Mike Scott's Analysis of the D-1 Women's XC Poll

Analysis of the 2002 NCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Coaches' Poll

by Mike Scott,
University of Rhode Island

Updated: September 8

For the sixth consecutive year, I am analyzing the Women's Division I Coaches' Poll. Teams are listed according to their ranking in the current edition of the FinishLynx/NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL POLL, as conducted by the Women's Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches' Association.

Places listed in parentheses refer to finish place at the 2001 NCAA D-1 XC Championships at Furman University, unless otherwise noted. Performances are from the 2001-02 year, unless otherwise noted. Performances at the Foot Locker High School Cross Country Championships are denoted by "FL".

As always, I appreciate additions, corrections, and updates. Please send them to me at miscott@att.net

TOP THIRTY TEAMS:

1. Brigham Young
Patrick Shane's BYU Cougars have won three NCAA crowns in the last five years (97-99-01). BYU would appear to be in the driver's seat to win it all, returning five of their seven -- a quintet that would have won last year's meet by a large margin. Last year's individual fifth-placer finisher Michaela Manova stepped it up in during track to win the steeple in an NCAA record and should be considered an individual contender, while teammate Jessie Kindschi claimed 7th. Lindsey Thomsen and Nan (nee Evans) Kennard finished 23rd and 36th in 2001. Their fifth returnee, Amy Bair, finished 45th last year -- and the Cougars add a sub-34:00 10k runner in Devra Vierkant, a 34:32 10k performer in Kristen Ogden, a 10:28 steepler in Breanne Sandberg, and the junior national 1500 champ Kassi Anderson.
Meets: 9/27 Great Amer, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 MW Conf (BYU), 11/16 Mtn Reg (NMex)
Returnees: Michaela Manova (5th, 148th '00; 9:18.49i, 9:45.94 s/c; steeplechase champ; 8th ind 3k), Jessie Kindschi (7th, 28th '00 D-2; 34:32.48), Lindsey Thomsen (23rd, 150th '00; 16:16.47; 33:58.20; 8th ind 5k; 16th 10k), Nan (nee Evans) Kennard (36th, 152nd '00; 10:14.16s/c), Amy Bair (45th), Kassi Anderson (WXC, 4:18.04, 1st USA Jr 1500), Devra Vierkant (16:16.97; 33:56.02), Breanne Sandberg (10:28.87s/c), Kristen Ogden (34:32.28) Not returning -- Sarah Taylor (24th, 94th '00, 55th '98),
Newcomer: Shalice Pugmire (4:56.62y)

2. Georgetown
The Hoyas return their entire squad that claimed team bronze in 2001. Jill Laurendeau, Marni Kruppa, and Erin Sicher will lead Georgetown, with US Junior national team member Nicole Lee and Amanda Pape also returning. The Hoyas' trademark last fall was their very tight pack running.
Meets: 9/14 Dual w/ Yale, 9/27 Great Amer, 9/28 GWU, 10/5 Cowboy Jamboree, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Big East (Boston), 11/16 Mid Atlantic Reg (TBD)
Returnees: Jill Laurendeau (14th; 4:22.64, 4:4.55iy), Marni Kruppa (37th, 28th '00, 127th '99; 16:10.03; 33:43.72), Erin Sicher (43rd; 4:23.26, 4:44.98iy), Amanda Pape (46th, 98th '00; 16:39.39), Nicole Lee (84th; US World XC Team), Jodee Adams-Moore (112th), Colleen Kelly (145th, 143rd '00)
Newcomers: Kim Malcolm (4:58.46), Meghan O'Neil (2:11.14), Danielle Rodgers (2:10.86)

