NCAA WOMEN'S CROSS
COUNTRY COACHES' POLL ANALYSES
by Mike
Scott
University of Rhode Island
Return to Poll Analysis Homepage
Weekly Preview: At Minnesota's Roy Griak Invitational, the hosts will attempt to defend their invitational title from Arizona, Arizona State, Providence, Missouri, Marquette, Colorado State, Washington, Weber State, Wake Forest, Columbia, and Duke. Iona hosts Boston College, Yale, Brown, Villanova, and Boston University at the Meet of Champions at Van Cortland Park. Stanford hosts Arkansas and Wisconsin at the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto.
Teams are listed according to the Finishlynx/NCAA Division 1 Women's Cross Country Poll.
The Top 25
1. Colorado
Despite the graduation of NCAA individual champ Kara Grgas-Wheeler, the Buffalos are favored to repeat as NCAA champions. Eighth last fall as a frosh, Sara Gorton suffered a plantar tear in the spring but is reportedly recovering well – Coach Mark Wetmore raced her at the CU Time Trial, a good indication that Gorton must be healthy. Jodie Hughes was the surprise winner of the indoor 5000. Lesley Higgins, Tera Moody, Catherine Wright, Jen Fazoli, and Molly Austin also return from the national championships squad. Next up for the Buffalos is the 10/6 Rocky Mountain Shootout.
Meets: 10/6 Rocky Mountain Shootout, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big 12 (Norman, OK)
Returnees: Sara Gorton (8th; 4:34yd, 9:11), Jodie Hughes (30th, 187th '99; 9:29, 16:02, 33:25), Lesley Higgins (52nd, 204th '99; 4:42yd, 9:34, 10:17sc), Tera Moody (71st, 118th '99), Catherine Wright (104th, 69th '99), Jen Fazioli (252nd, 127th '98), Molly Austin (5th 10k; 34:28), Kendal Grgas-Wheeler (11:03sc)
Newcomers: Hilary Wright (transfer from Fl; 11:08sc)
2. Stanford
The Cardinal may have finished third at the 2000 championships in the cold and blustery conditions, but the 1996 national champs have so much stockpiled talent at the Farm that it's tough to bet against them. Lauren Fleshman won the outdoor 5000 title last spring, while Erin Sullivan, Victoria Chang, and newcomer Sarah Bei have combined for the last four Foot Locker titles – and Fleshman, Mariel Ettinger, and newcomer Anita Siraki all claimed FL runner-up finishes. Stanford's recruiting class is second to none – with Bei, Siraki, and FL West region champ Alicia Craig all relocating to Palo Alto. As always, it's a little tough to read the Cardinal early; at the CSU Fullerton Invite, Ettinger edged '98 World junior team member Carolyn Annis, while Sullivan finished about 15 secs back of this duo and Chang was another 18 seconds back. Next up for the Cardinal is the 9/29 Stanford Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Stanford Inv, 10/6 Murray Keating, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 PAC-10s (AzSt)
Returnees: Lauren Fleshman (11th, 5th; '01 5000 champ, 2nd '98 FL; 4:17, 4:39yd, 15:49), Erin Sullivan (25th, 7th '99; 1st '97 & '98 FL, '99 US Jr XC Champ; 9:36, 16:22, 34:47), Mariel Ettinger (96th, 217th '99; 2nd '97 FL; 16:43), Jillian Mastroianni (115th), Victoria Chang (217th; 1st '99 FL; 16:44), Caroline Annis (40th '98), Malinda Elmore (4:18), Laura Turner (10:16, 16:35)
Newcomers: Sara Bei (FL champ, 4:47.77yd, 9:39.29, 10:14.51yd), Anita Siraki (2nd FL, 4:46.35yd, 9:30.82, 10:12.48yd), Alicia Craig (20th FL, WXC, 4:46.73yd, 10:37.55yd)
3. North Carolina State
The Wolfpack placed 11th last season at NCAAs. All Americans Katie Sabino and Christy Nichols, and VaTech transfer Kristen Price lead NC State in their quest for another top 10 finish. The Wolfpack surprised many with a strong win over BYU and North Carolina at the Great American meet. Price led NC St with her 3rd-place finish, with Megan Coombs, Beth Fonner, Sabino, and Christy Nichols all finishing within 24 seconds of Price.
