Updated November 6. Next update scheduled for 11/13 (after regionals).

Here's an analysis of the NCAA female harrier teams, which I am doing for the 4th year. 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.

CONFERENCES REVIEW: Boston College dominated the field at the Big East meet in Boston, while Providence upset Georgetown by 1 point for second, with Villanova and West Virginia also close in 4th and 5th. Yale won a surprisingly tight team battle at Heps over Brown and Columbia. Stanford won PAC-10s over Arizona State, Arizona, Washington while Washington St surprised for 5th ahead of UCLA and Oregon. BYU finished 1-2-3-4-6 at the Mountain West meet to score an easy win over Colorado St. In Boulder, Colorado ran away from Kansas St, Missouri, Texas A&M, Oklahoma St, Iowa St, Nebraska, and Texas. NC State edged a surprising North Carolina squad at the ACC meet, with Wake Forest, Duke, and Virginia grabbing the next 3 spots. Weber St ran away from Montana and Northern Arizona at the Big Sky conference. Marquette edged South Florida at the Conference USA meet. Texas Christian ran away with the WAC champs, while New Orleans dominated the Sun Belt champs, Boston Univ won American East, and Bucknell took the Patriot League. Wisconsin scored an easy win over Michigan and Minnesota at the Big Ten Champs. Arkansas dominated the SECs over surprising Georgia, Auburn, and Florida.

REGIONAL PREVIEW:
Link to my preview of the nine regional qualifying meets that will be contested on Nov. 11.

1. BRIGHAM YOUNG (Mountain)
Defending team champ BYU moved atop the rankings after a running away from the field at Pre-NCAAs, then confirmed their top seed with a stellar run at their conference meet. 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. Sophomore 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; without Northcutt, the Cougars still won Pre-NCAAs over an understrength Stanford squad. With Northcutt back in the lineup, BYU finished 1-2-3-4-6 at the Mountain West loop champs to dominate a strong Colorado State squad. The Cougars demonstrated their strength with a 33-sec 1-5 gap (over 6k!) in which ALL five finished ahead of Colorado State's lead runner -- and she finished 30th individually at Pre-NCAAs! BYU faces Colorado at the Mountain regional, where the two powers are expected to claim the auto qualifying berths.
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

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 has yet to appear this season in the Cardinal "A" lineup 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 -- Elena Villarreal, Carolyn Annis, and Laura Turner -- ran 16:45 or faster last spring, with Villarreal 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 season. 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, Villarreal, 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. Despite having Stamps run unattached in the "open" race and Sullivan dropping out around 2k after suffering what's been described as a "minor ankle injury", Stanford won their fifth straight PAC-10 crown over national powers Arizona State, Arizona, and Washington. On the plus side, Fleshman started to show some promise with a strong 3rd place individual finish. Also, Stamps' time from the open race would have made her the Cardinal's 4th runner at PAC-10s. Standford had a 65-second 1-5 spread at PAC-10s over 6k; inserting Stamps in the lineup drops the spread to 39 seconds and with Sullivan back the squad tightens up a little more. The Cardinal will face a rematch with the PAC-10 squads at the West regional in Fresno.
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)

3. WISCONSIN (Great Lakes)
Wisconsin is the top returning team strictly off of athletes that ran in the '99 champs. Wisconsin opened at the 9/16 Illinios Invite by placing 1-2-3-4-6 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. Bolstered by the return of defending NCAA harrier champ Erica Palmer, Wisconsin grabbed third at the Pre-NCAA champs then ran away with the Big Ten champs with a 63-second 1-5 spread. Wisconsin is the clear favorite for the top spot at the Great Lakes regional at Michigan State.
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),

4. ARIZONA STATE (West)
The Sundevils return their entire squad that finished 12th last fall in Bloomington, but will be without the services of All-American Kelly MacDonald has not appeared in their lineup this fall and is reported to be redshirting. In MacDonald's absence, Lisa Aguiliera has really stepped up with a runner-up performance at Griak, 5th at Pre-NCAAs, and 2nd at PAC-10s. The Sundevils opened with a 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. The Sundevils then grabbed second at PAC-10s in Seattle behind Stanford, but ahead of Arizona and Washington. MacDonald, running unattached, won the open race at PAC-10s with a time that would have placed her 8th in the championship race and was just as fast as their number two runner. Arizona State is likely to claim the 2nd auto qualifier at the West regional behind Stanford.
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)