3. North Carolina State
North Carolina State pulled together an excellent team effort to claim bridesmaid honors at Furman. Individual contender Kristin Price, 4th last year and winner of the 10k during track, will lead the Woldpack and will be joined up front by Megan Coombs (13th in '01). Josi Lauber, Diana Henderson, and Erin Swain all return with NCAA meet experience, while former ACC Freshman of the Year Jennifer Modliszewski is reportedly healthy after struggling with injuries over the last couple years. An understrength Wolfpack squad fell to host Notre Dame (also understrength) at the adidas Invite; although Price won the event and Lucas finished 3rd, Vadnais, Henderson, and Swain's efforts were not enough to overcome the Irish and NC State fell 32 to 43.
Meets: 9/21 NCSt, 9/27 Great Amer, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 ACCs (Atlanta), 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
Returnees: Kristin Price (4th; 9:20.11i, 15:35.67, 33:39.66; 10,000 champ), Megan Coombs (13th; 203rd '99; 9:22.98i, 10:12.05s/c, 16:35.38; 9th s/c), Josi Lauber (173rd), Diana Henderson (141st '00), Erin Swain (220th '00), Janelle Vadnais, Jennifer Modliszewski (7th FL '97), Sara Graybill, Kara Price, Ginger Wheeler, Beth Kraft
Newcomers: Renee Gunning (x-fer from Villanova, 103rd, 155th '00), Julia Lucas (5:00.39y, 10:35.23y), Kristina Roth (16th FL), Amy Arnold (Ohio Champ)

4. Stanford
Individual contender Lauren Fleshman leads the Cardinal as they attempt to redeem themselves after a disappointing fifth-place team effort last year at Furman. Fleshman, who finished third at last year's harrier championships, went on to claim the indoor 3000 and outdoor 5000 titles. She's joined by former Foot Locker champions Erin Sullivan and Sara Bei, as well as former Foot Locker runner-ups Mariel Ettinger and Anita Siraki, and '01 All American Alicia Craig. In their season opener at Cal-Fullerton, Craig and Bei tied for the win, while Malindi Elmore and Jeane Goff finished 3-4 about 30 seconds back. Siraki, Sullivan, and Ettinger finished 9-11-13, about a minute behind the leaders; Fleshman apparently sat out this race.
Meets: 8/31 Cal-Fullerton, 9/28 Stanford Inv, 10/4 Notre Dame, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Pac-10s (Pasadena), 11/16 West Reg (Stanford)
Returnees: Lauren Fleshman (3rd, 11th '00, 5th '99; 2nd '98 FL; 4:18.11, 9:07.45i, 15:35.59; '01 & '02 out 5000 champ, ind 3k champ), Alicia Craig (28th; 20th '00 FL), Erin Sullivan (52nd, 25th '00, 7th '99; '97 & '98 FL Champ; '99 USA Jr Champ; 16:30.04, 34:10.32; 10th 10k), Sara Bei (89th; '00 FL Champ; 4:22.98, 16:22.54; 12th out 5k; USA Jr 3k champ), Mariel Ettinger (126th, 96th '00, 217th '99; 2nd '97 FL; 16:47.31), Jeane Goff (10:22.46s/c), Anita Siraki (2nd '00 FL), Malindi Elmore (4:20.12, 4:39.88iy; 4th Mile)
Newcomers: Julie Allen (11th FL; 4:59.27y, 10:37.75y), Kristen Cohoon (10:04.77), Yfa Kretzschmar (2:10.05, 5:01.95y)