Returnees: Katie Sabino (36th, 35th '99, 67th '98; 9:22, 16:22, 10:05sc), Beth Fonner (101st, 160th '99; 16:49), Beth Kraft (117th, 17:06), Diana Henderson (141st, 34:58), Erin Swain (200th), Jennifer Modliszewski, Lindsey Rogers (41st '98; 16:33), Meegan Coombs (203rd '99; 10:28sc, 16:48), Christy Nichols (13th '99, '96 All American)
Newcomers: Kristin Price (VaTech, 4th ind 3000; 9:18, 15:55), Kara Price (11:10sc), Abigail Nelkie (10:50.84yd)
4. Brigham Young
The 1997 and 1999 national titlests appear to be a little down this year, but still return a crew that would be the envy of almost any coach in the country. '99 10k champ Tara Northcutt and Lindsey Thomsen will lead the Cougars this fall, while South Dakota transfer Jessie Kindschi should make an immediate impact. The Cougars dominated the open race at the Great Race of the Great Bay meet, but despite an individual win by Northcutt, fell to a surprising North Carolina State team at the Great American meet. In Charlotte, BYU ran without likely top-5 runners Sarah Ellett and Nan Evans, while Thomsen is reported to have struggled with injuries recently and had only three training days prior to racing in North Carolina.
Returnees: Tara Northcutt (18th, 17th '99; '00 10k champ; 33:37), Katie Martin (55th; 10:29sc), Sarah Ellett (94th; 55th '98; 34:38), Lindsey Thomsen (150th; 16:13, 34:10), Nan Evans (152nd; 9:59sc), Katie Moon (10:42sc)
Newcomer: Jessie Kindschi
5. Wisconsin
Wisconsin returns 1999 NCAA harrier champ Erica Palmer from last year's eighth place squad, although rumors out of Madison question whether she'll compete this fall as she recovers from an injury that kept her out during the spring season. Brewster joined Palmer leading early in last fall's championship race.
Meets: 9/29 Stanford Inv, 10/14 Wolverine, 10/28 Big Ten (Ill)
Returnees: Erica Palmer (3rd, 1st '99; 9:13, 16:09), Bethany Brewster (9th; 54th '99, 62nd '98; 3rd indoor 3000; 4:22, 4:42yd, 9:16), Liz Reusser (112th; 112th '99; 16:29), Michelle Lilienthal (113th; 16:47, 34:42), Hilary Edmundson (161st), Leslie Patterson (193rd)
Newcomers: Linsey Blaisdell (16th FL, 5:00.03yd)
6. Yale
All-American twins Kate and Laura O'Neill led Yale to a surprise seventh place finish in Ames. The Bulldogs return 4 out of their top 5, and 5 of their top seven from last fall. Yale will open at the 9/29 Iona Meet of Champions.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/6 HYP (Princeton), 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 HEPs
Returnees: Kate O'Neill (31st; 9:28, 16:10), Laura O'Neill (32nd; 16:26; 34:49), Lindsay Mitchell (107th; 10:38sc), Amanda Brewster (154th; 17:20), Rebecca Hunter (185th; 4:33)
Newcomers: Susan Chan (5:04.73yd, 10:52), Vamessa Mazandi (2:13.90), Mary Kuhn, Anne Martin
7. North Carolina
The Tar Heels could contend for the national title this fall and have the talent to make the run all the way to the top. Shalane Flanagan proved last year that she's as good as any runner in the country and will be joined by all seven of her teammates who finished 12th last fall in Ames. '99 FL runner up Victoria Jackson struggled early last fall with injuries, but rallied to run third for the squad at NCAAs. Newcomers Erin Donohue (the prep mile leader), Carol Henry (Canadian junior team), and Villanova transfer Liz Awtrey should all make an immediate impact. UNC's first real challenge this fall was at the Great American meet, where sans Flanagan they finished third behind NC State and BYU. Newcomer Henry ran well to finish second overall behind only BYU's Northcutt, while Awtrey finished 7th overall. On the other hand, Kim Timberlake and Jackson both had subpar days in Charlotte.
