Updated October 16. Next update scheduled for 10/31 (after conference championships).

WEEKLY REVIEW: When the dust settled in Ames, no one was quite sure what had happened -- partly due to problems at the finish line that required officials to resort to video to attempt to sort out the finish order for the 371 finishers. The official results showed defending NCAA champion BYU (with NCAA 10k champ Tara Northcutt winning the B race) winning with a 34 point margin over previously top-ranked Stanford (which competed without Julia Stamps and Jillian Mastroianni). Wisconsin finished 3rd, comfortably ahead of Arizona State, while #2 ranked Colorado (without frosh star Sara Gorton) finished 5th, Boston College 6th, Arizona 7th, Kansas State 8th, Georgetown 9th, and Colorado State 10th. NCAA 3k/5k champ Kara Wheeler easily handled defending individual champ Erica Palmer, while frosh standout Shalane Flanagan grabbed 3rd.

In other action, Washington downed Michigan at the Wolverine Interregional, Arkansas turned back challenges from Texas Christian and surprising New Orleans at Chili Pepper Festival, and Yale dominated Providence College at the New England championships.

WEEKLY PREVIEW: The Oct 21 weekend will be an off weekend for most of the country's D-1 teams. Action heats up again on Oct 27-29 with conference championships. Boston College faces Georgetown, Providence, Villanova, and West Virginia at the 10/27 Big East champs over their home course at Boston's Franklin Park. The 10/27 Hep meet features Yale, Brown, Columbia, and Princeton. Washington hosts Stanford, Arizona State, Arizona, and Oregon at the 10/28 PAC-10 champs in Seattle. BYU runs at Colorado State for the 10/28 Mountain West conference meet. Michigan, Minnesota, Marquette, Northwestern, and Purdue travel to Wisconsin for the 10/28 Big 10 meet. NC State, Virginia, Wake Forest, Duke, and North Carolina battle in Raleigh for the 10/28 ACC champs. Colorado, Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Missouri will battle for the Big 12 meet in Boulder.

1. BRIGHAM YOUNG (Mountain)
Defending team champ BYU moved back atop the rankings after a running away from the field at Pre-NCAAs. The Cougars return 3 runners -- Tara Northcutt, Sharolyn Shields-Thayer, and Sarah Elliot -- from the top 41 at last fall's NCAA meet, plus Jill Rencher and Sherida Rogers both ran 9:31 or faster last spring. Lindsey Thomsen has really stepped it up this fall to lead the Cougars. BYU easily handled Washington and Weber State at the BYU Triple Crown, then 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. NCAA 10,000 champ Northcutt, who spent the early season reportedly recovering from a minor knee injury, debuted with a win in the B race at Pre-NCAAs; her time didn't break into BYU's scoring 5 in the A race, but it's unclear whether her effort reflected her true fitness level. Without Northcutt, the Cougars still won Pre-NCAAs over an understrength Stanford squad. BYU will need Northcutt's services to turn back the full Stanford and Colorado lineups in November. BYU contests the Mountain West loop champs on 10/28 at Colorado State.
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), Melanie Steere (4:20.36 '99), Lindsey Thomsen
Meets: 10/28 MtnW Conf (CoSt), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber St)

2. STANFORD (West)
Previously undefeated Stanford fell to BYU at the Pre-NCAA meet. 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 while Fleshman and Sullivan have yet to show the form that garnered them 5th and 7th at last fall's NCAA meet. 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 Foot Locker champ, and Jillian Mastroianni, the Foot Locker East winner, have also been running at the front of the pack this fall. 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 (sans Fleshmen and Stamps). 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. At Pre-NCAAs, the Cardinal ran without Stamps and Mastroianni and fell to defending NCAA champs BYU. Inserting Mastroianni back into the lineup moves Stanford up even with BYU, leaving Stamps as the wildcard for the Cardinal. Stanford will face host Washington and the rest of the PAC-10 at the 10/28 conference meet in Seattle, at which Stamps will reportedly debut.
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: 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

3. WISCONSIN (Great Lakes)
Bolstered by the return of defending NCAA harrier champ Erica Palmer, Wisconsin grabbed third at the Pre-NCAA champs. Wisconsin is the top returning team strictly off of athletes that ran in the '99 champs. Earlier, Wisconsin finished 1-2-3-4-6 at the 9/16 Illinios Invite to win with a near-perfect 16 points. A very understrength Badger squad (Palmer, Erin Aufderheide, and Briana Stott-Messick were all "given the weekend off" according to a Badger release) finished 4th at the 9/30 Stanford meet behind Stanford, Washington, and Kansas State but would have beaten any full-strength team at the Stanford Invite other than the hosts with Palmer in their lineup. Wisconsin hosts the Big-10s on 10/29.
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: 10/29 Big-10s (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (MiSt)

