“Wanted: Veteran runners for two-time defending academic state championship girls cross country team. Prefer middle school mud running experience, but will take anyone who loves to run.They’re not advertising, but if they did, the South Whidbey High School girls cross country team might run an ad that reads something like this. Outside of veteran experience, the 2000 crop of Falcon runners have almost everything they need to be a state contender — except a large number of experienced seniors. They have youth, speed, depth, brains, and a hunger for a big WIAA trophy. But last spring’s graduation has taken a toll on the team, with senior leaders Elisha Ishii, Briony Morrow-Cribbs, Jenny Vogelsberg, Jessie Enell, Marianna Norby, and Candice Burt leaving for college cross country courses and other endeavors.Those seniors helped the team to a second place finish in the NCC last year, second place at the district meet, and sixth place at the 2A state meet. Most of them were part of the team for six of the Falcons’ 10 consecutive appearances at state.In contrast, this year’s team has only one runner, senior Lisa Depender, entering her sixth season of competition. Most of the remaining 15 runners are in their first, second, or third years. Head cross country coach Doug Fulton said a good season of training and racing should help the team gel though it is bereft of old-time veterans. Proper preparation, he said, should help them score a runner-up placing in this year’s North Cascades Conference championships.We’re going to be young, Fulton said. I think we’re a solid second.Solidly in first, however, is a Mount Baker team that frustrated the Falcons last year. The Mountaineers won the state championship last year and will probably come into the season ranked number-one in the state. Unlike this year, the Mountaineer and Falcons will not meet until the Oct. 20 NCC championship meet.Thus, the Falcons are a big unknown this year, even to their coach. Backing Depender will be second-year phenom Sara DeGraff and sophomore Julie Gabelein. Both placed in the top 50 at last year’s state meet. Also expected to turn in key runs this season are Kirsten Smethurst, Megan Kelly and Karen Schwager. But Fulton can only scratch his head and wonder about the freshmen turning out. Malena Hymas brings name recognition to the team, following in her state-champion sister’s footsteps. Also bringing solid running credentials to the team are Callie Supsinskas, Laura Hudson, and Carrie Mann.Fulton said he believes he has the kind of squad most coaches can only dream of, particularly if everyone reaches their potential and barring injuries.We could be better than last year, he said.The Falcons run their first meet on Sept. 7 in a league jamboree in Mount Vernon. “