5. Colorado
2000 NCAA Champ Colorado returns a seasoned core from last fall's eighth-place squad and could make a run for the title. Molly Austin claimed 8th individually, while Sara Gorton's 4th in the outdoor 5k shows that she's returned to the form that garnered her an 8th-place finish at the 2000 harrier champs. The Buffs struck it big in the recruiting department this year, signing Foot Locker runner-up Erika Odlaug, '01 USA Junior champ Laura Zeigle, and Laura's twin sister Jackie, 7th at last fall's Foot Locker meet. Foot Locker runner up Odlaug finished 17th at the World XC championships in March, but struggled with posterior tibialis tendonitis for the rest of the spring and skipped the post-season June meets; the Boulder Daily Camera notes that Odlaug might redshirt this season. Odlaug didn't compete at the the 8/31 CU Time Trial, but the Zeigle twins finished just ahead of the rest of the squad, including Christina Bolf, Natalie Florence, Gorton, Tera Moody, and Austin.
Meets: 9/14 CSU Inv, 10/5 Rocky Mtn Shootout, 10/12 Tiger Inv, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Big 12 (Mo), 11/9 Air Force Dual, 11/16 Mtn Reg (NMex)
Returnees: Molly Austin (8th; 16:16.10i, 33:43.11), Tera Moody (88th, 71st '00, 118th '99), Natalie Florence (100th; 16:21.41, 33:40.46), Sara Gorton (8th '00; 4:21.77, 4:40.35iy; 15:51.55; 6th ind mile, 4th out 5k)
Newcomers: Erika Odlaug (2nd FL; 17th World XC; 10:35.13y), Laura Zeigle (3rd '00 FL, '01 USA Jr Champ; 4:25.24, 9:39.14, 10:15.25y), Jackie Zeigle (7th FL; 5:02.45y, 9:41.23), Christine Bolf (10:35,.83y)

6. North Carolina
Despite individual contender Shalane Flanagan fading from 1st to 22nd over the final half-mile at least year's meet, North Carolina still claimed 8th in the team standings and returns and excellent crew including Flanagan, steeple bronze medallist Carol Henry, outdoor 800 champ Alice Schmidt, and NCAA mile finalist Erin Donohue.
Returnees: Shalane Flanagan (22nd, 4th '00; '00 USA Jr Champ; 4:15.37, 4:38.43iy, 9:16.30i; 3rd ind Mile), Carol Henry (38th; 4:23.32, 9:23.79, 9:51.16s/c; 3rd s/c), Erin Donohue (60th; 4:20.72, 4:43.95iy; 10th ind Mile), Liz Awtrey (185th, 65th '00, 55th '99; 10:29.10s/c, 16:42.41), Victoria Jackson (99th '00; 2nd '99 FL), Alice Schmidt (out 800 Champ)
Newcomers: Jessica Perry (5:00.55y, 10:43.37y)

7. Yale
Yale returns six from the squad that finished 13th at last year's NCAA harrier meet, including twins Kate and Laura O'Neil. Kate, 11th last year at Furman, also finished 5th in the outdoor 5k, while Laura claimed third in the 10k. Amanda Brewster, Melissa Wisner, Alexandra Sawicki, and Lindsay Mitchell all return with NCAA experience, while former NE Foot Locker winner Melissa Donais joins the lineup.
Meets: 9/14 Georgetown, 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/5 YHP (Yale), 10/11 NEs, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 HEPs (NYC), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Kate O'Neil (11th, 31st '00; 9:19.10i, 16:01.99; 5th out 5k, 9th ind 3k), Laura O'Neil (26th, 32nd '00; 33:39.14; 3rd 10k), Amanda Brewster (146th, 154th '00), Melissa Wisner (169th), Alexandra Sawicki (171st), Lindsay Mitchell (198th, 107th '00), Rebecca Hunter,
Newcomer: Julia Pudlin (10:01.87, 10:40.25y), Melissa Donais ('99 FL; '02 Millrose Mile champ), Emily Vince, Hannah Oberman-Breindl, Katie Matlack

8. Boston College
Boston College -- sixth in 2001 -- returns an excellent group, but will have to survive without redshirting standout twins Cate and Maggie Guiney. USA Junior champ Maria Cicero, 16th in her collegiate debut, returns to lead the Eagles. Joining Cicero with NCAA experience is Julie Spolidoro, Jennifer Kramer, Jennifer Donovan, and Laura Smith. Three-time Foot Locker qualifier Laura Burdick leads Coach Randy Thomas' newcomers. The Eagles opened with a win at the 9/7 Central Conn Inv, with Spolidoro taking the individual win and Cicero and Kramer sitting out the meet.
Meets: 9/13 New Hamp, 10/5 NCAA Preview, 10/11 NEs, 11/1 Big East (Boston), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Maggie Guiney (10th, 13th '00, 220th '99), Maria Cicero (16th; USA Jr Champ; 16:13.55i; 33:53.86), Julie Spolidoro (107th, 120th '00; '00 US World XC Team16:43.01), Jennifer Kramer (119th, 97th '00), Jennifer Donovan (183rd; 10:32.64s/c), Cate Guiney (34th '00, 167th '99), Laura Smith
Newcomers: Laurel Burdick (22nd FL; 4:43.25, 10:01.49), Anne Hessberg, Alexis Lake