Meets: 9/29 UNC Challenge, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/14 Wolverine, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
Returnees: Shalane Flanagan (4th; '00 USA Jr XC Champ; 4:18,
4:35yd; 9:33, 16:29), Kim Timberlake (73rd; 159th '99, 142nd '98; 10:40sc),
Victoria Jackson (99th; 2nd '99 FL), Beth George (121st; 4:23), Rebecca Walker
(162nd, '98th '99, 209th '98), Bobbie Munson (244th; 2:04), Jennie Sucher (246th)
Newcomers: Erin Donohue (2:08.87,
4:42.96yd, 10:37.52yd), Carol Henry, Liz Awtrey (65th, 55th '99; trans from
Villanova; 10:26sc), Nicole Boykin (11.01.94yd)
8. Arizona
The Wildcats return a strong crew from last fall's 19th-place squad including perennial contender Tara Chaplin. Former Boise State 10k All-American Abby Peters will bolster Arizona's lineup.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/6 Murray Keating, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 PAC-10s (AzSt)
Returnees: Tara Chaplin (45th; 33rd '99, 85th '98; 2nd indoor 3000; 9:36, 16:12, 34:38), Jennifer Burris (122nd, 158th '99), Erin Doherty (179th; 145th '99; 4:19), Nicole Gurnicz (183th; 10:21sc), Kim Bates (199th, 225th '99), Beth Hoge (243rd; 16:37)
Newcomers: Abby Peters (91st '99; transfer from Boise St), Amber Steen (4:28.00, 4:45.35yd, 10:29.85yd)
9. Providence
The Friars finished ninth in Ames. NCAA steeple qualifier Roisin McGettigan, NCAA indoor 5000 qualifier Claire Sherman, and '99 All America Heather Cappello (returning from a medical redshirt) lead PC as they battle for a qualifying berth out of one of the nation's deepest regions. The Fiars opened with an easy win over New Hampshire on 9/7, then without the Cappello sisters downed an equally understrength Boston College on 9/17. PC will next contest the Griak Invite on 9/29.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/12 New Englands, 10/26 Big East (Van Cortland)
Returnees: Heather Cappello (40th '99, 154th '98), Kathryn Casserly (81st, 163rd '99), Emily Tallen (102nd, 234th '99), Claire Shearman (144th, 89th '99; 16:37), Roisin McGettigan (145th, 139th '99; 4:23, 10:20sc), Lisa Cappello (180th)
Newcomers: Deirde Byrne (4:23, 9:50), Mary Cullen (9:50)
10. Georgetown
The Hoyas placed fifth in Ames and returned four from last year's squad. NCAA indoor 3000 third-place finisher Marina Kruppa returns to lead Georgetown. The Hoyas swept 1st – 5th places at the 9/22 Mt. St Mary's Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Cowboy Jamboree, 10/6 Paul Short Invite, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 Big Easts (Van Cortland)
Returnees: Marina Kruppa (28th; 127th '99; 9:27, 16:19, 33:43), Emily Enstice (41st, 117th '99, 170th '98; 9:27), Amanda Pape (98th), Colleen Kelly (143rd)
Newcomers: Jodee Adams-Moore (10:48.50yd), Nicole Lee (10:55.83yd), Kelley Otstott (4:52.92yd, 10:59.10yd)
11. Arizona State
Arizona State grabbed sixth last fall behind Lisa Aguilera's fifth-place individual finish. '99 All America Kelly McDonald redshirted last fall, but claimed third in the inaugural collegiate steeple. A "B" squad finished 2nd at the 9/8 Irvine Invite behind the hosts. Next up for the Sun devils is the 9/29 Griak Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/5 AzSt Inv, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 PAC-10s (AzSt)
