Updated October 10.

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: At Notre Dame, top rated Stanford -- despite not running Stamps, Villareal, Chang, Turner, or Ettinger -- dominated the field, scoring 38 points against #13 Michigan (143), #15 Arizona (145), #23 Duke (185), Northwestern, and an understrength NC State squad (186 without running Rogers or Nichols). Villanova won the Paul Short Invite, ahead of Cornell, a partial Georgetown squad, and Michigan State.

WEEKLY PREVIEW: All eyes will be on Ames, Iowa this weekend as 17 of the top 25 teams are entered. The field includes Stanford, Colorado, Brigham Young, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Georgetown, Minnesota, Boston College, Arizona St, Arizona, Colorado State, Marquette, Brown, Oregon, Duke, Northern Arizona, South Florida, Wake Forest, Northwestern, Boston University, West Virginia, Ball St, and Weber St. Michigan will host Washington at the Wolverine Interregional, Yale and Providence will clash at the New England Champs (which will be missing A teams from Boston College, Brown, and Boston Univ), Arkansas hosts its Chili Pepper Festival, and Florida and Georgia will line up at Furman.

1. STANFORD (West)
Prior to the Pre-NCAA meet, Stanford appears to be the best team in the country. The Cardinal should have the best 1-2-3 in the country with Lauren Fleshman, Erin Sullivan, and Julia Stamps, however Stamps hasn't appeared yet this season. Three other returnees -- Villareal, Annis, and Turner -- ran 16:45 or faster last spring, with Villareal really stepping it up this fall. Frosh Victoria Chang, the FootLocker champ, and Jillian Mastroianni, the Foot Locker East winner, have also been running at the front of the pack this fall. Still sans Fleshmen and Stamps, the Cardinal scored easy wins at the 9/2 Hornet Harrier Classic and 9/16 Fresno St Invite, then downed Wisconsin, Kansas State, Arkansas, Washington, and Cal-Irvine at home on 9/30. At Notre Dame, the Cardinal -- who easily handled a strong field including NC State, Michigan, Arizona -- debuted Fleshman but sat out Stamps, Villareal, Chang, Turner, and Ettinger. We'll have to see if they show their hand in Ames.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

2. COLORADO (Mountain)
The Buffs had an off day last year in Bloomington, but showed what they are capable of during the spring. Kara Wheeler is considered a strong favorite to win the individual harrier title, while frosh Sara Gorton debuted impressively at the 9/2 CU Time Trial. Colorado dominated the Rocky Mountain Shootout on their home course, while Wheeler destroyed the course record -- and newcomer Gorton nearly broke it too! Colorado faces the nation at Pre-NCAAs, wit Wheeler the individual favorite and Gorton expected near the front of the pack.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/16 Tiger Inv (B), 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Mtn Reg (CoSt)

3. 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. The Cougars B team won the Open race at 9/30 Stanford. BYU races the Pre-NCAAs where the only real question is whether Coach Patrick Shane will show his hand.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 MtnW Conf (BYU), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber St)

4. 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 the Huskies could contend for a trophy. Washington opened with an easy win at the 9/8 Emerald City Invite, finished a distant 2nd (without Palmer) to BYU at the 9/16 BYU Triple Crown, won over unranked teams at their 9/23 Sundodger meet. The Huskes then finished second to Stanford at the 9/30 Stanford invite, scoring wins over Kansas State, an understrength Wisconsin squad, Arkansas, UCLA, and Cal-Irvine. Washington faces Michigan at the 10/15 Wolverine Interregional.
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: 10/15 Wolverine, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

5. KANSAS STATE (Midwest)
The Wildcats return just about everyone, but still need their fifth to step it up -- this was also 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. Once again with a fifth 30 secs back of their 4th, the Wildcats fell to Stanford and Washington at the 9/30 Stanford Inv while they narrowly beat an understrength Wisconsin squad. Hinds and Mortimer should be near the front at Iowa State this weekend.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (Waterloo, IA)

6. WISCONSIN (Great Lakes)
A very understrength Badger squad (Erica Palmer, Erin Aufderheide, and Briana Stott-Messick all stayed home; reportedly all healthy) finished 4th at the 9/30 Stanford meet behind Stanford, Washington, and Kansas State, so Wisconsin fell from 2nd to 8th in the poll last week, then rebounded to its current position. Wisconsin is the top returning team strictly off of athletes that ran in the '99 champs, and would have beaten any full-strength team at the Stanford Invite other than the hosts with Palmer and Aufderheide in their lineup. Palmer will attempt to defend her title, but will face a tough challenge from Colorado's Wheeler. Earlier, Wisconsin finished 1-2-3-4-6 at the 9/16 Illinios Invite to win with a near-perfect 16 points.
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; (trans) Briana Stott-Messick (Colorado, 247th '98, 80th '97)
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/29 Big-10s (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (MiSt)

