NCAA WOMEN'S CROSS
COUNTRY COACHES' POLL ANALYSES
by Mike
Scott
University of Rhode Island
Return to Poll Analysis Homepage
Weekly Review: At Minnesota's Roy Griak Invitational, Arizona State reclaimed the title it had won in 1999 with a win over Providence College and Arizona; Washington's Sabrina Monro was a runaway winner over a tough field. Boston College put themselves back in the top 10 with an easy win at Meet of Champions at Van Cortland Park; BC's Cate Guiney outran her twin Meg by 38-seconds to take the individual win. Stanford dominated its Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto over Brigham Young, Arkansas, and Wisconsin over "short" (4k) and "long" course races. Baylor won the Auburn Invite, while Northern Arizona took the Indiana State Invitational.
Weekly Preview: A fairly light weekend, with most teams preparing for the big showdown in Furman at Pre-NCAAs on October 13. Stanford and Arizona travel to Maine for the Murry Keating Invitational. Colorado debuts at home at the Rocky Mountain Shootout. Notre Dame hosts Northwestern and Michigan at the Notre Dame Invitational. Georgetown, Villanova, and Bucknell square off at Paul Short Invitational.
Teams are listed according to the October 1 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 NCAA 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. At the 9/29 Stanford Invite, the hosts split their team over 4k and 6k races and swept the team titles. Fleshman finished 2nd to Arkansas' Byrd over 6k, with Ettinger, Bei, Chang, and Sullivan all following within 38 seconds. Craig easily won the 4k, defeating among others Sun Belt champ Michaela Mannova (now at BYU) and Wisconsin's Bethany Brewster (9th last year at NCAAs). Next up for Cardinal is the 10/6 Murray Keating Invite.
Meets: 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, but appears to be making a run at a trophy this fall. All Americans Katie Sabino and Christy Nichols, and VaTech transfer Kristen Price lead NC State in their quest; Nichols is back for her sixth season – she first earned All-American status way back in '96. 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.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
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 (tie)
The 1997 and 1999 national titlests would 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 and New Orleans transfer Michaela Mannova – last fall's Sun Belt champ -- 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 Mannova, 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. The following weekend, BYU ran a mostly "B" team squad at the Stanford Invite with Mannova looking impressive in her debut as a Cougar – finishing second to Stanford's Alicia Craig. Next up for BYU is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Mtn West (Albuquerque)
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 (28th D-2 '00), Michaela Mannova (148th; transfer from New Orleans)
4.
Arizona State (tie)
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. The
Sun Devils followed Aguilera and McDonald's 2-3 finish at Griak to a
comfortable team win over a strong field including Providence and Arizona. Arizona State hosts an invite on 10/5
before heading to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
6. 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.
However, BC showed why they are considered a contender for the NCAA
crown when they dominated the 9/29 Meet of Champions; the Guiney twins finished
1-2 at Van Cortland – with Cate running away to a 38-second victory
margin. The Eagles will face the
nation at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
7.
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 –running without Heather
Cappello -- then claimed second at Griak behind Arizona State; the elder
Cappello's addition wouldn't have be sufficient to catch the Sun Devils. Next up for the Friars is the 10/12 New
England Champs.
Meets: 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)
8. 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. Flanagan and Henry ran together at the 9/29 UNC Challenge as UNC placed 5 among the first 6 collegians. Next up for the Tarheels is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
9. 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. Running without Peters, the Wildcats finished third at Griak behind Arizona State and Providence. Chaplin led the squad with a 4th place effort; the addition of Peters probably isn't enough to move them ahead of Providence. Arizona will face Stanford at the 10/6 Murray Keating Invite before heading to Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
10. Arkansas
The Lady Razorbacks finished 13th in 2000 behind Lilli Kleinmann's 10th place finish; however Kleinman has yet to appear this fall. Track find Adreina Bryd led Arkansas to a 4th-place finish at Great American behind NC State, BYU, and UNC. The Lady 'backs then finished second at the Stanford Invite 6k behind Byrd's win. Next up is the 10/13 Chili Pepper 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)
11.
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, then comfortably won the 9/29 Cowboy
Jamboree. Next up for the Hoyas is
the 10/6 Paul Short Invite.
Meets: 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)
12. Colorado State
The Rams finished 17th in Ames last fall. Colorado State opened with a win at their own invitational, followed by a strong fourth-place effort at Griak. Marget Larsen and Jennifer Kintzley led the Rams at Griak, with their top five spliting a mere 43-seconds in Minnesota. Colorado State next travels to Furman for Pre-NCCAs.
