Here's an analysis of the NCAA female harrier teams. I have listed the teams according to the NCAA coaches' poll rankings (which I don't necessarily always agree with). Unless otherwise noted, the numbers in parentheses following individuals' names indicate that runner's finish at the '99 NCAA meet at Bloomington, IN; "FL" refers to that runner's finish at the Foot Locker Championships.

WEEKLY REVIEW: Defending champs BYU downed North Carolina State, Georgetown, Ball State and Duke at the 9/22 Great American Festival in a sloppy Friday night race under lights that felt the effects of the remnants of a hurricane. At the always strong 9/23 Griak Invite, host Minnesota downed a huge field including Yale (!), Arizona State, Arizona, Providence, Colorado State, Oregon, Marquette, Weber State, and Wake Forest. Michigan easily handled UNC and William & Mary at the W&M Interregional.

WEEKLY PREVIEW: On the West Coast, Stanford hosts Wisconsin, Kansas State, Brigham Young, Arkansas, Washington, Cal-Irvine in a clash of titians. In the east, a strong interregional field including Boston College, Brown, Texas A&M, Boston University, Bucknell, James Madison, and William & Mary will face off at the Iona Meet of Champions over the famed Van Cortlandt Park course.

1. STANFORD (West)
The Cardinal has the best 1-2-3 in the country with Lauren Fleshman, Erin Sullivan, and Julia Stamps, while three other returnees ran 16:45 or faster last spring.. Frosh Victoria Chang, the FootLocker champ, and Jillian Mastroianni, the FootLocker East winner, should impact here. The Cardinal scored easy wins at the 9/2 Hornet Harrier Classic and the 9/16 Fresno St Invite, although at the latter race Sullivan led for most of the first three miles of the 6k before succumbing to heat stroke and finishing almost a minute back from the leaders. Stanford faces Wisconsin, Kansas State, Brigham Young, Arkansas, Washington, Cal-Irvine at home on 9/30.
Newcomers: Victoria Chang, HI, 1st FL, 4:43.03 1500, 9:48.39 3k, 10:44.81; Jillian Mastroianni, NY, 20th FL, 9:47.7 3k, 10:33.54
Returnees -- Lauren Fleshman (5th, 4:17.76, 15:50.19; 2nd '98 FL), Erin Sullivan (7th, 9:27.66, 16:11.14; 2x FL champ), Julia Stamps (14th, 6th '98, 4th '97), Laura Turner (100th, 156th '98; 16:45.24), Mariel Ettinger (217th; 2nd '97 FL), Caroline Annis (40th '98; '99 USA World Jr Tm; 16:43.24, 34:42.37), Elena Villareal (16:33.48)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/6 NDame, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

2. WISCONSIN (Great Lakes)
The top returning team strictly off of athletes that ran in the '99 champs. Erica Palmer will attempt to defend her title, but will face a tough challenge from Colorado's Wheeler. Wisconsin finished 1-2-3-4-6 at the 9/16 Illinios Invite to win with a near-perfect 16 points. The Badgers face Stanford, Kansas State, Brigham Young, Arkansas, Washington, and Cal-Irvine at the 9/30 Stanford Invite.
Newcomers: Hilary Edmondson, Canada, 4:22.18 1500; Michelle Lilienthal, IA, 6th FL, 4:32.34 (1st Wisc Ch), 5:00.98, 9:47.53 3k
Returnees -- Erica Palmer (1st; 33:20.50), Erin Aufderheide (25th, 71st '98; 9:34.01, 16:28.08, 35:07.53), Bethany Brewster (54th, 62nd '98), Stephanie Pesch (88th, 112th '98; 4:19.13), Liz Reusser (112th, '98 Wisc XC champ; 9:27.55, 16:26.94; 34:53.67)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/29 Big-10s (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (MiSt)