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, last spring's NCAA 3000/5000 champ, 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. Gorton returned to the Buffs lineup at the Big 12 meet, where the altitude-aided hosts dominated the conference with a 29 point total. CU faces BYU at the Mountain regional, where the two will duel for altitude bragging rights and the two auto qualifying berths.
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)

6. 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, then dominated the field at the Big East with 4 in the top 10 and a strong 37-second 1-5 spread over 5k. Sophomore Megan Guiney has improved considerably this fall to lead the Eagles and is joined at the front by Katie Ryan. Guiney led the Big East field until 200 to go, when Villanova's McGranahan sprinted past her for the win. BC seems to be the favorite for the Northeast Regional title where they face Yale, Providence, Brown, and Columbia
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 -- Cate Guiney (167th, 7th '98 FL, 9:35.61), Lisa McIssac (168th), Megan Guiney (220th), Katie Ryan (9:28.59)

7. 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. Arizona finished 7th at Pre-NCAAs, then Chaplin won the individual PAC-10 title to lead her teammates to 3rd behind Stanford and Arizona St and ahead of the host Huskies. The Wildcats will battle Washington for third place in the West region behind Stanford and Arizona State, but both Arizona and Washington should get at-large berths.
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)

8. 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 finished a distant 2nd to Colorado at the Big 12 meet, with Mortimer claiming runner-up honors. Kansas St faces Minnesota and Michigan at the Midwest regional as those two schools will battled for the two auto berths.
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)

9. WASHINGTON (West)
Washington returns a very talented team that is bolstered by 15:56 transfer Gillian Palmer from Edinburgh Univ. 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, then won over unranked teams at their 9/23 Sundodger meet. The Huskes 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, but then slipped to 4th at PAC-10s behind Stanford, Arizona State, and Arizona with Palmer having a bad day. At the West regional the Huskies battle Stanford, Arizona State, and Arizona for the two auto qualifiers and at least two at-large berths that this region is likely to earn.
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)

10. 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 before returning the favor to Minnesota for runner-up honors at Big Tens behind the host Badgers despite an off day by Jazwinski. At this point, Michigan would appear to be the strong favorite for the Great Lakes region's 2nd auto qualifier behind Wisconsin.
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

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. Kleinmann and Robertson continued their 1-2 streak at SECs as they led the Lady 'Backs to a comfortable win over Georgia, Auburn, and Florida. At SECs, their 4th runner, Christin Wurth, inproved considerably and has tightened their 3-4 gap; however, there's still a considerable drop off from 4th to 5th runner. Arkansas should win the South Central region at North Texas.
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)

12. 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, dominated the New England Champs with a surprisingly easy win over Providence, then won a tight team battle over Brown and Columbia at Heps. 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 over 5k. Yale will battle Boston College, Providence, Brown, and Columbia for the two auto spots and a possible three at-large berths out of the Northeast Region.
Returnees: Kate O'Neill, Laura O'Neill, Lindsay Mitchell, Nancy Wolcott, Katie Rigney, Amanda Brewster, Kathryn LaFrance

13. GEORGETOWN (Mid Atlantic)
The Hoyas debuted at the 9/22 Great American Festival, where they were soundly beaten by BYU and NC State; an understrength A squad finished 3rd at the 10/7 Paul Short meet. Georgetown finished 9th at Pre-NCAAs, then were edged by Providence at Big Easts for runner-up honors. NCAA Indoor mile runner-up Autumn Fogg, NCAA 10k qualier Emily Enstice, 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 will face Villanova and West Virginia in what could be a tight team battle in the Mid Atlantic Regionals at Penn State.
Newcomers: Amanda Pape, KS, 7th FL, 5:05.64; Colleen Kelly
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)

14. 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. Returning Nichols to the lineup at ACCs, NC State used a 29-second 1-5 gap over 5k to take the conference crown over a surprising North Carolina squad. NC State will battle North Carolina again at the Southeast regional.
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.

