MARYSVILLE — Small, private schools aren’t the ones whose athletic programs are feeling the sting of the economic times.

Even at one of the largest schools in the state, the cross country team has lost runners who would have brought varsity experience and leadership to the team to the demands of an after-school job.

While some may still turn out, it leaves the Tomahawk cross country team with three returning varsity runners. On the other hand, turnout remains steady overall compared to past years. Coach Randy Edens is hoping to have as many as 40 guys and 20 girls competing in Tomahawk reds this fall on area courses.

“We’ve got good numbers and we’ve seen a lot of new faces,” Edens said. “We’re young and I’m not sure how strong we’ll be.”

Two sure things for the Marysville-Pilchuck boys team this year are senior captains Josh Rasmussen and Stevie Utt. Members of the team since their freshman year, the boys have put in a lot of work over the summer, logging about 500 miles, and are ready to compete in their final season as Tomahawks.

After three years on the team and a lot of varsity competition, the guys are stepping confidently into the leadership role.

“They know what it’s about, showing kids the ropes,” Edens said.

On the girls side, the lone returning runner with much varsity experience is junior Veronica Hall, who is struggling with injury.

Both teams are counting on new and young talent to contribute this season. While the next five or six runners for the boys and girls teams are still unclear, the team time trials Sept. 5 will help determine the team’s look early this season.

On the boys side, Rasmussen and Utt led the 2.1 mile race, finishing about 40 seconds ahead of the next boys. Senior Eduardo Carranza, another member of last year’s team, finished third in 12 minutes flat, on a course about a mile short of the high school standard 5k. From there, the next eight boys ran about a minute apart, which could give the boys team some competition and depth.

Senior Sam Mack and sophomores Cannon Counsellor and Erik Kundu also finished in under 13 minutes.

For the girls, a freshman turned in the fastest time, freshman Rachel Lefstad running a 13:33 time that delivered on a promising practice season. She was followed by rookie senior Marissa Carter, then Hall.

Finishing fourth in the girls time trials was Alissa Belan, a soccer player crossing over this fall as she mends from an injury. Fifth was another freshman, Riley Wolfington and sixth, senior Jen Rosie who ran a personal record in the 5k at last year’s Wesco Divisional Championships, where she stepped up as a varsity runner.

“It’s going to be a work in progress,” Edens said.

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