3. KANSAS STATE (Midwest)
Returns just about everyone, but still needs their 5th to step it up -- this was their Achilles heel in '99. Korene Hinds and Amy Mortimer are a great 1-2 punch. K-State dominated the 9/2 Wichita State Invite with a 16-point total, then perfect scored the D-1 field at the 9/16 Woody Greeno meet. However, in both meets their fifth scorer was significantly behind their fourth. Next up is the 9/30 Stanford Invite, where they will face Stanford, Wisconsin, Brigham Young, Arkansas, Washington, and Cal-Irvine.
Newcomers: Cate Holston, KS, 11:08.44
Returnees -- Korene Hinds (10th; 2:03.72, 4:20.49, 9:10.10), Amy Mortimer (12th; 4:16.78, 9:13.74, 16:14.57), Anne Wetterhus (39th; 35:02.26), Amanda Crouse (68th; 9:35.31), Ekaterini Fotopoulou (170th), Julianne Kronoshek (221st)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/3 KsSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (Waterloo, IA)

4. COLORADO (Mountain)
The Buffs had an off day last year in Bloomington, but showed what they are capable of during the spring. Wheeler is considered a strong favorite to win the individual harrier title, while frosh Gorton debuted impressively at the 9/2 CU Time Trial. Colorado races at home this weekend at the Rocky Mountain Shootout.
Newcomers: Sara Gorton, AZ, 4:54.61, 9:36.24 3k, 10:26.74, Kendall Wheeler, MN, Minn St 1600 champ
Returnees -- Kara Wheeler (9th, 4:12.15, 8:54.82, 15:28.78); Catherine Wright (69th; 35:23.25), Tera Moody (118th; 16:42.11; 34:50.40), Jodie Hughes (187th; 9:25.89), Lesley Higgins (204th; 9:26.02), Molly Austin (236th), Jen Fazoli (127th '98, 18th '96 FL; 35:11.65
Meets: 9/30 Rocky Mt Shootout, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/16 Tiger Inv (B), 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Mtn Reg (CoSt)

5. BRIGHAM YOUNG (Mountain)
The Cougars return 3 runners -- Tara Northcutt, Sharolyn Shields-Thayer, and Sarah Elliot -- from the top 41 at last fall's NCAA meet, plus 3-4 more runners at 9:31 or faster last spring. They easily handled Washington and Weber State at the BYU Triple Crown, despite missing Northcutt (reportedly recovering from a minor knee injury). Also sans Northcutt, BYU thumped NC State, Georgetown, Ball State, and Duke at the Great American Festival. This weekend they face Stanford, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Arkansas, Washington, and Cal-Irvine at Stanford.
Newcomers: Holly Hunter, WV, 5:05.72, Nan Evans
Returnees -- Tara (nee Rohatinsky) Northcutt (17th; '00 NCAA 10k champ; 16:15.67, 33:49.24), Sharolyn Shields-Thayer (23rd, 13th '98; 9:17.71), Sarah Elliot (58th '99), Tara Haynes (77th '98, 38th '97), Jill Rencher (9:31.26), Sherida Rogers (9:27.76), Jill Rencher (9:31.26 '99), Melanie Steere (4:20.36 '99), Lindsey Thomsen
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 MtnW Conf (BYU), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber St)

6. NC STATE (Southeast)
The Wolfpack edged Virgina at their own 9/16 Wolfpack Invite, then fell to BYU at 9/22 Great American. At the latter race, NC State evidenced a tight 1-4 pack (7 sec gap), and only dropped 20 more secs to their 5th.
Newcomers: Sara Graybill, KY, 4:57.59, 10:58.7; Josianne Lauber, PA, 10:52.74; Erin Swain, VA, 11:07.63; Janelle Vadnais, NY, 12th FL NE, 4:52y '99
Returnees-- Christy Nichols (13th; '96 All-american), Katie Sabino (35th, 67th '98; 9:27.74), Beth Fonner (160th), Amy Beykirch (176th, 213th '98, 70th '97), Megan Coombs (203rd), Molly Purser (230th), Lindsey Rodgers (41st '98, 16:47.61, 34:19.27), Jennifer Modliszewski.
Meets: 9/30 Greensboro, 10/14 NC Coll Champs, 10/28 ACCs, 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