15. 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 were swept by BYU, but claimed runner-up honors at the Mountain West champs. Colorado St will battle Weber St for third behind BYU and Colorado at the Mountain regional, although both the Rams and Weber should get at-large berths.
Returnees: Elizabeth Roodell (59th, 44th '98) Marisa Keefe (222nd '98)

16. 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. PC racked up 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, but upset Georgetown (by 1 point!) for runner-up honors at Big Easts behind Boston College with a 52-second 1-5 spread over 5k. The Friars will face Boston College, Yale, Brown, and Columbia at the Northeastern Regional, where they will vie for the 2nd auto berth or one of three possible at-large berths.
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), Roisin McGattigan (139th), Kathryn Casserly (163rd), Emily Tallen (234th); injured: Heather Capello (40th, 154th '98)

17. 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 but hasn't appeared since the Griak meet, 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 won the Big Sky conference meet over Montana and Northern Arizona. Weber hosts the Mountain regional where they hope to challenge Colorado State for third behind BYU and Colorado, although this region should get at least two at-large berths.
Newcomers: Janae Johnson, ID; Ashley Winters, WY; Jessica Winters, UT; Caroline Jolly, UT
Returnees: Sharlyn Maughan Geddes, Rebecca Bennion, Danielle Blaisdell, Jackie Jenson

18. 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 Wildcats then garnered 4th at the Big East meet behind Boston College, Providence, and Georgetown as Ann McGranahan won the individual crown. The 1998 NCAA champs return Liz Awtrey and 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 Georgetown and West Virginia in what's expected to be a tight battle for the two auto spots (and a likely at-large berth) out of the Mid Atlantic Region at Penn State.
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)

19. 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 17th at Pre-NCAAs. Missouri features Kerry Hils, Katie Meyers, and Anne Marie Brooks. The Tigers finished 3rd at the Big 12 meet behind Colorado and Kansas St. Missouri races the Midwest regional, where they should challenge Minnesota for runner-up honors and the 2nd auto qualifier.
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)

20. MINNESOTA (Midwest)
Minnesota, 17th last fall, opened by easily downing Drake at the 9/8 "Oz" Invite. Senior co-captains Corinne Nimitz and Elaine Eggleston and frosh Darja Vasiljeva led the Gophers to a big win at their own Griak invite which they followed up with 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 rebounded a bit at Big Tens -- although Nimitz is still way back -- and grabbed 3rd behind Wisconsin and Michigan. Minnesota will battle Missouri for the Midwest region's 2nd auto qualifier behind Kansas St.
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)

21. 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 downed South Florida 44-56 at the Conference USA meet. The Golden Eagles will challenge for 3rd in the Great Lakes region behind Wisconsin and Michigan and are a likely pick for an at-large berth.
Newcomer: Brianna Dahm, WI
Returnees -- Jessica Swan, Susan Barth, Erika Jacobson, Sara McCullough, Bethany Harry

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., and 2nd to Yale at Heps in a tight 3-way battle with the Bulldogs and Columbia. Tindall and Kim Thalmann finished 1-2 at Heps. Brown will challenge Boston College, Yale, Providence, and Columbia for the two auto qualifiers and three possible at-large berths from the Northeast regional; Tindall is the favorite for the individual win at regionals.
Returnees -- Sara Tindall (44th), Kim Thalmann (56th), Michelle Gross (116th), Rosie Wooodfoord (156th), Jenna Richardson (171st)

23. 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 their place 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. Frosh Victoria Jackson, the '99 Foot Locker runner-up, debuted at the ACC meet as the Tar Heels earned a surprising runner-up finish. North Carolina could challenge NC State for the Southeast regional crown and is likely to garner one of the region's auto berths.
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)

24. 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. At Big-12s in Boulder, Texas A&M finished 4th behind Colorado, Kansas St, and Missouri. Melissa Gulli and Andrea Bookout lead the Aggies. The Aggies battle Texas Christian and New Orleans for the second auto qualifier at the South Central regional at North Texas, although should they finish 3rd they could get an at-large berth based on wins at Iona.
Returnees: Andrea Bookout (4:24.12), Melissa Gulli (9:34.59, 16:48.62)