4. ARIZONA STATE (West)
The Sundevils return their entire squad that finished 12th last fall in Bloomington, but All-American Kelly MacDonald has not appeared this fall and may be redshirting. In MacDonald's absence, Lisa Aguiliera has really stepped up with a runner-up performance at Griak, then 5th at Pre-NCAAs. Without MacDonald, the Sundevils could only finish 3rd at Griak behind Minnesota and surprising Yale. At Pre-NCAAs, Arizona State benefited from the appearance of redshirt frosh Cynthia Atencio and edged Colorado for 4th behind BYU, Stanford, and Wisconsin. Next major race for the Sundevils is the PAC-10 meet in Seattle.
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: 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 W Reg (Fresno)

5. 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 the strong favorite to win the individual harrier title following her dominating win at Pre-NCAAs, while frosh Sara Gorton debuted impressively at the 9/2 CU Time Trial and Rocky Mountain shootout. Colorado dominated the Rocky Mountain Shootout on their home course, while Wheeler destroyed the course record -- and newcomer Gorton nearly broke it too! Colorado's Gordon (who reportedly is recovering from a virus) didn't appear in their lineup at Pre-NCAAs and the Buffs could only muster 5th behind BYU, Stanford, Wisconsin, and Arizona State. CU hosts the Big-12 meet on their challening home course on 10/28.
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: 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Mtn Reg (CoSt)

6. 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 edged Michigan at the 10/15 Wolverine Interregional. The Huskies host Stanford, Arizona State, Arizona and the rest of the PAC-10 at the conference champs on 10/28.
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: 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

7. 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. Boston College confirmed their high ranking with a 6th place finish at Pre-NCAAs. A combination of strong returnees, transfers, and incoming frosh have resulted in a strong squad. Sophomore Megan Guiney has improved considerably this fall to lead the Eagles and is joined at the front by Katie Ryan. BC faces Georgetown, Providence, Villanova, and West Virginia at the Big East champs over their home course at Boston's Franklin Park.
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: 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

8. 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 Hoge also ran 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 the Wildcats finished third -- only two points behind runner-up Michigan. At Pre-NCAAs, Arizona finished 7th. Next up for the Wildcats is the 10/28 PAC-10 champs in Seattle.
Newcomers: Beth Hoge, 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: 10/28 PAC-10 (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

9. KANSAS STATE (Midwest)
The Wildcats return just about everyone from last year's fifth place squad, but still need their final scorer to step it up -- a weak fifth was also their Achilles heel in '99. Korene Hinds and Amy Mortimer are a great 1-2 punch and finish near the front of virtually every race they participate. The Wildcats 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. K-State finished 8th at Pre-NCAAs, once again victim of their lack of a close 5th. The Wildcats face Colorado at CU's home course in Boulder at the 10/28 Big-12s.
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: 10/28 Big-12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (Waterloo, IA)

10. 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 and Lorena Adams have been leading the Hoyas this fall, but Georgetown would really benefit if Kristen Gordon could regain the form that saw her garner 4th at the '98 NCAA meet. The Hoyas travel to Boston to battle Boston College, Villanova, and West Virginia for the Big East crown.
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: 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 Mid Atlantic Reg

11. 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. At the 10/14 Chili Pepper Festival -- where Arkansas easily handled Texas Christian, New Orleans, and Baylor -- Arkansas looked much stronger as their third runner, Amy Wiseman, considerably closed the gap up to their leading duo. Arkansas next competes at the 10/28 SEC champs.
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: 10/28 SECs (Al), 11/11 So Cent Reg (N Tx)

12. 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 tounced them at Notre Dame, although Michigan did score wins over Arizona, Duke, Northwester, and NC State. The Wolverines were edged by Washington in Ann Arbor at the Wolverine Interregional. Michigan travels to Wisconsin to challenge for the Big-10 title.
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: 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg (Ypsilanti)

13. NORTH CAROLINA 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. NC State hosts Virginia, Duke, Wake Forest, and North Carolina at the 10/28 ACC meet.
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: 10/28 ACCs, 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