7. GEORGETOWN (Mid Atlantic)
The Hoyas debuted at the 9/22 Great American Festival, where they were soundly beaten by BYU and NC State; their B squad finished 5th at W&M. NCAA Indoor mile runner-up Autumn Fogg is running well early, but the rest of the squad needs to step it up to contend.
Newcomers: Amanda Pape, KS, 7th FL, 5:05.64; Treniere Clement, OH, 2:13.6
Returnees -- Lorena Adams (63rd, 16:45.89, 35:20.25), Kristen Gordon (75th, 4th '98, 40th '97), Emily Enstice (117th, 170th '98, 9:34.56, 16:36.93, 34:34.17), Marni Kruppa (127th, 8th '98 FL, 16:40.29, 34:31.92), Janelle Thomas (151st)
Meets: 9/30 GWU, 10/7 Paul Short, 10/14 Pre-NCAA (& W&M), 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 Mid Atlantic Reg

8. MINNESOTA (Midwest)
Senior co-captains Corinne Nimitz and Elaine Eggleston and frosh Darja Vasiljeva led the Gophers, 17th last fall, to a big win at their own Griak invite. Earlier, Minnesota easily downed Drake at the 9/8 "Oz" Invite.
Newcomers: Laine Misch, CAN, 5th Ont Prov Champs; Darja Vasiljeva, Latvia, 2:12.8, 4:26.47 1500, 9:32.44 3k
Returnees -- Corinne Nimitz (79th '99, 152nd '98, 34:31.23), Elaine Eggleston (92nd '99, 191st '98), Victoria Moses (188th '99, JR), Anita Menden (DNF, So)
Meets: 9/29 N Iowa, 10/7 Ark-LR, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 Minn, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Midwest Reg (N Iowa)

9. BOSTON COLLEGE (Northeast)
The Eagles perfect-scored the fields at the 9/8 UNH and 9/16 Dartmouth Invites. A combination of strong returnees, transfers, and frosh have resulted in a strong squad. The Eagles face a strong interregional field this weekend at Iona.
Newcomers:. Danielle Jelley, NY, 13th FL, 5:02.07, 9:59.83 3k, 10:42.26; Jen Kramer, NY, 4:32.31 1500, 9:49.36 3k; Julie Spolidoro, Old Dominion, '00 World XC, 16:29.54, 35:29.68
Returnees -- Nicole Portley (164th), Cate Guiney (167th, 7th '98 FL, 9:35.61), Lisa McIssac (168th), Megan Guiney (220th), Meghan Andrade (247th), Katie Ryan (9:28.59)
Meets: 9/30 Iona, 10/13 NEs, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

10. YALE (Northeast)
After looking strong winning the 9/16 Ram Invite at Van Cortlandt, Yale bursts onto the national scene with a huge runner-up finish at the Griak Invite behind Minnesota but ahead of many ranked teams. Sisters Kate and Laura O'Neill and fellow soph Lindsay Mitchell lead the team.
Returnees: Kate O'Neill, Laura O'Neill, Lindsay Mitchell, Nancy Wolcott, Katie Rigney, Amanda Brewster, Kathryn LaFrance
Meets: 10/6 vs Harv & Princeton, 10/13 NEs, 10/27 HEPs (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

11. MICHIGAN (Great Lakes)
Katie Jazwinski leads the Wolverines, who finished 15th last fall in Bloomington. Michigan scored an easy win over Ball State at the 9/9 Miami Invite, downed a strong field at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite including West Va, JMU, and Bucknell, and ran away from UNC at the 9/23 W&M Interregional.
Newcomer: Lindsey Gallo, NJ, 4:54.25, 10:45.3
Returnees -- Katie (nee Clifford) Jazwinski (41st, 165th '98, 122nd '97, 9:21.92, 16:32.85, 34:15.36), Lisa Ouellet (129th, 68th '98, 97th '97), Julie Fround (178th, 175th '98, 65th '97), Katie Ryan (223rd, 35:22.15), Jeanne Spink (228th), Katy Radekewich
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/15 Wolverine, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (Ypsilanti)

12. ARIZONA STATE (West)
The Sundevils return their entire squad that finished 12th last fall in Bloomington, but sans All-American Kelly MacDonald could only finish 3rd at Griak behind Minnesota and surprising Yale. Lisa Aguiliera looks good early off her Griak runner-up performance.
Returnees -- Kelly MacDonald (36th, 134th '98, 9:20.12, 15:55.90), Lisa Aguliera (50th, 131st '98, 4:20.67, 9:29.63), Colleen Burke (80th), Cody Sohn (155th, 211th '98), Brianna Torres (174th), Mary Duerback (183rd; 35:12.48), Amy Macissek (215th, 235th '98)
Meets: 9/30 Canyon West, 10/6 AzSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 AzSt Open, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 W Reg (Fresno)