9. Arkansas
Arkansas finished 17th at last fall's NCAA meet, but returns six runners from last year's squad as well as '99 bronze medallist Lilli Kleinmann, who redshirted last fall. Kleinmann, Andriena Byrd and Christin Wurth should lead the Lady 'Backs.
Meets: 9/7 Fayetteville, 9/14 Aztec, 9/21 Southern Stampede, 9/27 Great Amer, 10/5 NCAA Preview, 10/19 Chile Pepper, 11/4 SEC (Florida), 11/16 South Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Lilli Kleinmann (10th '00, 3rd '99), Andriena Byrd (49th; 4:23.05, 9:23.54i, 16:44.87), Christin Wurth (62nd, 84th '00, 104th '99; 4:16.80; 4:44.95i, 16:30.05), Penny Splichal (75th; 34:33.99), Londa Bevins (178th, 245th '00; 4:18.85, 10:34.21s/c), Michelle Hurn (197th), Alison Zeinner (216th, 231st '00), Erica Sigmont (Australia; 2:06), Laura Jakosky
Newcomers: Maureen Scott (4:56.7y, 10:48y), Jessie Gordon (OK XC champ)

10. Notre Dame
Notre Dame was one of the break through teams in 2001 and thanks to the addition of two Foot Locker finalists should contend for top ten honors at NCAAs. Lauren King, 27th last fall, is Notre Dame's top returnee, but may be challenged by newcomer Mollie Huddle, 4th at the Foot Locker meet and ran 9:21.37 for 3k and 10:01.08 for two miles. Foot Locker finalist Stephanie Madia also joins the squad. Running without either Huddle or Madia in their lineup Notre Dame downed an understrength NC State and Arizona State at their 9/6 season opener, with King finishing second to the Wolfpack's NCAA title contender Kristen Price.
Meets: 9/20 National Catholic, 9/28 Central Collegiates, 10/4 Notre Dame, 10/19 Pre-NCAA, 11/2 Big East, 11/16 Great Lakes Reg (W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Lauren King (27th; 4:16.85, 4:44.60iy; 6th 1500), Megan Johnson (130th), Jen Handley (131st; 16:28.55), Jennifer Fibuch (154th), Christi Arnerich (193rd), Muffy Schmidt (222nd)
Newcomers: Molly Huddle (4th FL; 4:27.04, 4:47.24y, 9:21.37, 10:01.08y), Stephanie Madia (23rd FL; 4:58.48y, 10:57.33y)

11. Duke
Duke was a major winner in the recruiting wars this year, adding Foot Locker finalists Laura Stanley (5th at Foot Locker) and Sally Meyerhoff (12th FL), as well as California prep 3200 champ Clara Horowitz and Cal prep mile champ Shannon Rowbury. This standout quartet joins Sheila Agrawal, who is returning to Duke's lineup after redshirting last fall's harrier season. One blow to Duke, however, was Foot Locker third-place finisher -- and Duke frosh -- Natasha Roetter's decision to not run in college.
Returnees: Sheila Agrawal (7th '00, 28th '99; '00 USA World XC Team; 16:29.54), Lisa Nagorny (211th '00), Laura Schmid (222nd '00), Allison Hofmann (237th '00), Paige Miller (9:38), Paris Edwards (17:11), Phebo Ko (36:19), Meghan Leon, Heidi Hullinger
Newcomers: Clara Horowitz (4:52.62y, 9:41.90, 10:34.81y), Sally Meyerhoff (2:13.53, 4:36.22, 10:30.51y), Shannon Rowbury (2:08.74, 4:52.70y, 9:38.41), Laura Stanley (5th FL; 5:00.03y, 10:36.64y), Elizabeth Wort (10:53.63y), Caroline Bierbaum (9th NE FL); Not competing -- Natasha Roetter (3rd FL; 10:24.03iy)