25. WEST VIRGINIA (Mid-Atlantic)
The much-improved Mountaineers won the 9/2 Hillbilly Shootout, finished 2nd to Michigan at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Inv, 16th at Pre-NCAAs, and 5th at Big Easts (behind Boston College, Providence, Georgetown, and Villanova). Rebecca Stallwood and Merissa Sexsmith lead West Virginia. The Mountaineers hope to challenge Georgetown and Villanova for the two auto spots in the Mid Atlantic region, but should still get an at-large if they finish 3rd.
Returnees: Rebecca Stallwood (180th), Merissa Sexsmith (123rd), Karin Lockhart

26. COLUMBIA (Northeast)
One of the big surprises of the season, the Lions finished 19th at Pre-NCAAs behind the leadership of Caitlin Hickin. Earlier this fall, Columbia won a 9/9 quad meet at Lehigh, the 9/23 Central Connecticut Inv, and the 10/6 METs. The Lions finished 3rd at Heps behind Yale and Brown in a tight 3-way battle. Columbia will battle Boston College, Yale, Providence, and Brown at the Northeast Regional for the two auto qualifiers and a possible three at-large berths.

27. 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. Senior Sara Day leads the Deacons, who have been strengthened by transfers Risa Rutland and Courtney Lancashire. Wake downed an under-strength North Carolina squad at the 9/9 Wake Forest Invite, finished 10th at Griak, 4th at Iona, and won the 10/14 Furman Invite. Day finished 2nd at the ACC meet to lead the Deacons to third behind NC State and North Carolina. Wake will try to step it up at the Southeast regional and claim at auto qualifier since they are a little shakey on wins over likely national qualifiers and could find themselves in trouble in the at-large process.
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

28. 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. The Bulls could only muster 27th at the Pre-NCAAs, but rebounded with a close second to Marquette at the Conference USA Champs. Rita Arndt leads South Florida this fall. South Florida will be attempting to garner one of the South's auto qualifiers at regionals.
Returnees -- Adrea Dempsey (70th), Rita Arndt (138th), Jennifer Dorna (194th, 35:10.79), Cori Kill (211th), Nicole McCarthy (232nd), Kristy Fuller (238th)

29. (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. 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. Keitany's individual WAC title led the Horned Frogs to an easy win over the WAC, but TCU will need to finish 2nd at the South Central regional in order to advance to NCAAs since they lack wins over top teams.
Returnees: Gladys Keitany (9:35.54), Robin Schacht (35:29.60)

29. (tie) 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, finished at 20th at Pre-NCAAs, and 3rd at the Big Sky champs behind Weber State and a surprising Montana squad. Northern Arizona races the Mountain regional.
Returnees -- Kendra Versendaal (21st, 132nd '98), Amy Swier (47th, 47th '98, 10th '97), Shelby Horgan (152nd), Christin Ray (224th), Jaymie Harper (245th)

AUBURN (South)
The Tigers are getting stronger as the season progresses. They finished 2nd to Southern Utah at the 9/23 Pier Park Invite, 2nd to New Orleans at the 10/7 Auburn Invite, 2nd to Wake Forest at the 10/14 Furman Invite ahead of Florida and Tennessee, and 3rd at SECs behind Arkansas and Georgia. Auburn will need to claim an auto qualifier at the South regional to advance to NCAAs.
Led by: Nerissa Johnson, Alexis Hamblet, Amy Odermatt

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 33rd at Pre-NCAAs. Ball State lost a squeaker to Central Michigan by 1 point at the MAC champs. Ball State will compete at the Great Lakes regional.
Led by: Kathy Kadzrolka, Amy Beatty, Ann Brady, Donna Harless

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 and Vinh ran away with the American East Conference team and individual crowns, but face their real challenge at the Northeast regional where they are ranked behind BC, Yale, Providence, Brown, and Columbia.
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)

BUCKNELL (Mid Atlantic)
The Bison were surprise qualifiers for NCAAs last fall and finished 24th. Bucknell finished fourth behind Michigan, West Virginia, and James Madison at the 9/16 Spiked Shoe Invite, then 30th at Pre-NCAAs. Becki Marshall. Thersa Dennis, and Andrea Beisser lead the squad. The Bison ran away with the Patriot League title, but will be hard pressed to return to the NCAAs this season.
Bucknell -- Becki Marshall (96th), Andrea Beisser (126th), Theresa Dennis (143rd), Amanda Youmell (229th)

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. Kareen Nilsson has been leading the Anteaters this fall and won the Big West meet, although her team fell to second behind Cal Poly SLO.
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)

