2012 Fall Preview: Bonneson, Fishbaugher expected to lead Park boys runners this fall

After not sending a runner to the state meet the past few years, Park head coach Mike Moran is hoping junior Evan Bonneson can be the next one to do it.

Last season, as a sophomore, Bonneson was 19 places away from the state meet, taking 29th place at the section championships — the best finish by a Wolfpack runner in the race.

After the meet, Moran — entering his 21st year as Park head cross country coach — said he has “no doubt” Bonneson will reach state this year or next year.

This fall, Bonneson will help lead a group of guys needing to replace 2012 grads Joey Pierre and Robert Briggs — the second and third best runners for the Wolfpack last season.

Among those looking to fill Pierre and Briggs’ jogging shoes is senior Cade Fishbaugher, who was the Wolfpack’s fourth-best runner a year ago, sophomore Ryan Tolkinen and senior captain Michael Harrison.

In the Suburban East Conference, the projected top boys teams in the Suburban East Conference will come as no surprise – Stillwater and White Bear Lake. In the section, the teams to beat are believed to be Eastview, Burnsville and Rosemount.

Key races for the Wolfpack this season include: Thursday, Sept. 6, at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, the Milaca Mega Meet on Saturday, Sept. 22, and the SEC Championships on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Tags: 2012 fall preview, cross country, sports, prep, updates, park, wolfpack