12. Michigan State
The Spartans finished 11th in South Carolina last year. Michelle Carson and Jamie Kryzminski lead six returning members of last year's NCAA squad.
Meets: 9/20 Spartan Inv, 9/28 Griak, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Big Ten, 11/16 Great Lakes (W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Michelle Carson (34th; 16:38.22, 34:11.96), Jamie Kryzminski (106th; 16:38.25, 33:58.89; 7th 10k), Katie Anderson (116th), Natalie Stein (147th), Cindy Durocher (208th, 62nd '99), Sarah Pepera (10:33.71s/c)
Newcomers: Megan Radermacher (2:14.42), Michelle Rafferty (11:00.70y), Brittany Ballard

13. Northern Arizona
The Lumberjacks finished 12th in 2001. NCAA steeple runner-up Ida Nilsson leads Northern Arizona.
Meets: 9/14 Aztec Inv, 9/28 Great Amer, 10/4 Az St, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Big Sky (Pocatello, Id), 11/16 Mtn Reg (Albuquerque, NM)
Returnees: Ida Nilsson (12th; 9:10.48i; 9:49.94s/c, 15:51.71), Jinny Hanfan (63rd; 10:25.23), Erika Edwards (143rd), Jamie Herman (187th)
Newcomers: Johanna Nilsson (4:17), Emily Geneste (France, 17:11), Estelle Brose (France, 2:08, 4:34), Natalie Rogers (49th '01 World Jr XC), Julie Fisher, Jodie Denike

14, Providence
Perennial top-10 power Providence returns several from their '01 squad, as well as two more with NCAA experience. Rosin McGettigan and former All-American Heather Cappello should lead the Friars, while Mary Cullen appears to have improved greatly. McGettigan, Cullen, Cappello, O'Shea, and Tallen finished 1-5 over the field at the 9/6 New Hampshire Invite.
Meets: 9/14 Dartmouth, 9/28, Griak, 10/11 NEs, 11/1 Big East (Boston), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Rosin McGettigan (53rd, 145th '00, 139th '99; 4:42.95iy, 10:08.24s/c; 8th s/c), Deirdre Byrne (114th; 4:18), Emer O'Shea (157th), Lisa Cappello (196th, 180th '00), Mary Cullen (214th; 16:44.73), Emily Tallen (102nd '00, 234th '99), Heather Cappello (29th '99, 154th '98)

15. UCLA
The Bruins finished 21st at Furman. Lori Mann, Jenna Timinsky, and Alejandra Barrientos led UCLA to a runner-up finish behind Stanford at their season opener, with the trio finishing 45-55 seconds behind Stanford's Craig and Bei.
Meets: 9/21 Big Wave (Hawaii), 9/28 Stanford, 10/12 Cal-San Diego, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 PAC-10s (Pasadena), 11/16 West Reg (Palo Alto)
Returnees: Carolyn Shea (123rd), Alejandra Barrientos (125th), Valerie Flores (127th; 19th FL '99), Lena Nilsson (135th; 2:03.88, 4:09.89; 4:38.88iy, NCAA 1500 champ), Lori Mann (190th), Tiffany Burgess (2:03.73)
Newcomers: Ashley Caldwell (2:09.49, 4:55.71y), Allison Hall (2:12.44), Jenna Timinsky (2:09.48), Sarah West (5:00.78y, 10:46.83y)

