Two Corona del Mar Runners Leave Team

CORONA DEL MAR — Cross-country standouts Dresden Howell and Brooke Meek, both seniors, have left the Corona del Mar girls’ team, Principal Don Martin said Tuesday.

“They’re welcome to stay on the team but only as team members,” Martin said. “That means they’re expected to work out with the team.”

Howell, a Times first-team all-county selection last year, said she and Meek had been attending team workouts, but those were followed by workouts under the supervision of her father.

“These girls didn’t quit, they were forced to quit,” said Norman Howell.

Martin said the runner’s dual-workout regimen had caused morale problems and raised concerns about special treatment.

“I’m really bummed out about it,” Howell said. “We were trying so hard to make everybody happy . . . “

Cross-country Coach Bill Sumner had no comment.