NCAA WOMEN'S CROSS
COUNTRY COACHES' POLL ANALYSES
by Mike
Scott
University of Rhode Island
Return to Poll Analysis Homepage
Weekly Review: This was a pretty quiet weekend as most of the top teams took the weekend off in preparation for next weekend's showdown in Furman at the Pre-NCAA meet. Top-ranked Colorado formally debuted at home at the Rocky Mountain Shootout, easily dominating over Western State, the top-rate Div. II team. Stanford's B squad ran away with the Arizona State Invite. At the Notre Dame Invite, the hosts downed Michigan for the win. Penn State continued their re-emergence with a win over Bucknell at Paul Short Invite.
Weekly Preview: With few exceptions, virtually all the top teams will meet in Furman for the Pre-NCAA Invitational. Top-10 teams slated to compete include Colorado, Stanford, NC State, Brigham Young, Arizona State, Boston College, North Carolina, and Arizona. Providence College will run at the New England Championships. Arkansas hosts the Chili Pepper Invite. Michigan will host Wisconsin at the Wolverine Interregional.
Teams are listed according to the October 8 Finishlynx/NCAA Division 1 Women's Cross Country Poll.
The Top 25
1. Colorado
Last fall, Kara Grgas-Wheeler capped a stellar collegiate career with an NCAA individual crown that spurred her teammates on to take the team crown. Despite Grgas-Wheeler's graduation, the Buffalos are favored to repeat as NCAA champions. Sophomore Sara Gorton, 8th last fall as a frosh, suffered a plantar tear in the spring but appears to be recovering well. Joining Gorton at the front are Jodie Hughes, surprise winner of the indoor NCAA 5000, and Molly Austin, 5th at 10,000 in Eugene. Austin, Lesley Higgins, Tera Moody, Catherine Wright, and Jen Fazoli all return from the national championships squad. In their opening competitive effort of the season at the Rocky Mountain Shootout, Austin ran away to win by 34 seconds over Gorton. Moody, Higgins, and Florida-transfer Hilary White rounded out the scorers for Colorado. Not appearing for the Buffs at the Shootout were Hughes and junior Sara Tarkington; Tarkington had won CU's Time Trial a month ago. Colorado faces their first real challenge of the season at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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 White (transfer from Fl; 11:08sc)
2. Stanford
The Cardinal may have only finished third at the 2000 championships in Ames' 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 have 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. 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). A Cardinal "B" team, led by former Foot Locker finalist Laura Turner's win, won the 10/5 Arizona State Invite; Siraki finished 5th, 35-seconds behind Turner. Stanford will race Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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), 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. All American 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. The Wolfpack races Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 ACCs (Clemson)
Returnees: Katie Sabino (36th, 35th '99, 67th '98; 8th NCAA steeple; 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 at the Great American meet, BYU fell to a surprising North Carolina State team. 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)
Lisa Aguilera finished fifth last fall in Ames to lead her Arizona State squad to a team sixth-place finish. Joining Aguilera up front is '99 All America Kelly McDonald, who 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. Backing up Arizona State's front-running duo up is Brianna Torres (10th at Griak). For the Sun Devils to claim a trophy at Furman, Cody Sohn and newcomer Desiree Danvilla will need to close the gap. Arizona State heads to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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; 12th indoor 5000; 16:33), Beth Martin (203rd), Kristin McFerron (210th), Cody Sohn (10:27sc)
Newcomer: Desiree Davilla
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, Ryan, Smith, and Spolidoro, BC opened with a loss to a slightly 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 over sister Meg; Cicero was close behind in 4th, with Ryan 9th and Smith 15th. BC's 1-5 spread was a strong 72 seconds, which is impressive considering that Cate ran 22-secs faster than sister Meg did while winning last year's NE regional a week prior to claiming 13th at NCAAs. 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 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; 9:22.81), 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 is expected to bolster Arizona's lineup. Running without Peters, the Wildcats finished third at Griak behind Arizona State and Providence. Chaplin led the squad with her 4th place effort; the addition of Peters probably wouldn't have been enough to move them ahead of Providence. Arizona easily won the 10/6 Murray Keating Invite (again without Peters), putting their five scorers among the first seven finishers. Arizona will run Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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 for Arkansas is their own 10/13 Chili Pepper Invite.