16. Virginia
The Cavaliers finished 9th in 2001, but were hard hit by graduation.
Meets: 9/14 Lou Onesty Open (UVa), 9/27 Great Amer, 10/5 GMU Inv, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 ACCs (Atlanta), 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
Returnees: Dawn Cleary (10:03s/c), Melanie Matthews (10:13.31s/c, 16:45.54), Megan McGarvey (96th), Jolene Hampson (219th), Ellen Dwyer, Jane Maxwell, Sharon O'Conner
Newcomers: Delany Moje (4:58.21y), Kara Scanlin (10:27.25y, FL), Emily Hampson

17. Minnesota
The Gophers finished 25th at last year's NCAA meet and return four of last year's top five runners.
Meets: 9/7 Mn Intrasquad, 9/14 OZ Memorial, 9/28 Griak, 10/5 Iowa State, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/3 Big Ten (W. Lafayette, Ind), 11/16 MW Reg (Ill St)
Returnees: Darja Vasiljeva (86th, 46th '00), Lisa Dyer (111th), Laura Bjork (133rd), Krista Anderson (186th, 227th '00), Anita Menden (213th, 165th '00)
Newcomers: Carly Emil (4:55, 10:37), Jenny Hess (2x Mn A XC champ), Emily Brown ('01 Wisc XC runner-up), Amy Lindner (SD champ)

18. Colorado State
The Rams claimed 20th last year at Furman.
Meets: 8/31 CSU open, 9/6 Wyoming, 9/14 CSU Inv, 9/27 Great Amer, 10/5 NCAA Preview, 11/1 MW Conf (BYU), 11/16 Mtn Reg (NMex)
Returnees: Katherine Yemm (80th, 156th '00; 4:44.14iy), Jennifer Kintzley (129th, 127th '00), Kim Leal (141st, 174th '00; 34:55.03), Colleen Blair (150th), Marget Larson (215th, 131st '00; 10:16.67s/c), L. Kwiatkowski (221st)
Newcomers: Michelle Carman (x-fer from Boise St; 16:52), Brittany Saunders (2:14, 5:07, 11:08 at altitude)

19. Arizona State
The Sun Devils finished 23rd in 2001 at Furman, but were hit hard by graduation. Newcomers Jessica Scalzo and Amy Hastings led the Sun Devils at Notre Dame's adidas Invite as ASU fell to both the hosts and NC State.

Meets: 9/28 Griak, 10/5 Canyon West (AzSt), 10/11 Az St Inv, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 PAC-10s (Pasadena, CA), 11/16 West Reg (Palo Alto)
Returnees: Jen Hurbis (194th), Desiree Davila (205th), Cody Sohn, Amanda Lyon, Liz Lindgren, Mandi Fitz-Gustafson
Newcomers: Jenny Aldridge (4:51.88y, 10:51.43y), Amy Hastings (9:53.1 3k; Ks champ), Jessica Scalzo, Laughlin

20. Marquette
Marquette finished 15th last year at Furman. Susan Barth, Brianna Dahm, and sisters Jessie and Jackie Swan return to lead the Golden Eagles. Jessie Swan and Susan Barth finished 1-2 in the same time at the 9/7 Purder, w/ Jackie Swan claiming 3rd 30 seconds behind.

Meets: 9/7 Purdue, 9/13 Bradley, 9/28 Griak, 10/5 Murray Keating, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Conf USA (Hattiesburg, Miss), 11/16 Great Lakes Reg (W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Susan Barth (70th; 68th '00; 16:29.11i, 34:12.72), Brianna Dahm (51st; 107th '00; 10:01.77s/c), Jessie Swan (149th, 209th '00), Jackie Swan (151st), Audrey Schlits (201st, 221st '00)

Newcomers: Tara Hinke (Wisc Div 1 champ), Alli Sauer (5:02, 10:56)

