MORRISTOWN-There were high expectations surrounding the senior-laden Cocke County High School cross country team heading into their new season Tuesday evening at Panther Creek State Park.

The building process began several years ago, and the squad was headed toward a peak season. This season would be it.

"We've got a lot of seniors," said Cocke County head coach Mark Hawk. "These kids were with us when we made a big push to build our program. It's been a steady progression over the past four years, and we've made strides in each of those years. After a good camp in June, I really felt that this would be our season."

But, things have happened since June, and coach Hawk isn't pleased about it.

"Here we are at Panther Creek to start the season, and we simply aren't prepared," said coach Hawk. "Since our June camp, we've kind of laid down with a feeling that we could cruise through this season. That's not how it works. You've got to keep working. We didn't, and we're not prepared today. We're suffering from senioritis."

The Cocke County squad began their 2010 campaign at the Panther Creek Cross Country Invitational Tuesday evening at Panther Creek State Park just outside Morristown in Hamblen County. The Lady Red sent only three runners to the start line while the Big Red started ten, far short of what coach Hawk had counted on.

"We were missing some runners tonight," said coach Hawk, "two especially, that are top runners that would have helped us. But, they failed to get physicals, and can't run until they do."

But, even with the lower number, the squad gave it everything they had, and it paid off.

FOR FULL STORY, SEE SATURDAY/SUNDAY (AUGUST 28-29) PLAIN TALK