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

15. YALE (Northeast)
Yale dominated the 9/16 Ram Invite at Van Cortlandt, then burst onto the national scene with a huge runner-up finish at the Griak Invite behind Minnesota and ahead of many ranked teams. After Griak, Yale trounced Ivy rivals Harvard and Princeton in Boston at the annual 10/06 HYP Tri-Meet, then dominated the New England Champs with an easy win over Providence. Sisters Kate and Laura O'Neill and fellow soph Lindsay Mitchell lead the team, which at New Englands featured an excellent 21 second 1-5 gap. Yale next races the 10/27 Heps champs at van Cortland, a meet at which they should run away from the field.
Returnees: Kate O'Neill, Laura O'Neill, Lindsay Mitchell, Nancy Wolcott, Katie Rigney, Amanda Brewster, Kathryn LaFrance
Meets: 10/27 HEPs (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

16. 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. At Pre-NCAAs, Nimitz and Vasiljeva had off days and Minnesota fell to 12th. The Gophers race Big-10s at Wisconsin on 10/29.
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: 10/21 Minn, 10/29 Big10 (Wi), 11/11 Midwest Reg (N Iowa)

17. PROVIDENCE (Northeast)
The Friars finished 10th last fall and return Rachel Hixson, Claire Sherman, and Rose McGattigan, but are hurt by the loss of Heather Capello who is injured this season. Newcomer Lisa Capello contributed early as PC dominated in wins at the 9/1 New Hampshire and 9/9 Rhode Island invites, then could only manage 5th at the Griak meet behind Minnesota, Yale, Arizona State, and Arizona. PC fell to Yale at the 10/13 New England Championships, although the Friars were running without the younger Cappello. PC faces Boston College, Georgetown, Villanova, and West Virginia at the 10/27 Big East meet.
Newcomer: Lisa Capello, NY, 4:39.83
Returnees -- 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); injured: Heather Capello (40th, 154th '98)
Meets: 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 NE Reg (Van Cortlandt)

18. WEBER STATE (Mountain)
Weber appears to be on track to avenge their failure to advance to the NCAAs last fall. 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, then 11th at Pre-NCAAs. The Wildcats face Northern Arizona at the 10/28 Big Sky conference.
Newcomers: Janae Johnson, ID; Ashley Winters, WY; Jessica Winters, UT; Caroline Jolly, UT
Returnees: Sharlyn Maughan Geddes, Rebecca Bennion, Danielle Blaisdell, Jackie Jenson
Meets: 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Weber)

19. VILLANOVA (Mid Atlantic)
Villanova opened by sweeping the 9/15 Haverford Invite, then won comfortably at the 10/7 Paul Short Invite before finishing 13th at Pre-NCAAs. The 1998 NCAA champs return Liz Awtrey and Ann McGranahan and feature a strong group of newcomers. Geraldine McCarthy has improved considerably this fall, while Awtrey appears to be struggling to regain last fall's form. The Wildcats face Boston College, Georgetown, Providence, and West Virginia at the 10/27 Big East meet.
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: 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

20. MARQUETTE (Great Lakes)
Marquette returns 4 off team that missed the NCAAs by 4 pts last fall and continues to improve over the course of this season. Susan Barth led the Golden Eagles with a win at 9/8 Bradley Invite, an 8th-place finish at Griak, a win at LaSalle, and 14th at Pre-NCAAs. Marquette faces South Florida at the 10/28 Conference USA meet.
Newcomer: Brianna Dahm, WI
Returnees -- Jessica Swan, Susan Barth, Erika Jacobson, Sara McCullough, Bethany Harry
Meets: 10/28 ConfUSA (St Louis), 11/11 Gt Lks reg

21. 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 before they ran away with their own 10/14 invitational Melissa Gulli and Andrea Bookout lead the Aggies. The Aggies travel to Boulder for the Big-12 meet on 10/28.
Returnees: Andrea Bookout (4:24.12), Melissa Gulli (9:34.59, 16:48.62)
Meets: 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

22. 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, then 15th at Pre-NCAAs. Brown ventures to Ames to race Pre-NCAAs. Brown will challenge Yale and Columbia at the 10/27 HEPs.
Returnees -- Sara Tindall (44th), Kim Thalmann (56th), Michelle Gross (116th), Rosie Wooodfoord (156th), Jenna Richardson (171st)
Meet: 10/27 Heps (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

