Harrison enjoyed its best season in years last season, winning the Region 5AAAAA title and finishing fifth at the state meet.

Even better for Harrison is that the young runners who emerged to propel the Lady Hoyas to their breakthrough season are returning.

As a result, Harrison is primed for another outstanding season in 2009 as the clear favorite to win a second straight 5AAAAA title and claim another top-five state finish.

With senior Ali Waterson, sophomores Maria Boff and Kaylee Isaacsand juniors Marrion Kalafut and Megan Houlihan returning, Harrison co-coach Kent Simmons is confident a repeat of last year’s success is possible.

“We’re excited to have our top five girls all back,” Simmons said. “It should be another great season.”

Leading the way once again is Waterson, who finished third at the Region 5AAAAA meet (19:33) and 20th at the state meet (20:04.27).

Waterson also gets a boost of momentum from an outstanding track and field season in the spring, in which she finished ninth in the 3,200-meter run at the state meet, as well as from some strong offseason training.

“Ali has had a great track season and she’s had a phenomenal summer,” Simmons said. “She’s been running 45 miles a week, so she’s ready to go.”

Simmons said Waterson, one of Harrison’s co-captains, has also stepped up as a leader on the team as well as a runner.

“Ali is becoming a leader for us,” Simmons said. “She is one of our captains and the girls really rally around her.”

Right behind Waterson is sophomores Isaacs, a fifth-place finisher at the Region 5AAAAA last year, and Boff, a sixth-place finisher in 5AAAAA. who are battling it out for the No. 2 slot.

“Both of them are right there,” Simmons said. “They’re trading back and forth right now.”

Not far behind is Kalafut, who placed seventh in 5AAAAA in ’08.

“Marrion is right on (Isaacs and Boff’s) heels,” Simmons said.

The Lady Hoyas also expect strong contributions from Houlihan and sophomore Anne Gettinger as well.

Simmons is impressed with the bond that his Lady Hoyas have built with each other as well as their positive attitude and work ethic.

“They push each other and help each other,” Simmons said. “If someone has a bad practice or a bad day in general, they are there for each other. They each have a positive attitude and are eager to accept instruction from the coaches. They work hard and are committed to getting better everyday.”

Harrison will be tested early as the Lady Hoyas open the season with three of the top regular season meets in the state — the Stage Races in Duluth Aug. 29, the Berry Invitational Sept. 5 and the Carrollton Invitational Sept. 12.