13. ARKANSAS (South Central)
The loss of Amy Yoder and Jessica Dailey hurts the Lady Razorbacks, but they do return Larissa Kleinman and Tracey Roberston. Lack of quality depth has always hurt them -- and this year will no exception. Kleinman and Robertson ran away from the field at the 9/16 Iowa State Open, but there was almost a 2 minute gap back to their 3rd. Next up the Lady 'Backs face Stanford, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Brigham Young, Washington, and Cal-Irvine in their first true test of the season.
Newcomers: Brittney Mensen, GA, 5:03.05, 10:56.62; Alison Zeinner, OH, 11:08.94
Returnees -- Larissa Kleinman (3rd; 9:11.21), Tracy Robertson (37th, 59th '98, 61st '97, 4:16.52, 9:13.93), Christin Wurth (104th, 18th '98 FL), Kimi Welsh (140th), Nicole Williams (231st), Amy Wiseman (98th '98 for Neb)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/14 Chili Pepper, 10/30 SECs (Al), 11/11 So Cent Reg (N Tx)

14. ARIZONA (West)
Arizona, 27th last year in Bloomington, downed Purdue in their season opener. Tara Chaplin leads the Wildcats, while Katrin Englen and Beth Hodge have also been running well early. Chaplin's win at Griak propelled her team to an excellent 4th in Minnesota.
Newcomers: Beth Hodge, ND, 11th FL, 4:57.27, 10:43.79; (trans) Nicole Gurnicz, Boise St, Big W 5k runner-up; (trans -- but must sit out year) Abby Peters, BoiseSt, 91st '99, 34:16.14
Ariz -- Tara Chaplan (33rd; 85th '98, 16:03.21i, 33:17.39), Erin Doherty (145th), Jennifer Burris (158th), Katrin Englen (190th; 34:37.65), Kim Bates (225th), Amanda Ash (242nd)
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

15. PROVIDENCE (Northeast)
The Friars finished 10th last fall and return a strong group consisting of Heather Capello, Rachel Hixson, Claire Sherman, and Rose McGattigan, although Capello has not appeared this fall and is reportedly injured. Newcomer Lisa Capello contributed early as PC dominated in wins at the 9/1 New Hampshire and 9/9 Rhode Island invites, although the Friars could only manage 5th at the Griak meet behind Minnesota, Yale, Arizona State, and Arizona. PC next races at the 10/13 New England Championships.
Newcomer: Lisa Capello, NY, 4:39.83
Returnees -- Heather Capello (40th, 154th '98), Rachel Hixson (48th, 15th '98, 44th '97, 9:28.94, 16:33.11), Claire Sherman (89th, 16:23.31), Rose McGattigan (139th), Kathryn Casserly (163rd), Emily Tallen (234th)
Meets: 10/13 NEs, 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 NE Reg (Van Cortlandt)

16. COLORADO STATE (Mountain)
Elizabeth Roodell and Marisa Keefe lead CSU. The Rams failed to advance to the NCAA champs in 1999, but finished 25th in 1998. Colorado State downed Div II powerhouse Western State at home on Sept 9, competed at the unscored 9/16 Iowa State Open, then finished 6th at Griak behind Minnesota, Yale, Ariz St, Ariz, and Providence.
Returnees: Elizabeth Roodell (59th, 44th '98) Marisa Keefe (222nd '98)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Conference, 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber St)

17. WASHINGTON (West)
Washington returns a very talented team that is bolstered by 15:56 transfer Gillian Palmer from Edinburgh Univ. If everyone is healthy, then they could contend for a trophy. Washington opened with an easy win at the 9/8 Emerald City Invite, followed by a distant 2nd to BYU at the BYU Triple Crown and a win over unranked teams at their 9/23 Sundodger meet. Next weekend they race against Stanford, Wisconsin, K-St, BYU, Arkansas, and Cal-Irvine.
Newcomers: Carly Barnes, WA, 2:17, 4:59, 10:58; (Return for 5th yr) Cami Matson 9:26.38; (trans) Gillian Palmer, Edinburgh Univ, 4:21, 9:15, 15:56
Returnees -- Jen Schindler (78th; '97 USA XC Jr Champ), Melinda Campbell (113th, 19th '98), Kara Syrdal (119th, 129th '98, 129th '97, 16:46.55), Kate Bradshaw (128th, US World XC Tm; 34:41.03), Jennifer Smith (82nd '98)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 9/30 Big X, 10/15 Wolverine, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