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 9/23 W&M and 3rd at 9/30 GWU, while an understrength A squad finished 3rd at the 10/7 Paul Short meet. 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAA (& W&M), 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 Mid Atlantic Reg

8. NC STATE (Southeast)
The Wolfpack (sans Lindsey Rogers and Christy Nichols) edged Virgina at their own 9/16 Wolfpack Invite. Even with Nichols and Rogers, NC State 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. At Notre Dame, the Wolfpack left Rogers and Nichols out of the lineup and could only muster a tie for 5th with Northwestern.
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: 10/14 NC Coll Champs, 10/28 ACCs, 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

9. 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, while last weekend the Gophers romped to a 15 point win over the field at the Arkansas-Little Rock Invite. Minnesota will face the nation at Pre-NCAAs.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 Minn, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Midwest Reg (N Iowa)

10. BOSTON COLLEGE (Northeast)
The Eagles perfect-scored the fields at the 9/8 UNH and 9/16 Dartmouth Invites, then scored a dominating win -- placing 5 in the top 9 -- over a strong interregional field at the 9/30 Iona Invite. A combination of strong returnees, transfers, and frosh have resulted in a strong squad. Megan Guiney and Katie Ryan lead the Eagles as they face the nation this weekend at Iowa State.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

11. 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. Yale trounced Ivy rivals Harvard and Princeton in Boston at the annual 10/06 HYP Tri-Meet. Sisters Kate and Laura O'Neill and fellow soph Lindsay Mitchell lead the team. Yale will face Providence at the 10/13 New England Champs.
Returnees: Kate O'Neill, Laura O'Neill, Lindsay Mitchell, Nancy Wolcott, Katie Rigney, Amanda Brewster, Kathryn LaFrance
Meets: 10/13 NEs, 10/27 HEPs (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

12. ARKANSAS (South Central)
The Lady Razorbacks return Larissa Kleinman and Tracey Roberston from their '99 NCAA runner-up squad. Lack of quality depth has always hurt them -- and this year is no exception. Kleinman and Robertson ran away from the field at the 9/16 Iowa State Open and the 9/30 Stanford Invite, but there was almost a 2 minute gap back to their 3rd at Iowa State and a 1:20 gap at Stanford. The Lady 'Backs finished 5th behind Stanford, Washington, Kansas State, and an understrength Wisconsin squad in Palo Alto. Arkansas hosts the Chili Pepper Festival.
Newcomers: Brittney Mensen, GA, 5:03.05, 10:56.62; Alison Zeinner, OH, 11:08.94, (trans) Londa Bevins (Tx, 184th)
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: 10/14 Chili Pepper, 10/30 SECs (Al), 11/11 So Cent Reg (N Tx)

13. 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. The Wolverines finally met their match when Stanford ran away from them at Notre Dame, although Michigan did score wins over Arizona, Duke, Northwester, and NC State. The Wolverines host Washington in Ann Arbor this weekend.
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: 10/15 Wolverine, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (Ypsilanti)

14. 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. With MacDonald back in the lineup and a solid team performance in Ames, I'd expect to see the Sundevils move up in the rankings.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 AzSt Open, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 W Reg (Fresno)

15. ARIZONA (West)
Arizona, 27th last year in Bloomington, downed Purdue in their season opener. Tara Chaplin leads the Wildcats, while Katrin Englen and newcomer Beth Hodge have also been running well early. Chaplin's win at Griak propelled her team to an excellent 4th in Minnesota. Coach Dave Murphy then rested Chaplin and didn't run her at Notre Dame, where she finished third -- only two points behind runner-up Michigan.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

16. 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 will face Yale 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)

17. 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. The Rams face the nation at Pre-NCAAs.
Returnees: Elizabeth Roodell (59th, 44th '98) Marisa Keefe (222nd '98)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Conference, 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber St)

18. VILLANOVA (Mid Atlantic)
Villanova opened by sweeping the 9/15 Haverford Invite, then won comfortably at the 10/7 Paul Short Invite. The 1998 NCAA champs return Liz Awtrey and Ann McGranahan and feature a strong group of newcomers. The Wildcats will race at Pre-NCAAs.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

