Distance aces

We are a long ways from the section cross country finals. Distance runners are still working themselves into shape after a summer of long distance training.
Yet, the talent in Monterey County this fall is as deep as it has been in a decade.
Three Central Coast Section divisional champions are back, including Notre Dame's Nina Anderson, who finished seventh in the state meet last year as a sophomore.
James Palaniuk hopes to repeat the feat in Division V after winning last year's section finals by 42 seconds. He was also a part of York's CCS title team.
The same can be said for Stevenson's James Silvestri, who runs cross country to stay in shape.
Not only did he run off with the MTAL title last fall, he won the CCS Division IV crown, helping Stevenson to a CCS team title.
Silvestri will be in fast company this year with King City's Samuel Hales and Carmel's Galen Lanier both coming off state meet appearances.
A couple of other names to watch include Salinas senior Max Bell, who is the second fastest returning runner in the CCS in Division I.
Running cross country for the first time last year after being a sprint champion, Anna Welsh of Monterey will chase a CCS title in Division III.