18. TEXAS A&M (South Central)
The Aggies easily handled Cal-Irvine and UCLA at the 9/16 Aztec Invite. Andrea Bookout and Melissa Gulli lead the squad. The Aggies will challenge a strong interregional field at the 9/30 Iona MOC.
Returnees: Andrea Bookout (4:24.12), Melissa Gulli (9:34.59, 16:48.62)
Meets: 9/23 Baylor, 9/30 Iona, 10/14 TxA&M, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

19. VILLANOVA (Mid Atlantic)
Villanova opened by sweeping the 9/15 Haverford Invite. The 1998 NCAA champs return Liz Awtrey and Ann McGranahan and feature a strong group of newcomers.
Newcomers: Renee Gunning, PA, 4:54.3, 10:38.8; Carre Joyce, SC, 5:00.09; Rebecca Mitchell, IL, '99 FL, 4:59.26; Claudine Evangelista, NJ, 2:14, 4:58.28
Returnees -- Liz Awtrey (55th), Ann McGranahan (193rd; 81st '98, 9:21.21; 16:08.94), Shelia Klick (197th), Geraldine McCarthy (249th)
Meets: 9/30 LaSalle, 10/7 Paul Short, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

20. CAL IRVINE (West)
Cal-Irvine downed Northern Arizona and an understrength Arizona St squad at home on 9/9 before finished 2nd to Texas A&M at the 9/16 Aztec Invite. This weekend they face Stanford, Wisconsin, K-St, BYU, Arkansas, and Washington at Stanford.
Newcomers: Janelle Del Soldato, CA, 2:12.77 (8th Calif); Jenna Keith, CA, 2:15.00, 4:35.54; Julie Manson, CA, 10:40.23 (4th Calif); Abby Miller, NV, 14th FL, 3x FL, 10:44.56
Returnees--Courtney Baird (148th) + 5 others from '99 squad
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/20 Cal-Fullerton, 10/28 BigW (UCSB), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

21. BROWN (Northeast)
Sara Tindall returns to lead the Bears, who surprised many last year by advancing to the NCAA champs and finishing 9th. An under-strength Brown squad was swept by Boston College at the 9/8 New Hampshire Invite, but the full squad easily handled Harvard and Northeastern on 9/16. They face a strong interregional field at Iona this weekend.
Returnees -- Sara Tindall (44th), Kim Thalmann (56th), Michelle Gross (116th), Rosie Wooodfoord (156th), Jenna Richardson (171st)
Meet: 9/30 Iona, 10/13 NEs, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Heps (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

22. SOUTH FLORIDA (South)
South Florida won the 9/1 Mountaineer Open, then downed Florida State and 24 other squads at the 9/16 Crimson Classic. South Florida finished 26th last year.
Returnees -- Adrea Dempsey (70th), Rita Arndt (138th), Jennifer Dorna (194th, 35:10.79), Cori Kill (211th), Nicole McCarthy (232nd), Kristy Fuller (238th)

23. MARQUETTE (Great Lakes)
Marquette returns 4 off team that missed the NCAAs by 4 pts last fall. The Golden Eagles won their season opener at the 9/8 Bradley Invite. Susan Barth led Marquette with a win at Bradley and to an 8th-place finish at Griak.
Newcomer: Brianna Dahm, WI
Returnees -- Jessica Swan, Susan Barth, Erika Jacobson, Sara McCullough, Bethany Harry
Meets: 9/30 LaSalle, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 Olivet Naz, 10/28 ConfUSA (St Louis), 11/11 Gt Lks reg