23. WAKE FOREST (Southeast)
The Deacons 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, 4th at Iona, then won the 10/14 Furman Invite. Senior Sara Day leads the Deacons as they face NC State, Virginia, Duke, and North Carolina at the ACC meet in Raleigh.
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: 10/28 ACC (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

24. WEST VIRGINIA (Mid-Atlantic)
The much-improved Mountaineers won the 9/2 Hillbilly Shootout, finished second to Michigan at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Inv, then 16th at Pre-NCAAs. Rebecca Stallwood and Merissa Sexsmith lead West Virginia. Next up is the Big East meet in Boston, where the Mountaineers face Boston College, Georgetown, Villanova, and Providence.
Returnees: Rebecca Stallwood (180th), Merissa Sexsmith (123rd), Karin Lockhart
Meets: 10/27 Big East (Boston), 11/11 Mid Atlantic Reg

25. VIRGINIA (Southeast)
The Cavaliers garnered some votes in the coaches poll after finishing 17th at Pre-NCAAs. Virginia opened with a third at home at the 9/9 Lou Onesty Invite, a second to host NC State at the 9/16 NC State Invitational, and a win at the 10/1 GWU Invite. Sarah Folse leads the resurging Cavaliers in the campaign for a return trip to Ames. Virginia faces NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, and North Carolina at the 10/28 ACC meet in Raleigh.
Meets: 10/28 ACC (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

26. 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. Keitany and TCU faced their first loss at the 10/14 Chili Pepper Invite, when the hosts grabbed the top two individual spots and the team title. The Horned Frogs race the 10/28 WAC champs in Tulsa.
Returnees: Gladys Keitany (9:35.54), Robin Schacht (35:29.60)
Meets: 10/28 WAC (Tulsa), 11/11 SC Reg (NTx)

27. COLUMBIA (Northeast)
One of the big surprises of the season, the Lions finished 18th at Pre-NCAAs behind the leadership of Caitlin Hickin. Earlier this fall, Columbia won a 9/9 quad meet at Lehigh and the 9/23 Central Connecticut Inv. Columbia races Yale and Brown in one of the strongest HEPs fields in several years.
Meet: 10/27 Heps (VC), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

28. (tie) 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. The Ducks dominated the 10/7 Willamette Invite, but fell to 21st at Pre-NCAAs on an off day. Oregon faces Stanford, Arizona State, Washington, and Arizona at the 10/28 PAC-10.
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: 10/28 Pac-10s (UW), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

28. (tie) SOUTH FLORIDA (South)
South Florida, 26th last year's NCAA meet, 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. However, the Bulls could only must 27th at the Pre-NCAAs. Rita Arndt leads South Florida this fall. Next up is the 10/28 Conference USA meet in St Louis.
Returnees -- Adrea Dempsey (70th), Rita Arndt (138th), Jennifer Dorna (194th, 35:10.79), Cori Kill (211th), Nicole McCarthy (232nd), Kristy Fuller (238th)
Meets: 10/28 ConfUSA (St Louis), 11/11 South Reg (Al)

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 and 32nd at Pre-NCAAs. Ball State will battle Toledo at the 10/28 MAC champs.
Led by: Kathy Kadzrolka, Amy Beatty, Ann Brady, Donna Harless
Meets: 10/28 MAC (Kalamazoo, MI), 11/11 Gt Lakes

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

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, then 24th at Pre-NCAAs. The Terriers race American East Conference on 10/28.
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: 10/28 Amer East (Newark, Del), 11/11 NE Reg (VC)

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, then 29th at Pre-NCAAs. Becki Marshall. Thersa Dennis, and Andrea Beisser lead the squad. Next up is the 10/28 Patriot League champs.
Bucknell -- Becki Marshall (96th), Andrea Beisser (126th), Theresa Dennis (143rd), Amanda Youmell (229th)
Meets: 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, 7th at Stanford, and 26th at Pre-NCAAs. Next up is the 10/28 Big West meet.
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)
Meets: 10/20 Cal-Fullerton, 10/28 BigW (UCSB), 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

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. Agrawal then finished 20th to lead the Blue Devils to a 25th place finish at Pre-NCAAs. Duke races the 10/28 ACC meet at NC State.
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: 10/28 ACCs (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

FLORIDA (South)
Edged Tennesse at the 9/15 Volunteer Invite and dominated their own 9/7 Nike Twilite and 9/30 Gator Invite before falling to 3rd at the 10/14 Furman Invite behind Wake Forest and Auburn. Newcomer Hilary White leads the Gators. Next up is the 10/28 SECs at Alabama.
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: 10/28 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. Georgia races the 10/28 SEC meet a Alabama.
Meets: 10/30 SECs (Al), 11/11 S Reg (Al)

