross country coach Tom Spanton was one returning starter away from a literal complete rebuilding project.

Only Leo Barrera has cross country experience among the returning Kings' boys team. The girls' side is even more depleted, with all-region runner Stephanie Ledgerwood among the notable graduates. The projected top runner on the girls' side, Amanda Garcia, also will be golfing in the fall.

Not to mention Spanton is taking over for Charlie Splawn, who spent 10 years coaching the Kings.

"I'm kind of doing some of the things he did, but putting my own spin on it," Spanton said. "Charlie did more of an over-distance training with the kids, and I'm trying to mix it up a bit, doing some speed work every week and distance every week and hills at some intervals."

Barrera said he's adjusting well to Spanton - who was an assistant to Splawn for three years, then took three years off before returning to assist last year.

"There have been many changes I'm not used to," Barrera said. "It's all different exercises and stretching and everything."

Spanton said that having just one runner back may be a blessing in disguise, at least from the standpoint of installing a new system.

"Honestly, I think it's a good thing," Spanton said. "It's all new to them, so there's no pre-conceived notions of 'We did this last year, why are we doing this this year.' It's kind of nice starting fresh in a rebuilding year."

In addition to Barrera, Spanton said senior Michael Cradic and sophomore Adam Spencer - both played football last year and have track experience - should provide a strong 1-2-3 punch.

"We have a good boys team," Cradic said. "I think we should be pretty good this year. Everybody works real hard at practice, so I think we should be good."

Spencer said he's not sure what the season will hold for the Kings.

"We came to run, and that's what we're going to do," Spencer said. "We'll see if it have what it takes."

Garcia steps in to lead a girls' team missing it's entire 2008 roster. While golf is her priority, she said she was looking to help the team out.

Either way, Spanton is just glad to have her on the team.

"She comes when she can and she gets after it, and I think that's spectacular," Spanton said. "She's pretty much the best girls runner and the best girls golfer. She's a good kid."

Seemingly there would be a vacuum in leadership with runners like Ledgerwood and Ricardo Valdez gone from last year. But Spanton said this year's group - led by Barrera, Spencer, Cradic and Garcia are incredibly motivated.

"It's actually kinda cool. By the time I get up here (to the track), the four are pretty much getting everything going," Spanton said. "It's not the coach saying 'It's six o'clock, let's go.' I walk up here and they've already started their warm-ups. It's nice. And I didn't even have to say 'You're a leader, you're a leader, you're a leader.' I just stood back and see what they did, and it's nice. They are really stepping into those roles."