Returnees: Kelly McDonald (36th '99, 134th '98; 3rd in steeple & 5000; 4:22, 9:55sc; 16:03), Lisa Aguilera (5th, 50th '99, 131st '98; 4:19, 10:08sc, 16:06), Cynthia Atencio (46th), Brianna Torres (114th; 174th '99; 16:33), Beth Martin (203rd), Kristin McFerron (210th), Cody Sohn (10:27sc)
12. Boston College
The Eagles return their entire top seven from a squad that finished fourth at the 2000 championships. Twins Megan and Cate Guiney lead BC in pursuit of a national title and are joined by fellow All-American Katie Ryan. Jennifer Kramer, Julie Spolidoro, Sharon Van Tuyl, and Laura Smith also return. Foot Locker finalist Maria Cicero and Mass. prep standout Melissa Sherman join the Eagles in their pursuit of a national crown. Running without Cate Guiney and Spolidoro, BC opened with a loss to an equally understrength Providence squad despite an individual win by frosh Cicero. Surprisingly, Meg Guiney faded to third over the final kilo after leading much of the race. BC will face Yale, Brown, Villanova, and Boston University at Iona's Meet of Champions on 9/29.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 Big East (Van Cortlandt)
Returnees: Megan Guiney (13th, 220th '99; 9:29, 16:25), Katie Ryan (24th; 9:27), Catherine Guiney (34th, 167th '99), Jennifer Kramer (97th), Julie Spolidoro (120th; 10:36sc), Sharon Van Tuyl (128th), Laura Smith (151st; 4:47yd), Jennifer Donovan (10:25sc)
Newcomers: Maria Cicero (13th FL, 4:48.10yd, 10:20.68yd), Melissa Sherman (2:11.82)
13. Arkansas
The Lady Razorbacks finished 13th in 2000 behind Lilli Kleinmann's 10th place finish. Track find Adreina Bryd led Arkansas to a 4th-place finish at Great American behind NC State, BYU, and UNC. Next up is the 9/29 Stanford Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Stanford, 10/13 Chili Pepper, 10/19 SECs (Auburn)
Returnees: Lilli Kleinmann (10th; 3rd '99; 4:46yd, 9:14, 10:01sc, 15:55), Christin Wurth (84th, 104th '99), Amy Wiseman (106th, 98th '98; 10:35sc), Brittney Mensen (229th), Alison Zeinner (231st), Londa Bevins (245th), Adreina Byrd (4:45yd, 9:24, 16:12)
Newcomers: Michelle Dela Vina, Laura Jackosky (5:05.82yd, 10:05.20, 10:43.74yd)
14. Colorado State
The Rams finished 17th in Ames last fall. Colorado State opened with a win at their own invitational.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 MtWest (Albuquerque, NM)
Returnees: Jennifer Kintzley (127th; 35:06), Marget Larson (131st; 9:35, 10:10sc), Katie Yemm (156th; 4:48yd), Kim Leal (174th), Christy Virgin (214th)
Newcomer: Andrea Beisser (from Bucknell)
15. Missouri
The Tigers finished 16th in Ames, but lost Kerry Hils to transfer to Xavier. NCAA indoor 3k runner-up Ann Marie Brooks lead Mizzu.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big-12s (Ok)
Returnees: Ann Marie Brooks (86th, 132nd '99, 94th '98; 2nd indoor 3000; 4:18, 4:36yd, 9:16, 16:06), Ashley McLeod (187th), Katherine Bonugli (219th), Amy Chipman (241st, 122nd '99)
Newcomers: Amanda Bales (2:12.26), Jill Peterson (4:56.40yd, 10:57.63yd),
16. Marquette
The Golden Eagles claimed 27th at the 2000 NCAA Championships. Marquette downed Notre Dame at the 9/21 National Catholic meet.