Meets: 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), Colleen Blair
13.
Michigan State
The Spartans easily won their own 9/21 Spartan Invite behind
the individual win of Anne Sommerville.
Somerville again led her teammates at Griak, where Michigan state
finished an excellent fourth. NCAA
10k qualifier Michelle Carson stepped up to finish only 8 seconds back of her
teammate.
Meets: 10/13
Pre-NCAAs, 10/19 E. Michigan Open, 10/28 Big Ten (Ill)
Returnees: Anne
Sommerville (27th, 125th '99; 9:33, 10:27sc, 16:35), Cindy Durocher (62nd '99),
Michelle Carson (34:29), Jamie Krzyminski, Sarah Pepera
14. 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. Bethany
Brewster joined Palmer leading early in last fall's championship race and held
on to claim ninth. Palmer, Liz
Reusser, Erin Aufderheide, and Brianna Stott-Messick didn't appear at the
Stanford Invitational, while Brewster finished fourth in the 4k to lead her
teammates to third behind the hosts and BYU. Next up for the Badgers is the 10/14 Wolverine
Interregional.
Meets: 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)
15.
Virginia
The Cavaliers, who finished 5th in the Southeast regional
last fall and were the first team to stay home from that district, opened by
finishing second at their own 9/8 Lou Onesty Invite, then won the 9/22 William
& Mary Invitational before finishing a credible 6th at Griak. Jennifer Owens, who finished fifth in
Minnesota, and Sarah Folse lead UVa.
Meets: 10/13
Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
Returnees:
Jennifer Owens ('99 All American), Sarah Folse
16.
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. Monro confirmed her status at one of
the favorites for the individual crown in November with a big win at Griak;
Gibbs also showed that she's for real with a 6th place effort in Minnesota. However, the Huskies dropped off
rapidly after that duo with Bradshaw a minute back of Gibbs and huge gap back
to 4 and 5. Washington makes their
first appearance at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
17.
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 before
claiming second at the 9/29 Meet of Champions. Rachel Felton and Vinh led the Terriors to an excellent
34-second 1-5 spread at Van Cortland. Next up for BU is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
18.
UCLA
Trying to put subpar 2000 season behind them, the Bruins
finished 2nd to Stanford at the CS Fullerton Invite and to Washington at the
9/22 Sundodger Invite, then 8th at Griak – again just behind the
Huskies. Freshman Alejandra
Barrientos leads UCLA.
Meets: 10/13
Pre-NCAAs, 10/19 CSU Fullerton, 10/27 PAC-10s (AzSt)
19.
Marquette
The Golden Eagles claimed 27th at the 2000 NCAA
Championships. Marquette downed
Notre Dame at the 9/21 National Catholic meet, then finished 9th at Griak. Brianna Dahm and Susan Barth lead the
Golden Eagles.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 C-USA (E. Carolina)
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)
20. Cornell
Looking to make a return trip to NCAAs for the first time
since 1998, Cornell stepped things up with a 3rd-place effort at the Meet of
Champions behind Boston College and Boston University. Lena Matthews and Amber McGown led
Cornell at Van Cortland.
21. Yale (tie)
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.
However, Yale could only manage fourth at the 9/29 Meet of Champions
behind Boston College, Boston University, and Cornell – even with all
five returnees from last fall's champs running. The Bulldogs will run the 10/6 HYP meet before heading down
to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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
21.
James Madison (tie)
The Dukes finished 2nd to Virginia at the William & Mary
Invite and 10th at Griak. Led by
Mollie Defrancesco and Cindy Dunham.
Next up is the 10/13 Penn State Invite.
Meets: 10/13 Penn State, 10/27 CAA Champs (W&M)
23.
Northern Arizona
Susan Rutherford and Arkansas-Little Rock transfer Ida
Nilsson lead a resurging Lumberjack squad that is expected to contend a berth
at the NCAA meet. Nilsson and Rutherford
finished 1-3 at Indiana State to lead NAU to an easy win.
Returnees:
Susan Rutherford (67th; 16:31), Jinny Hanifan (10:25sc), Jamie Herman
(11:09sc)
Newcomer: Ida Nilsson (trans from UALR)
24. Baylor
Baylor won the 9/29 Auburn Invite over a field of unranked
teams; earlier they had won their own invitational. Kara Newton returns to lead Baylor.