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 finished 4th at the ACC meet behind NC State, UNC, and Wake Forest. The Blue Devils will have a rematch with these squads at the Southeast regional.
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)

FLORIDA (South)
Newcomer Hilary White leds the Gators as they edged Tennessee at the 9/15 Volunteer Invite, dominated their own 9/7 Nike Twilite and 9/30 Gator Invites, and fell to 3rd at the 10/14 Furman Invite behind Wake Forest and Auburn. Florida could only muster 4th at SECs behind Arkansas, Georgia, and Auburn. Florida will need an auto berth at the South Central regional to advance.
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)

FLORIDA STATE (South)
Newcomer Amy Pleckaitis leads the Seminoles, which finished 10th at the 10/6 Notre Dame Invite and 6th at the ACC champs. Florida State will need an auto berth at the South Central regional to advance.

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, Georgia won the 9/2 Papa's Pizza Invite over Clemson. At the SEC meet, the Bulldogs featured a strong pack race to claim runner-up honors behind Arkansas and ahead of Auburn and Florida. Georgia will need to finish top two at the South regional to advance to NCAAs.

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 edged William & Mary 30 to 36 for the CAA team crown. The Dukes will race the Southeast regional.

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. The Spartans finished 6th at the Big Ten meet; next up is the Great Lakes region.
Returnees -- Cindy Durocher (62nd), Ann Somerville (125th), Lorna Camp (116th)

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. The Huskers finished 7th at the Big 12 champs. Nebraska will participate in the Midwest regional.
Newcomer: Ann Gaffigan, IL, 10:31.13
Returnees -- Kathryn Handrup (137th), Jamie Kruger (146th), Amie Finker (157th), Mirjana Glisovic (196th)

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. New Orleans then dominated the Sun Belt conference meet to win UNO's first ever loop title in any sport. 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. At the regional, the Privateers will need to finish in the top two in order to advance to NCAAs.
Newcomers: Michaela Mannova, Radka Holubova, Katerina Sobanova, Pavlina Vondrkova, and Jana Bulirova

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 29th at Pre-NCAAs. The Wildcats finished 5th at the Big Ten meet behind Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinios.
Newcomers: Emily Blakeslee; Nora Colligan
Returnees: Rachel Evjen, Laura Evans, Nicole Kuznia, Karen Rogers, Jennifer Anderson

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 7th at their own 10/6 invite, 34th at Pre-NCAAs, and 6th at the Big East meet. The Irish will compete at the Great Lakes regional.
Newcomer: Megan Johnson, WA, 2:15.4, 4:57.38, 10:45.2
Returnees -- Jennifer Handley (134th), Erin Olson (191st), Christine Kuenster (195th)

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 and 7th at PAC-10s on an off days. Oregon faces faces the same teams at the West regional, but will need to finish at least 5th behind Stanford, Arizona State, Washington, and Arizona to have a chance to advance on an at-large.
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)

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, 40th at Pre-NCAAs, and 9th at the Big Tens. Ann Stechschulte, Teresa Kamleiter, Jessie Wilder lead Purdue. The Boilermakers will run at the Great Lakes regional.

TOLEDO (Great Lakes)
Toledo won the 9/16 Mel Brodt Invite and finished 4th at the MAC meet. Tuula Laitinen and Emily Loruope lead Toledo, which finished only 15th at the '99 Great Lakes Regional. Laitinen won the Paul Short invite and MAC meets, and finished 6th individually at Pre-NCAAs. Toledo races the Great Lakes regional.
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)

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 and Katie Nuanes then led UCLA to a win at the 10/6 National Invite and 6th at PAC-10s. The Bruins race the West regional.
Newcomer: Valerie Flores, CA, 19th FL, 10:51.47
Returnees -- Franco (218th), Elaine Canchola (233rd, 238th '98)

VIRGINIA (Southeast)
The Cavaliers finished 18th at Pre-NCAAs and 5th at the ACC meet behind NC State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Duke. 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. The Cavaliers will challenge Wake Forest and and Duke at the Southeast regional, where they need to get third to ensure that they get considered for an at-large berth and don't get blocked by teams that finish ahead of them but lack wins.

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. Despite an individual win by Emily Furia, W&M fell to James Madison at the CAA champs. The Tribe races at the Southeast regional.
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)