by Jamie Harris
Ian Helmick returns for his second year as Head Coach: Ian Helmick. He has been coaching cross country in Morgan County for 19 years as head coach or assistant coach.
Season outlook and thoughts
The Berkeley Springs Cross Country team is gear- ing up for an exciting season under the leadership of Head Coach Ian Helmick. The team returns two standout runners, Isabelle Bingaman and LJ Sealey, who are both currently ranked on RunWV .com. Despite the loss of key runner Audrey Helmick, the team is optimistic with the addition of promising newcomer Bella Shoemaker.
This season brings new challenges and opportunities with the WVSSAC’s reorganization of Region II, introducing tough competition from schools like Liberty Harrison, Lewis County and Robert C. Byrd. These teams bring top ranked runners that Berkeley Springs hasn’t faced often, making for an intriguing season ahead.
Coach Helmick is eager to see how his athletes perform on the courses this year, especially with the added competition. “I’m looking forward to seeing the kids on the courses,” he shared, signaling confidence in his team’s preparation and potential.
The roster includes for the girls: Isabelle Bingaman, Charity Brown, Kayleigh Coulter, Eva Sealey and Bella Shoemaker. For the boys will be: Haven Ailor, Zander Clark, Jay Nazelrod, Jake Risinger, LJ Sealey (Captain), Liam Stewart and Josh Walls.
The coaching staff includes Ian Helmick Head Coach, John Rowland and Anne Helmick, Assistant Coaches.
With a solid mix of returning talent and fresh faces, Berkeley Springs Cross Country is poised for a competitive season. Keep an eye on this team as they navigate the new challenges of their updated region and strive for success on the courses.
Berkeley Springs will open their season up on September 7 at the Zumbach Invitational in Brunswick, Md., at 10:30 a.m.