Meets: 10/6 SW Texas, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big 12s
(Norman, Ok)
Returnee: Kara Newton (63rd, 193rd '98; 9:47, 17:01, 35:13)
25.
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 to a win at the Haverford Invite, then sixth at the
Meet of Champions. The Wildcats
face Georgetown at the Paul Short meet, then travel to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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
Other Teams Also Receiving Votes:
26.
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.
The varsity squad finished back in 11th at Griak, but scored some
important wins over likely auto qualifiers Minnesota, Missouri, and Georgia
Tech. The Lions have another
chance to accumulate wins at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
27.
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. Minnesota was unable to defend their
title at the Griak Invite, slipping back to 12th. The Gophers travel to Wisconsin-Eau Claire before competing
at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
28. Dartmouth
Laura Neill leads Dartmouth, which finished 5th at the Meet
of Champions.
29. 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, which faded to 13th at the 9/29 Griak meet. The Tigers will need to regroup prior to the Pre-NCAAs or they could hurt their at large chances.
Meets: 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),
30.
Duke
The Blue Devils finished 24th in Ames. Sheela Agrawal finished seventh
individually at last year's NCAAs as a sophomore, but has not yet appeared this
fall. Duke won the 9/8 Fordham
Inv, then finished fifth at Great American behind NC State, BYU, UNC, and
Arkansas and a distant 15th at Griak.
Duke next races at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
31. Florida State (tie)
Florida State finished narrowly finished 2nd to South Florida at the 9/22 Florida Intercollegiates, then finished 2nd to Baylor at the Auburn Invite. Victoria Gill won at Auburn; she had also won the Florida Intercollegiates, but was listed "unattached" there. Allison Lind joins Gill at the front of the pack.
31. Cal-Irvine (tie)
Cal-Irvine claimed fourth in the "long" (6k) race at Stanford, with the trio of Tessa Cendejas, Amanda Armstrong, and Julie Manson leading the Anteaters.
33. Northwestern (tie)
Rachel Evjen returns to lead Northwestern, which narrowly missed advancing to NCAAs last fall. Northwestern claimed 16th at Griak.
33.
Wichita State (tie)
Wichita State won the 9/22 Illini Inviaitional, downing
Butler and Northwestern, then finished third at the Auburn Invite behind Baylor
and Florida State. Junior Endija
Rezgale and frosh Mandie Brandt led the Shockers at Illini, but Rezgale had a
bad day at Auburn.
Meets: 10/13
Chili Pepper, 10/27 MVC (Normal, Ill)
35.
Weber State (tie)
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, but without
Bennion only managed a 17th place finish at Griak – where they displayed
an amazing 14-second 1-5 spread – unfortunately, their lead runner could
only finish 78th. The Wildcats
travel to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
Others:
--.
Brown
Kim Thalmann leads five returnees from last year's squad
that finished 15th in Ames, but hasn't yet appeared this fall. Brown's freshman dominated the field at
the 9/8 CCRI invite. The varsity
could only manage a distant 7th at the Meet of Champions. The Bears next compete at Furman for
Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
--. 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. Next up is the 10/6 Paul
Short Invite.
Meets: 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 last fall in Ames. Sophomore Renee Metivier finished 7th
individually at Griak to lead her teammates to a 14th place finish in
Minnesota.
Meets: 10/6 Ga Intercollegiates, 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs
(Clemson)
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)
--.
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. Mortimer won
again at the Cowboy Jamboree, but her teammates could only manage 4th in the
team standings.
Meets: 10/13 Chili Pepper, 10/27 Big 12s (Ok)
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)
--.
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
and 7th at the Meet of Champions.
Next up for the Wolverines is the 10/5 Notre Dame Invite.
Meets: 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)
--.
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)
--. Texas A&M
The Aggies grabbed 18th in Ames in their first appearance at the NCAA meet. However, Texas A&M looked very ragged at the Auburn, finishing sixth against a mostly unranked field. The Aggies race next at home on 10/13.
Meets: 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)
--.
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)
--.
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. The Rockets then finished 19th at
Griak. Next up for Toledo is the
10/5 All-Ohio Champs, followed by Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
--. 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 then 18th at Griak. Newcomers Danielle Coon and Annie Bersagel lead a very young Friar squad. Next up for the Deacons is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
--.
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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