Returnees: Susan Barth (68th; 34:42), Bethany Harry (92nd), Brianna Dahm (205th; 10:36sc), Jessie Swan (209th), Audrey Schilts (221st), Jamie Haro, Beth Harry (10:46sc)
17. Washington
The Huskies return NCAA qualifier Kate Bradshaw from their 23rd-place team. Individual runner-up Sabrina Monro will greatly enhance Washington's chances for a return trip to the NCAA champs. The Huskies easily dominated weak fields at Emerald City and their own Sundodger Invite, with Monro easily running away from the fields at both meets and newcomer Lisa Gibbs demonstrating that she will be a factor.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 PAC-10s (AzSt)
Returnees: Kate Bradshaw (89th, 128th '99, 16:38, 33:35), Liza English (223rd), Susan Werner (247th), Kate Spigel (249th; 11:09sc)
Newcomers: Sabrina Monro (2nd; transfer from Montana; 4:43yd, 9:14), Camille Connelly (11:03.90yd), Lindsey Egerdahl (5:05.85), Lisa Gibbs (5:03yd, 10:59yd), Jamie Gibbs (5:13yd, 11:30yd)
18. Texas A&M
The Aggies grabbed 18th in Ames in their first appearance at the NCAA meet. Next up for them is the 9/29 Auburn Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Auburn, 10/13 Texas A&M, 10/27 Big 12 (Ok)
Returnees: Melissa Guilli (22nd; 9:33, 15:52), Andrea Bookout (26th), Jennifer Whatley (190th), Sarah Steadman (191st; 10:50sc), Kristy Bonn (208th), Kayci Waters (213th)
19. Minnesota
The Gophers finished 26th in Ames and will be led this year by sophomore Darja Vasiljeva, last season's Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/5 Wisc-Eau Claire, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/19 Minn. Open, 10/28 Big Ten (Ill)
Returnees: Darja Vasilijeva (46th), Anita Menden (165th), Victoria Moses (184th, 188th '99; 10:51sc), Krista Anderson (227), Laine Misch (230)
20. Villanova
The Wildcats return a young group from their 20th place squad and were further hurt by the transfer of Liz Awtrey to North Carolina. Newcomers Parusheva and Toedebusch led the Wildcats at the Haverford Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/6 Paul Short, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 Big East (Van Cortland)
Returnees: Rebecca Mitchell (140th; 4:42yd), Renee Gunning (155th), Carre Joyce (202nd; 11:09sc)
Newcomers: Kalin Toedebusch (5:04.30yd, 10:56.60yd), Ioana Parusheva
21. Weber State
NCAA steeple runner-up Rebecca Bennion returns to lead the Wildcat squad that finished 22nd in Ames. Weber downed Utah St, Idaho State, and Utah on 9/1 at IdSt.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big Sky (Spokane)
Returnees: Rebecca Bennion (33rd; SC runner-up; 4:21, 9:54sc, 16:07), Genny Minoch (105th), Rachel Bennion (167th; 11:01sc), Cynthia Losee (168th), Danielle Blaisell (177th), Janae Johnson (201st; 10:59sc), Ashley Winter
Newcomers: Heidi Bouwhuis (10:46.94 yd)
22. Duke
The Blue Devils finished 24th in Ames. Sheela Agrawal finished seventh individually at last year's NCAAs as a sophomore, but has not year appeared this fall. Duke won the 9/8 Fordham Inv, then finished fifth at Great American behind NC State, BYU, UNC, and Arkansas. Duke next races at the 9/29 Griak Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
Returnees: Sheela Agrawal (7th, 28th '99; 9:23), Katie Atlas (149th; 241st '99; 2:08, 4:43yd), Maddy Woodmansee (195th, 166th '99), Lisa Nagorny (211th), Laura Schmid (222nd), Alison Hofman (237th), Coleen Howard (11:14sc)
Newcomers: Pheobe Ko (10:58.80yd), Paige Miller (5:02.39yd, 9:53.19, 10:43.01yd)
23. Boston University
