Coming off a 2011 rebuilding season, the 2012 SRJC track team looks bright with a re-energized coaching staff, returning sophomores and new freshmen blood.

Freshman and former Montgomery High School runner, Julie Nacouzi, posted impressive times at the inter-squad meet on Feb. 17. Nacouzi ran a 10.51 in the 3K and 3.18 in the 1K.

Sophomore Eli Stephenson also ran strong, after suffering a season ending injury in 2011. Stephenson posted a 9.26 in the 3K, close to where he needs to be to qualify for state relays.

“My performance was ok, I’m working off a bit of an injury and Tyler definitely pushed me,” Stephenson said. “I was in a cast last year so didn’t really to compete, but I ran cross country in the fall and we did really good.”

“Julie had a really great day today, she ran very well,” coach David Wellman said. “ She got under 11 in the 3K, which is very good. The sprinters also did very well, we’re really trying to put the sprint team together because that’s what we were lacking last year.”

On March 3 the team will face American River College for the Beaver Relays which last all day.