After a successful 17-year run at Parkland, cross country head coach Loretta Dodson has retired. Her successor is no stranger to the Parkland community.

Stephen Ott, a sixth-grade science and language arts teacher at Orefield Middle School for the last 18 years, will lead the Trojans. He’s served as an assistant cross country and football coach and is former athlete at the school, where he played three sports.

Ott will focus on tutoring his squad on basics, including being in top physical shape and having a tough mental outlook.

“Our team motto is ‘be fast,’” the coach said. “Believing they are capable of running fast will help them reach that end.”

Parkland’s boys team has some holes to fill, but the Trojans are always competitive on the boys side and this year won’t be different. The new coach has lost the services of graduates Riley Williamson and Matthew Santacoloma - two excellent long-distance men, but that doesn’t mean Ott doesn’t have any talent remaining on the team.

Leading the way is senior Nathan Reimer, a strategic runner who is in excellent condition. In last season’s PIAA District 11 Class 3A championship, Reimer finished 13th overall with a time of 17:01.18. He also took 11th in the EPC Championships, registering a time of 17:24.09.

Another young man Ott will be counting on is senior Ethan Warren, a battler who had a strong ‘18 campaign. He finished 24th in District 11 with a time of 17:20.92, and 14th in the EPC clocking in at 17:32.6. Another emerging star who could have a breakout 2019 is junior Benjamin Esquieres, who finished 42nd in districts at 17:50.69 and 19th in the EPC championships with a 17:39 mark.

“They helped the team to success last year and have worked hard this summer preparing for the season,” Ott said.

Logan Iacobelli, a senior, could also factor into Parkland’s success this season. He finished 78th in the EPC last season, registering a 19:23.7 time. Another young man Ott said could break out is Michael Schmidt.

“Both participated in other sports this spring,” said Ott. “They have put in the miles this summer and should help our team this year.”

Ott is cautiously optimistic about this season.

“I believe we will have a strong team and compete for the league and district titles,” the coach said. “Our student-athletes are capable of this provided we stay healthy and put the work in.”