BU finished 18th in 1999, but missed advancing to Ames by amassing just one more point than Columbia at last year's regional. NCAA individual qualifier Bolpar Vinh is expected to lead the Terriers, while BYU transfer Sherida (nee Rodgers) Bird will make an immediate impact. BU comfortably won it's own 9/15 invite over a field of unranked teams. Next up for BU is the 9/29 Meet of Champions.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/17 American East (Maine)
Returnees: Bolpar Vinh (80th, 99th '99; 9:59), Rachel Felton (4:18, 4:45yd), Kathy Ireland (4:48yd, 9:25, 16:22), Jennifer Kehoe (4:26, 9:42), Lauren Matthews (17:22, 35:07)
Transfer: Sherida (Rodgers) Bird (transfer from BYU; 9:27.76), Dina Mijuskovic (Croatia; 4:36, 9:58)
24. Michigan State
The Spartans easily won their own 9/21 Spartan Invite behind the individual win of Anne Sommerville.
Returnees: Anne Sommerville (27th, 125th '99; 9:33, 10:27sc, 16:35), Cindy Durocher (62nd '99), Michelle Carson (34:29)
25. Columbia
The Lions returned all seven runners from their 25th place squad in Ames. A frosh squad finished 3rd at the 9/8 Fordham Inv. First up for the varsity is the 9/29 Griak Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 HEPs
Returnees: Caitlin Hicklin (90th), Haley Acre (134th), Lauren Harrison (136th), Melissa Stellato (164th), Erin Raggio (206th), Ali Nicolas (239th), Liz Burke (250th)
Newcomers: Laurel Gordon (11:04.48), Loretta Kilmer (10:50.66), Caryn Waterson (2:13.15)
Other Teams Also Receiving Votes:
--. Virginia
The Cavaliers won the 9/22 William & Mary Invitational. Jennifer Owens leads UVa.
--. Kansas State
The Wildcats return Amy Mortimer, sixth in 2000. Kansas State downed an understrength Missouri squad at the Wichita State Invite, with Mortimer running away from the field for the win.
Returnees: Amy Mortimer (6th, 12th '99; 4:42yd, 9:23), Ekatertini Fotopoulou (138th, 170th '99), Amanda Crouse (204th, 68th '99; 10:49sc), Catherine Holston (236th)
--. Wake Forest
The Deacons finished 29th in Ames and are looking for a return trip. Wake Forest finished sixth at Great American behind NC State, BYU, UNC, Arkansas, and Duke. Next up for the Deacons is the 9/29 Griak Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
Returnees: Risa Rutland (159th; 17:18), Denise Hefferin (170th), Becca Veenstra (197th), Nicole Kalogeropoulous (234th), Courtney Lancashire (141st '99; 16:59), Kara Mullin (10:08)
Newcomers: Annie Bersagel (5th USAJr 1500; 4:34.43, 5:03.95yd, 10:56.96yd), Dannielle Coon (17th FL),Thersa Fath (2nd NY; 4:35.97, 5:04.05yd), Jill Miller (9th USAJr 1500)
--. Toledo
Former world junior cross country participant Petra Teveli leads the Rockets. Toledo opened by sweeping the top five spots at the 9/1 Eastern Michigan Invite. Next up for the Rockets is the 9/29 Griak Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Griak, 10/5 All-Ohio Champs, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/19 Eastern Mich, 10/27 MAC Champs (EMi)
Returnees: Briana Shook (9:53, 17:18), Sara Vergote (10:04, 17:32), Jodi Harrington (4:37, 9:55), Emily Gora (10:14), Katherine Smyth (9:57, 17:09), Abby Phillips (10:31, 18:00), Bonnie Stewart (18:17), Lindsey Misejka (18:19)
Newcomers: Jessica Kraft (4:56 1600, 10:51 3200), Petra Teveli (9:58, 16:56, 35:22), Ebba Stenback (9:50, 6:43 2k sc), Chris Tye (17:44; 2nd World Mtn Racing Champs)
--. Brown
Kim Thalmann leads five returnees from last year's squad that finished 15th in Ames. Brown's freshman dominated the field at the 9/8 CCRI invite.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 HEPs
Returnees: Kim Thalmann (37th, 56th '99; 16:39), Rosie Woodford (129th, 156th '99), Jenna Richardson (166th, 171st), Angie Morey (169th), Mary Hale (182nd)
--. Wichita State
Wichita State won the 9/22 Illini Inviaitional, downing Butler and Northwestern.
