It can be very tough to replace three all-state caliber distance runners in the same year, but that’s just what the Glenwood Springs Demons’ boys and girls cross country teams will try to do this fall after the graduations of Gavin Harden and Henry Barth on the boys side, and Emily Worline on the girls side.

Fortunately for third-year head coach Justin Baum, the Demons return a number of talented underclassmen with varsity experience, while welcoming a highly talented freshman into the fold on the girls side.

Returning on the boys side is Will Berkeimer, Dalton Deiter and Quinn MacPherson, giving Baum a talented trio to work with, while the girls see emerging sophomore Ella Johnson, a soccer and track star in the spring, return for the fall with a full year of high school under her belt.

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Standout distance runner Sophia Connerton-Nevin makes the move up from the middle school level, where she dominated during the school year and in the local running circuit, giving the Demons a young runner to build up.

“Our girls team should be really solid,” Baum said. “We’re in the toughest region in the state with teams like Battle Mountain, Steamboat Springs, and a couple of teams from the Denver area. But the girls have been competing against them for a bit and know what to expect.”

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As for the boys, Baum is excited to see what the young talent brings but isn’t quite sure what to expect from a team standpoint.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Baum said. “We’re young with the boys, but they’re good. We also have a few track athletes coming out for cross country this year, so it’s going to be really interesting to see how it all comes together.”

jcarney@postindependent.com