JAMES MADISON (Southeast)
The Dukes finished third behind Michigan and West Va at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite, sixth at the Iona Invite, and third at the Wolverine Interregional behind Washington and Michigan. Michelle Smith and Keisha Banks lead the squad. JMU contends for the CAA title on 10/28 in Greenville.
Meets: 10/28 CAAs (Greenville, NC), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

MICHIGAN STATE (Great Lakes)
The Spartans won their own 9/16 invite, with Anne Somerville taking the individual win. Michigan St then finished 6th at Great America and 4th at the 10/7 Paul Short Invite. They race the 10/28 Big 10 meet at Wisconsin.
Returnees -- Cindy Durocher (62nd), Ann Somerville (125th), Lorna Camp (116th)
Meets: 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 before finishing 19th at Pre-NCAAs. Missouri features Kerry Hils, Katie Meyers, and Anne Marie Brooks. The Tigers race the 10/28 Big 12 meet at Colorado.
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: 10/28 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 and 30th at Pre-NCAAs. Frosh Ann Gaffigan and soph Kathryn Handrup were running well early. Next up for the Huskers is the 10/28 Big 12 champs at Colorado.
Newcomer: Ann Gaffigan, IL, 10:31.13
Returnees -- Kathryn Handrup (137th), Jamie Kruger (146th), Amie Finker (157th), Mirjana Glisovic (196th)
Meets: 10/28 Big12 (CU), 11/11 Midwest Reg (NIowa)

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 and a third behind Arkansas and Texas Christian at the 10/14 Chili Pepper Festival. Earlier, UNO finished fifth at the 9/16 Crimson Classic. The Privateers are probably under-ranked, but will have trouble getting any respect unless they can knock off a ranked team at the South Central regional. Next up is 10/28 Sun Belt Conference.
Newcomers: Michaela Mannova, Radka Holubova, Katerina Sobanova, Pavlina Vondrkova, and Jana Bulirova
Meets: 10/28 Sun Belt Conf, 11/11 South Central Reg

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 demonstrated that she is one of the NCAA's best by finishing 3rd at the Pre-NCAA meet, but her teammates could only muster 23rd. The Tar Heels race the 10/28 ACC meet at NC State. 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: 10/28 ACCs (NCSt), 11/11 SE Reg (Furman)

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, and finished at 20th at Pre-NCAAs. Northern Arizona faces Weber State at the 10/28 Big Sky champs.
Returnees -- Kendra Versendaal (21st, 132nd '98), Amy Swier (47th, 47th '98, 10th '97), Shelby Horgan (152nd), Christin Ray (224th), Jaymie Harper (245th)
Meets: 10/28 Big Sky (CSUN), 11/11 Mtn Reg (Ogden)

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

NOTRE DAME (Great Lakes)
The Fighting Irish 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. Notre Dame finished a s7th at their own 10/6 invite before placing 33rd at Pre-NCAAs. They travel to Boston for the 10/27 Big East meet.
Newcomer: Megan Johnson, WA, 2:15.4, 4:57.38, 10:45.2
Returnees -- Jennifer Handley (134th), Erin Olson (191st), Christine Kuenster (195th)
Meets: 10/27 Big East (Franklin), 11/11 Gt Lks (Yipsilanti)

PURDUE (Great Lakes)
The Boilermakers 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, 13th at 10/6 Notre Dame, and 40th at Pre-NCAAs. Ann Stechschulte, Teresa Kamleiter, Jessie Wilder lead Purdue. Next up is the 10/29 Big 10 meet at Wisconsin.
Meets: 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. Texas races the 10/28 Big 12 meet at Colorado.
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: 10/28 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. Toledo will battle Ball State for the MAC title on 10/28.
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: 10/28 MAC (Kalamazoo, Mi), 11/11 Gt Lks Reg

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. The Bruins travel to Seattle on 10/28 for the PAC-10 meet.
Newcomer: Valerie Flores, CA, 19th FL, 10:51.47
Returnees -- Franco (218th), Elaine Canchola (233rd, 238th '98)
Meets: 10/28 PAC-10s, 11/11 West Reg (Fresno)

WILLIAM & MARY (Southeast)
The Tribe 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 8th at Iona. Next up they'll challenge James Madison for the CAA loop title.
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: 10/28 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