For the first time in half a decade, Westlake coach Bert Bonnecarrere’s biggest concern isn’t with the Chaps’ regional foes.

Instead, Bonnecarrere must worry about just reaching the Region II meet, considering that the five-time defending district champion Chaps return just two runners with any varsity experience.

“This will be a challenging season,” he said. “We hope to get some help from a very talented group of sophomores and freshmen. How this team comes together and jells is hard to say.”

Such a shift in anxiety parallels Westlake’s shift to Region II, which is loaded with a group of powerhouses headlined by defending Class 5A champion The Woodlands. Bonnecarrere calls Region II “the best in the state, without question,” and the Chaps would have a hard time improving on last season’s 20th-place finsh at the Region IV meet regardless of their experience.

Instead, said Bonnecarrere, his young team must hold off hungry squads from District 15-5A foes Anderson and Bastrop if the Chaps hope to retain their district title.

Westlake does have several veterans to lean on as the youngsters get their feet wet. Seniors Christian Umstadd and Michael Shumaker both have varsity experience. Classmates Eric Bartmess and Dylan Warnock also return to the program but have yet to tally points for the Chaps.

“At this point, it’s hard to say who will emerge as leaders, but we have some talented runners,” Bonnecarrere said.

Last year’s freshmen will need to develop into steady point producers, Bonnecarrere said. Ben Zuker, Matt Schindel, Hayden Byrd and Sam Domino all had strong season in their high school debut.

“And we have some new additions and freshmen who could also fill some holes in our lineup,” Bonnecarrere said.

This season, filling those holes appear to be Bonnecarrere’s biggest concern.

Coach: Bert Bonnecarrere

Last Season: Won District 25-5A, placed 20th at Region IV meet.

Players to Watch:
Christian Umstadd returns as the team’s most experienced runner. … Senior classmate Michael Shumaker is the only other Chap with varsity experience.

TOUGHEST REGIONAL FOE:
The Woodlands has dominated Region II while becoming a state power.

LAST REGION II RESULTS:
The Chaps finished 13th in both 2004 and 2005.

SCHEDULE:
August
27: at Austin ISD Invitational
September
4: TBA
11: at UT-Arlington Invitational
18: at Cedar Park Invitational/UTSA meet, San Antonio
25: at RunTex Invitational, Decker Lake
October
2: at Round Rock McNeil, Old Settler’s Park
9: at Chaparral Invitational, Decker Lake
16: at Seguin Invitational
22: at District 15-5A meet, Decker Lake
November
6: at Region II meet, Arlington