Meets: 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), 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 return 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 Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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 splitting 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 failed to advance to the Show in 2000, but appear to be ready to claim a berth this fall. Michigan State swept the top eight places at the 8/31 Grand Valley Open, then easily won their own 9/21 Spartan Invite behind the individual win of Anne Sommerville. Sommerville led her teammates again at Griak, where Michigan State finished an excellent fifth. NCAA 10k qualifier Michelle Carson stepped up to finish only 8 seconds back of her teammate. The Spartans travel to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
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 last fall's Southeast regional 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 travels to Furman to make 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), Laura Halverson (5:03.16m; Wa "A" prep xc champ)
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 won the 9/8 Bradley Invite and the 9/21 National Catholic meet, then finished 9th at Griak. Brianna Dahm and Susan Barth lead the Golden Eagles. Next up for the Golden Eagles is the Pre-NCAA meet.
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 newcomer Amber McGown led Cornell at Van Cortland. Earlier this season, the Big Red had won meets in Ithaca and Monmouth. Next up for Cornell is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 HEPs (Van Cortland)
21. 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)
22. 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. 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 downed Princeton and Harvard at the 10/6 HYP meet and will next head down to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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
23. James Madison
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)
24.
Notre Dame
Rebuilding after a disappointing 8th at last fall's Great Lakes Regional, the
Irish look for a trip to NCAAs in 2001.
ND finished second to Marquette at the 9/21 National Catholic
Invitational, then easily won the 10/5.
Canadian junior champ Lauren King – 26th at last spring's World XC
Champs – sat out the National Catholic meet, but debuted in a big way at
the Notre Dame Invite, easily winning in her first collegiate attempt. King is joined by Jennifer Handley and
Megan Johnson.
Meets: 10/27 Big Easts
25. 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. The Bears race Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big 12s (Norman, Ok)
Returnee: Kara Newton (63rd, 193rd '98; 9:47, 17:01, 35:13)
Other Teams Also Receiving Votes:
26. 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. While Gunning didn't appear at the Meet of Champions, she did finish third individually at Paul Short. The Wildcats travel to Furman for Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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
27. 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)
28. 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 compete at Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
29. Cal-Irvine
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. Earlier this fall, the Anteaters won the 10/8 UC Irvine Invite and the 10/22 UC Riverside Invite. Next up is the 10/13 Chili Pepper Invite.
Meets: 10/13 Chili Pepper, 10/19 CSU Fullerton, 10/27 Big West (SLO)
30. Dartmouth
Laura Neill leads the Big Green, which finished 5th at the Meet of Champions. Next up is the Pre-NCAA meet.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/26 HEPs (Van Cortland)
31. Duke (tie)
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. Florida State will race Pre-NCAAs.
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 and behind Penn State at the 10/6 Paul Short Invite. Next up is Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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. Georgia Tech won the 10/6 Georgia Intercollegiates prior to traveling to Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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, 7th at the Meet of Champions, and 2nd behind Notre Dame at the 10/5 Notre Dame Invite. Next up for the Wolverines is the 10/5 Notre Dame Invite.
Meets: 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)
--. Missouri
The Tigers finished 16th in Ames, but lost Kerry Hils to transfer to Xavier. NCAA indoor 3k runner-up Ann Marie Brooks leads 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),
--. Northwestern
Rachel Evjen returns to lead Northwestern, which narrowly missed advancing to NCAAs last fall. Northwestern finished 2nd to Marquette at the 9/7 Bradley Open, won the Illini Invite, then claimed 16th at Griak. Evjen won both the Bradley and Illini meets before finishing 23rd at Griak.
Meets: 10/13 Pre-NCAAs, 10/27 Big Tens
Returnee: Rachel Evjen (126th)
--. 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. TCU won the North Texas invite.
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. Toledo finished 2nd to Kent State at the 10/5 All-Ohio Champs. The Rockets will race Pre-NCAAs.
Meets: 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)
--. 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, 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)
--. 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)
--. Wichita State
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)
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