VHS runners ready to contribute to G-H/V/WH squad

 Three Ventura cross country runners will begin their second year as part of the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura/West Hancock cross country team.  The team is coached by Jeff Short, who has been coaching the Garner-Hayfield/West Hancock team since 2005.  Ventura joined the combined program in 2010.  Runners from Ventura include Joel Toppin, Jeff O’Brien and Jacob Heinemann.

    This year’s G-H/V/WH team has 42 boys and girls on the squad.  Friday, Aug. 26, the group will have an inner squad meet to determine who will qualify for the top seven varsity spots.  According to Coach Short, these spots can be challenged at every meet and others can move in.
    Toppin, a freshman last season, earned a varsity spot last year.  Short said he expects big things from Toppin this year as a sophomore.  Toppin is also a team captain.
    “Joel is on a mission,” said Short.  “He has worked very hard and logged a lot of miles in the off-season.”
    Short said he also expects O’Brien to make a run for a varsity spot.
    “Jeff has also put in a bunch of miles this summer.  He has worked real hard and he will be a contender for a varsity spot,” said Short.
    Short said the goal of the boy’s team is to win conference and to qualify for State.  He - Read More Via e-Edition