24. OREGON (West)
The Ducks add transfer Hanna Smedstad, 18th last year for Oklahoma State, who is using her final year of eligibility while pursing grad work in Eugene. The Ducks dominated the 9/9 Pier Park Invite, but could only manage 7th at Griak where they finished behind Minnesota, Yale, Ariz St, Ariz, Providence, and Col St.
Newcomers: Laura Harmon, OR, 4:34.80 1500; Annette Mosey, OR, 2:14.04, 4:40.3 1500; (trans) Hanna Smedstad, OkSt, 18th '99, 28th '98, 9:25.03, 16:14.95, 34:49.53
Returnees -- Rhiannon Glenn (84th), Tara Struyk (101st), Katie Crabb (114th, 99th '98, 4:19.30), Eri Macdonald (226th), Erinn Gulbrandsen (233rd)
Meets: 10/7 Willamette, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

25. BALL STATE (Great Lakes)
Ball State fell to Michigan at the 9/9 Miami Invite, downed Purdue and Indiana at the 9/15 Indiana Intercollegiates, then finished 4th behind BYU, NC St, and Georgetown at 9/22 Great American. Katie Nowak leads the squad this fall.
Led by: Kathy Kadzrolka, Amy Beatty, Ann Brady, Donna Harless
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 MAC (Kalamazoo, MI), 11/11 Gt Lakes

26. NORTHERN ARIZONA (Mountain)
The Lumberjacks won easily at home on 9/2, then finished behind Cal-Irvine at the 9/9 Irvine Invite. They race at Indiana State this weekend.
Returnees -- Kendra Versendaal (21st, 132nd '98), Amy Swier (47th, 47th '98, 10th '97), Shelby Horgan (152nd), Christin Ray (224th), Jaymie Harper (245th)
Meets: 9/30 Ind St, 10/7 AzSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Ogden)

27. DUKE (Southeast)
Sheela Agrawal was an All-American and on the US World Jr XC team as a frosh, although her team failed to advance to the NCAA Champs. The Blue Devils took the 9/2 Fordham Invite, but could only finish 5th at Great American Festival behind BYU, NCSt, Georgetown, and Ball St.
Newcomers: Allison Hofman, NY, 4:59.2; Lauren Matic, IL, 2:14.31; Lisa Nagorny, PA, 5:00.4
Returnees -- Sheela Agrawal (28th, 9:30.89), Megan Sullivan (110th), Maddy Woodmansee (166th), Anne Wickman (198th), Ellie Culp (205th), Heather Ryan (207th), Katie Atlas (241st)
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/7 Greensboro, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/14 NC Inter, 10/28 ACCs (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

28. WEBER STATE (Mountain)
Weber hopes to avenge their failure to advance to the NCAAs. All-American Sharlyn Maughan Geddes is attempting to regain the form that she enjoyed prior to a year of injuries, while Rebecca Bennion and Cynthia Losee have been leading the squad. After finishing 3rd behind BYU and Washington at the 9/16 BYU Triple Crown, Weber finished 9th at Griak.
Newcomers: Janae Johnson, ID; Ashley Winters, WY; Jessica Winters, UT; Caroline Jolly, UT
Returnees: Sharlyn Maughan Geddes, Rebecca Bennion, Danielle Blaisdell, Jackie Jenson
Meets: 10/13 UtSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber)

29. BOSTON UNIVERSITY (Northeast)
BU finished 18th last fall in Bloomington and is looking for a return trip to the championships. Kathy Ireland and Bolpar Vinh return to lead the Terriers, while newcomer Rachel Felton is already making an impact. BU is scheduled to race at Iona MOC this weekend.
Newcomers: Tara Johnson, PA; Rachel Felton, England
Returnees -- Kathryn Ireland (49th, 9:25.59, 16:22.15), Bolpar Vinh (99th), Alicia Heisel (142nd), Jennifer Kehoe (175th), Michaela Thompson (DNF), Lauren Matthews (35:07.94)
Meets: 9/30 Iona, 10/13 NEs, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Amer East (Newark, Del), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

30. TEXAS CHRISTIAN (South Central)
TCU won the 9/23 Baylor Invite behind the leadership of Gladys Keitany and Robin Schacht (35:29.60).
Returnees: Gladys Keitany, Robin Schacht (35:29.60)

31. WEST VIRGINIA (Mid-Atlantic)
West Virginia finished second to Michigan at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Inv. Rebecca Stallwood and Merissa Sexsmith lead the squad.
Returnees: Rebecca Stallwood (180th), Merissa Sexsmith (123rd), Karin Lockhart

32. (tie) TOLEDO (Great Lakes)
Toledo won the 9/16 Mel Brodt Invite. Tuula Laitinen and Emily Loruope lead Toledo, which finished only 15th at the '99 Great Lakes Regional.