--. UCLA
The Bruins finished 2nd to Washington at the 9/22 Sundodger Invite. Alejandra Barrientos leads UCLA.
--. Northern Arizona
Susan Rutherford will lead a resurging Lumberjack squad that is expected to contend a berth at the NCAA meet.
Returnees: Susan Rutherford (67th; 16:31), Jinny Hanifan (10:25sc), Jamie Herman (11:09sc)
--. South Florida
The Bulls finished 30th in 2000. South Florida opened with a win at the Mountaineer Invite, then followed that up with a win at the 9/22 Florida Intercollegiates.
Returnees: Tara Quinn (157th; 34:25), Cori Kill (173rd, 211th '99), Nicole McCarthy (181st, 232nd '99), Tiffany Quinn (212th), Kristy Fuller (215th, 238th '99), Jennifer Walczuk (233rd)
Others:
Bucknell
Bucknell finished 24th at the '99 NCAA meet, but missed qualifying in 2000. Hurt by transfer of Andrea Beisser to Colorado St. Senior Becki Marshall won the 9/8 Gulden Duals, leading the Bison to wins over Siena and Syracuse. Bucknell then finished 2nd to Georgetown at the 9/22 Mt St Mary's Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Lock Haven, 10/6 Paul Short, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Patriot League (Lehigh)
Returnees: Becki Marshall (96th '99), Theresa Dennis, Kristin Ferrell, Kelly McConnell, Christina Crowe
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech finished 31st in Ames.
Returnees: Renee Metivier (123rd; 10:22sc), Amy Dock (135th; 16:37, 35:09), Sara Pardue (207th), Amy Edwards (226th), Eboni Crosby (228th), Betsy Bulat (242nd), Ashley Espy (251st)
Michigan
The Wolverines placed 14th in Ames, but may be hard pressed to repeat that finish in 2001. Michigan finished third at the 9/8 Miami Invite.
Meets: 9/29 Meet of Champions, 10/5 Notre Dame, 10/14 Wolverine, 10/28 Big Ten (Ill)
Returnees: Jane Martuneau (83rd), Erin White (146th), Katie Ryan (186th, 223rd '99), Katie Easton (192nd), Lindsey Gallo (225th)
Texas Christian
The Horned Frogs fell short of qualifying for Ames as a team, but were well represented by Gladys Keitany's 40th place finish.
Returnees: Gladys Keitany (40th; 16:44)
West Virginia
Merissa Sexsmith and Megan Metcalfe return to lead the Mountaineers, 21st in Ames. WVa finished third behind Miami and Pitt and the 9/22 Miami Fall Classic. Word out of the mid Atlantic is that Metcalfe may be out for the season.
Returnees: Merissa Sexsmith (147th, 123rd '99), Megan Metcalfe (160th, 9:34), Petra Meier (238th), Kim Dorman (248th)
Newcomers: Erika Suhy (transfer from Robert Morris)
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