19. TEXAS A&M (South Central)
The Aggies easily handled Cal-Irvine and UCLA at the 9/16 Aztec Invite, then fell to Boston College at Iona where they edged Brown for runner-up honors. Melissa Gulli and Andrea Bookout lead the Aggies. The Aggies race at home on 10/14.
Returnees: Andrea Bookout (4:24.12), Melissa Gulli (9:34.59, 16:48.62)
Meets: 10/14 TxA&M, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

20. 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, an 8th-place finish at Griak, and a win at LaSalle. The Golden Eagles face the nation at Pre-NCAAs.
Newcomer: Brianna Dahm, WI
Returnees -- Jessica Swan, Susan Barth, Erika Jacobson, Sara McCullough, Bethany Harry
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 Olivet Naz, 10/28 ConfUSA (St Louis), 11/11 Gt Lks reg

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. The Bears finished 3rd behind Boston College and Texas A&M at 9/30 Iona Meet of Champs. Brown ventures to Ames to race Pre-NCAAs.
Returnees -- Sara Tindall (44th), Kim Thalmann (56th), Michelle Gross (116th), Rosie Wooodfoord (156th), Jenna Richardson (171st)
Meet: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Heps (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

22. 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. Before traveling to Pre-NCAAs, the Ducks dominated the 10/7 Willamette Invite.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

23. 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. Agrawal ran away with the individual title at the 10/6 Notre Dame Invite as Duke finished 4th behind Stanford, Michigan, and Arizona, edging Northwestern and an understrength NC State squad. The Blue Devils will race Pre-NCAAs.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/14 NC Inter, 10/28 ACCs (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

24. NORTHERN ARIZONA (Mountain)
The Lumberjacks won easily at home on 9/2, finished behind Cal-Irvine at the 9/9 Irvine Invite, then won the 9/30 Indiana State Invite. Northern Arizona races the Pre-NCAAs 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Ogden)

25. SOUTH FLORIDA (South)
South Florida won the 9/1 Mountaineer Open, downed Florida State and 24 other squads at the 9/16 Crimson Classic, then edged Iowa State for the win at the 9/30 Greensboro Invite. 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)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 ConfUSA (St Louis), 11/11 South Reg (Al)

26. (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. Despite not yet debuting their entire top-5 in the same meet, Wake downed an under-strength North Carolina squad at the 9/9 Wake Forest Invite, finished 10th at Griak, then 4th at Iona. 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 ACC (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

26. (tie) TEXAS CHRISTIAN (South Central)
The Horned Frogs won the 9/9 North Tx Opener, the 9/23 Baylor Invite, and the 9/30 Cowboy Jamboree behind the leadership of Gladys Keitany and Robin Schacht, with Keitany winning all three races individually.
Returnees: Gladys Keitany (9:35.54), Robin Schacht (35:29.60)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs or Chili Pepper, 10/28 WAC (Tulsa), 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

28. NORTHWESTERN (Midwest)
Rachel Evjen, Laura Evans, and newcomer Emily Blakeslee lead Northwestern this fall. Northwestern finished 11th at Griak, 2nd to Missouri at the 9/30 Lakefront Invite, and 5th at the 10/6 Notre Dame Invite. Next up they'll face the nation at Pre-NCAAs.
Newcomers: Emily Blakeslee; Nora Colligan
Returnees: Rachel Evjen, Laura Evans, Nicole Kuznia, Karen Rogers, Jennifer Anderson
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big 10 (Wi), 11/11 MW Reg

29. (tie) 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 finished 5th at Iona behind Boston College, Texas A&M, Brown, and Wake Forest. The Terriers race Pre-NCAAs.
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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Amer East (Newark, Del), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

29. (tie) 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, 18th at Griak, and 6th at Stanford. Christina Bowen, Katie Nuanes, and Alynda Franco have led UCLA this season.
Newcomer: Valerie Flores, CA, 19th FL, 10:51.47
Returnees -- Franco (218th), Elaine Canchola (233rd, 238th '98)
Meets: 10/7 PnSt, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/20 Cal-Full, 10/28 PAC-10s, 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

29. (tie) WEST VIRGINIA (Mid-Atlantic)
The Mountaineers finished second to Michigan at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Inv after winning the 9/2 Hillbilly Shootout. Rebecca Stallwood and Merissa Sexsmith lead the squad. Next up is the Pre-NCAAs.
Returnees: Rebecca Stallwood (180th), Merissa Sexsmith (123rd), Karin Lockhart
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 Mid Atlantic Reg

32. (tie) 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. Ball State fell to 10th at the 10/6 Notre Dame Invite.
Led by: Kathy Kadzrolka, Amy Beatty, Ann Brady, Donna Harless
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 MAC (Kalamazoo, MI), 11/11 Gt Lakes

32. (tie) 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber)