32. (tie) WAKE FOREST (Southeast)
The Deacon's failed to advance out of the competitive Southeast region last fall, but hope that a strong mix of newcomers and returnees will help them earn a ticket to Ames. Wake downed an under-strength North Carolina squad at the 9/9 Wake Forest Invite, but could only muster 10th at Griak. Senior Sara Day leads the Deacons.
Newcomers: Catherine Fortin-Major, Canada, Denise Hefferin, IL, 10:49.64; Kara Mullin, IL, 2:12.35; Becca Veenstra, WI, '99 Wisc St champ; (trans) Courtney Lancashire, Texas, 141st, 16:45.05; (trans) Risa Rutland, SFAustin, '98 FL
Meets: 9/23 Griak, 9/30 Greensboro, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 ACC (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

--. BAYLOR (South Central)
The Bears finished 3rd at their own 9/23 invite.
Newcomer: Tiffany Wise, TX, 2:11.49
Returnees -- Kara Newton (193rd '98, 35:13.22), Sara Broyles, Erin Dixon

--. BUCKNELL (Mid Atlantic)
Surprise qualifier for NCAAs last fall that finished 24th. Finished fourth behind Michigan, West Virginia, and James Madison at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite. Becki Marshall. Thersa Dennis, and Andrea Beisser lead the squad. Faces a strong interregional field at Iona.
Bucknell -- Becki Marshall (96th), Andrea Beisser (126th), Theresa Dennis (143rd), Amanda Youmell (229th)
Meets: 9/30 Iona, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Patriot (Lehigh), 11/11 Mid-Atlantic (Easton, PA)

--. FLORIDA (South)
Edged Tennesse at the 9/15 Volunteer Invite after dominating their own 9/7 Nike Twilite. Newcomer Hilary White leads the Gators.
Newcomers: Mason-Marie Cathey, FL, '99 F; Hilary White, FL, '99 FL, 4:56.25, 10:50.67
Returnees -- Jennifer McGranahan (200th, 138th '98, 36th '97), Nona Allen (202nd), Erin Merten (214th, 225th '98), Eliana Lopez (181st)
Meets: 9/23 Jacksonville, 9/30 Gator, 10/7 Disney, 10/13 State Meet, 10/14 Furman, 10/28 SECs (AL), 11/11 South Reg (AL)

--. GEORGIA (South)
Senior Erin Jones leads Georgia, which finished 17th at Griak. Prior to their trip to Minnesota, they won the 9/2 Papa's Pizza Invite over Clemson.

--. JAMES MADISON (Southeast)
Finished 3rd behind Michigan and West Va at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite. Michelle Smith leads the squad. Faces a strong field at Iona.
Meets: 9/30 Iona, 10/15 Wolverine, 10/28 CAAs (Greenville, NC), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

MICHIGAN STATE (Great Lakes)
The Spartans won their own 9/16 invite, with Somerville taking the individual win.
Returnees -- Cindy Durocher (62nd), Ann Somerville (125th), Lorna Camp (116th)

--. MISSOURI (Midwest)
The Tigers ran away with their season opener at home, securing the top 5 spots, but could only finish 12th at Griak. Missouri features Kerry Hils, Katie Meyers, and Anne Marie Brooks.
Returnees -- Kim Moore (109th, 60th '98, 35:28.14), Amy Chipman (122nd), Anne Marie Brooks (132nd, 94th '98), Katie Meyer (182nd, 96th '97), Kerry Hils (210th)
Meets: 9/30 Lakefront, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (NIowa)

