LAKEWOOD — Lakewood cross country coach Jeff Sowards said to look for seniors James Hafner and Anthony Meza, and freshman Alex Jensen as key contributors this season on the boys team as top runners in their new 2A Northwest Conference.

Sowards added that senior Keely Hall, junior Palina Buchanan and freshman Madison Howe serve as promising legs for the girls.

“We have not set goals yet, but adjusting to the challenge of the new conference will obviously be one of them,” Sowards said. “We have always competed well against the teams from the NWC at district, and it will be nice to mix it up with them on a weekly basis now.”

To be unchanged is Lakewood hosting the Hole in the Wall Invitational Oct 8.

ARLINGTON — Arlington cross country coach Mike Shierk is most excited for seniors KJ Mullin and Eric Acero-Rosas on the boys team as they were state participants last season.

On the girls side Shierk said junior Mary Andrews will be a strong contributor, as well as some “tough freshman looking to make an impact.”

MARYSVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck cross country coach Cali Burnett said she has returning talent but is also excited for the newcomers.

“Our roster is growing and will hopefully peak once other sports have made their cuts,” she said.

Such newcomers are sophomore Jeffrey Richner, who has experience in track, and junior Josiah Gould, who played on the basketball team. The veterans are senior captains Kennedy Lentini and Nathan Venables – but most of the team is returnering and will show improvement, the coach said.

Returning runners on the girls team include Machalla Frisch.

ARLINGTON — The Arlington boys tennis team returns a senior-loaded team.

“We should do pretty well, although our chance for a league title was certainly damaged by the arrival of Snohomish into Wesco 3A North,” coach Ben Mendro said.

Mendro said key returners will be seniors Connor Guthrie, Nick Mendro, Isaiah Mitzelfeldt, Sean McCauley, Wren Pullig and Kenny Knutson. Though Snohomish will be the team to beat, Stanwood and Everett will also be worthy competition, Mendro said.