32. (tie) UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS (South)
Czech Republic newcomers Michaela Mannova and Radka Holubova led the Privateers to the team title at the 10/7 Auburn Bank Invitational. Earlier, UNO finished fifth at the 9/16 Crimson Classic.
Newcomers: Michaela Mannova, Radka Holubova, Katerina Sobanova, Pavlina Vondrkova, and Jana Bulirova (all Czech Republic)
Meets: 10/14 Chili Pepper, 10/28 Sun Belt Conf, 11/11 South Central Reg

BAYLOR (South Central)
The Bears finished 3rd at their own 9/23 invite and 4th at the 9/30 Cowboy Jamboree.
Newcomer: Tiffany Wise, TX, 2:11.49
Returnees -- Kara Newton (193rd '98, 35:13.22), Sara Broyles, Erin Dixon
Meets: 10/14 Chili Pepper, 10/28 Big 12, 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

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.
Bucknell -- Becki Marshall (96th), Andrea Beisser (126th), Theresa Dennis (143rd), Amanda Youmell (229th)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Patriot (Lehigh), 11/11 Mid-Atlantic (Easton, PA)

CAL IRVINE (West)
Cal-Irvine downed Northern Arizona and an understrength Arizona St squad at home on 9/9, finished 2nd to Texas A&M at the 9/16 Aztec Invite, then 7th 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/20 Cal-Fullerton, 10/28 BigW (UCSB), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

FLORIDA (South)
Edged Tennesse at the 9/15 Volunteer Invite and dominated their own 9/7 Nike Twilite and 9/30 Gator Invite. 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: 10/13 State Meet, 10/14 Furman, 10/28 SECs (AL), 11/11 South Reg (AL)

GEORGIA (South)
Senior Erin Jones leads the Bulldogs, which finished 17th at Griak and won the 9/30 Bulldog Stampede. Prior to their trip to Minnesota, they won the 9/2 Papa's Pizza Invite over Clemson.
Meets: 10/14 Furman Inv, 10/30 SECs (Al), 11/11 S Reg (Al)

JAMES MADISON (Southeast)
Finished 3rd behind Michigan and West Va at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite, then 6th at the Iona Invite. Michelle Smith and Keisha Banks lead the squad. JMU races the 10/15 Wolverine Interregional.
Meets: 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. Michigan St then finished 6th at Great America and 4th at the 10/7 Paul Short Invite.
Returnees -- Cindy Durocher (62nd), Ann Somerville (125th), Lorna Camp (116th)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big 10s (Wisc), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg

MISSOURI (Midwest)
The Tigers ran away with their season opener at home, finished 12th at Griak, then won the 9/30 Lakefront Invite over Northwestern. 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: 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)
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (NIowa)

NORTH CAROLINA (Southeast)
The Tar Heels -- 6th last year -- are hurt by graduation, but have one of the best newcomers in the country in Shalene Flanagan. Looking like a top-5 individual, Flanagan ran away with the 9/9 Wake Forest, 9/23 W&M, and 9/30 UNC meets, but her team fell to Wake at the former and Michigan at W&M before winning at home. Flanagan will have a chance to prove herself against the NCAA's best at the Pre-NCAA meet. Fellow recruit Victoria Jackson, the '99 Foot Locker runner-up, is redshirting this fall.
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: 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. They finished a strong 7th at their own 10/6 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: 10/14 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 and 13th at 10/6 Notre Dame. Led by: Ann Stechschulte, Teresa Kamleiter, Jessie Wilder
Meets: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks (EMi)

TEXAS (South Central)
NCAA 1500 finalist Erin Sims leads the Longhorns. Texas finished 22nd last fall in Bloomington.
Newcomer: Katie Scarlett, CA, 2:13.9, 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: 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 SoCent (NTex)

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, but may be a sleeper this year. Laitinen won the Paul Short Invite individually.
Newcomers: Tuula Laitinen (18th '98 World Jr XC; 9:35.02, 16:21.52, 33:49.38); Jodi Harrington (4:37.51, 9:55.85); (trans) Briana Shook (4:42.76, 10:02.98)
Returnees: Emily Loroupe (17:12.11, 35:23.37; sister of Tegla Loroupe), Katherine Smyth (9:57.03, 17:09.02, 34:43.10), Kia Minkkinen (4:31.08, 9:46.82)
Meets: 10/7 Paul Short, 10/14 Pre-NCAAs, 10/21 EMi, 10/28 MAC (Kalamazoo, Mi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg

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 finished 4th at their own 9/23 meet behind Michigan, UNC, and Navy, and finished 8th at Iona.
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: 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