--. NEBRASKA (Midwest)
Nebraska, 16th in Bloomington last fall, fell to Kansas State at their own 9/16 Woody Greeno Invite then finished well back in 19th at Griak. Frosh Ann Gaffigan and soph Kathryn Handrup were running well early.
Newcomer: Ann Gaffigan, IL, 10:31.13
Returnees -- Kathryn Handrup (137th), Jamie Kruger (146th), Amie Finker (157th), Mirjana Glisovic (196th)

--. NORTH CAROLINA (Southeast)
The Tar Heels -- 6th last year -- are hurt a bit by graduation, but have two of the best newcomers in the country in Shalene Flanagan and Victoria Jackson, both potential top 20 types. Looking like a top-10 individual, Flanagan ran away with the 9/9 Wake Forest and the 9/23 W&M meets, but her team fell to Wake at the former and Michigan at the latter.
Newcomers: Shalane Flanagan, '00 USA Jr XC Champ, 4:48.47; Ariel Glassman, NC, 16th FL; Victoria Jackson, IL, 2nd FL, 10:46.96i; Alice Schmidt, NE, 2:08.85, 5:04.7
Returnees -- Karen Everitt (61st), Rebecca Walker (98th, 209th '98), Kim Timberlake (159th, 142nd '98), Whitney Weber (169th)
Meets: 9/30 UNC, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 ACCs (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

NOTRE DAME (Great Lakes)
Opened with a win at the 9/9 Valparasio Invite, a race that Jennifer Handley won individually, then followed with a win at the National Catholic Invite.
Newcomer: Megan Johnson, WA, 2:15.4, 4:57.38, 10:45.2
Returnees -- Jennifer Handley (134th), Erin Olson (191st), Christine Kuenster (195th)
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 Gt Lks (Yipsilanti)

--. PURDUE (Great Lakes)
Fell to Arizona at home on 9/9, edged by Ball State at the 9/15 Indiana Intercollegiates, then finished well back in 16th at Griak.
Led by: Ann Stechschulte, Teresa Kamleiter, Jessie Wilder
Meets: 10/6 ND, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks (EMi)

TEXAS (South Central)
NCAA 1500 finalist Erin Sims is expected to lead the Longhorns this fall. Texas finished 22nd last fall in Bloomington. Newcomers: Emily Field, TX; Talis Apud-Martinez, TX, (trans) Sarah Doyle, TxA&M, (trans) Heather Cutherbertson, LSU
Returnees -- Erin Sims (115th, 4:20.89), Samanatha Dompier (201st)
Meets: 9/30 Rocky Mtn, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 SoCent (NTex)

U C L A (West)
Thirtieth last year in Bloomington, the Bruins finished 3rd behind Texas A&M and Cal-Irvine at the 9/16 Aztec Invite then fell to 18th at Griak. Christina Bowen and Katie Nuanes lead UCLA.
Newcomer: Valerie Flores, CA, 19th FL, 10:51.47
Returnees -- Franco (218th), Elaine Canchola (233rd, 238th '98)
Meets: 9/30 Stanford, 10/7 PnSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/20 Cal-Full, 10/28 PAC-10s, 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

VIRGINIA (Southeast)
Finished second to host NC State at the 9/16 NC State Invitational after finishing 3rd at home at the 9/9 Lou Onesty Invite.
Returnees -- Jennifer Owens (27th)

WILLIAM & MARY (Southeast)
Opened with a win at the 9/9 Lou Onesty Invite, but could only finish 4th at their own 9/23 meet behind Michigan, UNC, and Navy. They face a tough interregional field at Iona this weekend.
Newcomers: Emily Halm, OH, 4:53 (st champ), 10:54, 2nd OH xc; Kristin McGough, NJ, 10:50 (soph); Katrina Menard, 5:06; Blair Myers, VA, 5:09; Lara Toscani, PA, 2:14, 5:04; Katie Turner, PA, 5:07
Returnees -- Emily Furia (89th '98, 11th NC 1500 4:20.98), Ali Mann (216th '98, 16th NC 1500, 4:23.23), soph Cheryl Bauer (9:50 3k)
Meets: 9/30 Iona, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 CAAs, 11/11 SE Reg

Other top incoming individuals:
Florida St Amy Pleckaitis, CT
GaTech Renee Metivier, TX, '99 FL, 5:03.02, 10:58.79
Princeton Emily Kroshus, Canada, 9:21.69, 15:56.56