21. Texas A&M
The Aggies return standouts Mellissa Gulli, Andrea Bookout, and four others from their 18th-place 2000 NCAA squad; the Aggies finished 4th in their region in '01 despite redshirting three of their top five returnees. Gulli won the 8/31 Aggie Alumni challenge.
Meets: 9/21 Sundodger, 10/5 Murray Keating, 10/12 Texas A&M Inv, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/02 Big 12s (Mo), 11/16 South Central Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Mellissa Gulli (22nd '00; 9:24.96i, 16:13.75i; 2nd ind 5k), Andrea Bookout (26th '00), Jennifer Whatley (190th '00; 9:50), Sarah Steadman (191st '00), Kayci Waters (213th '00), Budija (9:50)
Newcomers: Meredith Crane (4:42.48, 10:58.27y), Landra Stewardson (10:58.59y)

22. Villanova
'Nova finished 24th at Furman.
Returnees: Kalin Toedesbusch (95th; 16:46.64), Rebecca Mitchell (110th, 140th '00; 4:23.01), Carre Joyce (180th, 202nd '00), Iona Parusheva (209th)
Newcomer: Liz Gesel (19th FL; 4:58.42y)

23. Cornell
Cornell finished 30th at the 2001 NCAA meet.
Meets: 9/14 Army, 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/5 LaSalle, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 HEPs (NYC), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Jessica Parrott (156th), Carlan Gray (159th), Christine Diaz (166th), Kari Haus (168th), Amber McGown (170th)
Newcomers: Christy Planer (4:58.61y, 11:03.52y)

24. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech's Renee Metivier was the surprise of the season, claiming runner-up honors at the NCAA finals and leading her team to a 26th-place finish. However, she struggled a bit during the spring with compartment syndrome in her left calf, had surgery on June 7, and missed six weeks of training. If she doesn't redshirt, then she may not debut until the conference championships.
Returnees: Renee Metivier (2nd, 123rd '00; 9:22.09i, 10:12.85s/c, 16:10.71i), Katie Griffin (104th; 9:44.46, 16:53.27, 33:57.12), Amy Dock (16:37), Neta Ezer (17:23), Eboni Crosby
Newcomer: Carley Matthews (30thFL)

25. Arizona
The Wildcats will be hard pressed to repeat last year's 4th-place team finish after graduating NCAA individual champ Tara Chaplin and three others as well as the retirement of Arizona mentor Dave Murray. However Beth Hodge, 32nd in 2001, returns to lead Arizona.
Returnees: Beth Hodge (32nd, 243rd '00; 16:15.91), Kim Bates (77th, 199th '00, 225th '99; 35:00.53), Nicole Gurnicz (138th, 183rd '00)
Newcomers: Steen, Sears

26. Columbia
The Lions return everyone from a team that finished 22nd in 2001. All-American Caitlin Hickin leads Columbia.
Meets: 9/14 Fordham, 9/21 S. Conn, 9/28 Griak, 10/4 Mets, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 HEPs (NYC), 11/16 (NYC)
Returnees: Caitlin Hickin (20th, 90th '00; 16:32.66), Melissa Stellato (152nd, 164th '00), Loretta Kilmer (163rd), Trish Nolan (165th; 16:45.50), Laurel Gordon (184th), Lauren Harrison (191st, 136th '00)
Newcomers: Hilary Bontz (2:14.29), Elizabeth Carey (4:42.95, 10:03.29), Lisa Stublic (10:58.16y)

27. Toledo
Toledo is looking for their first ever team appearance at the NCAA meet. Steepler Brian Shook leads the squad. An understrength Rocket squad finished 3rd at the 9/7 Detroit Mercy Invite behind Michigan and Eastern Michigan, despite Shook's individual win.
Meets: 9/20 Michigan St, 9/28 Griak, 10/11 All Ohio, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 10/25 Eastern Mich, 11/2 MAC, 11/16 Great Lakes Regional (W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Briana Shook (64th; 9:58.97s/c, 16:22.17), Petra Teveli (9:46.35, 17:04.02, 35:30.85), Sara Vergote (10:31.57s/c, 17:04.23), Jessica Kraft (4:30.85, 9:56.52), Emily Gora (10:14.89, 17:47.13).
Newcomers: Chris Tye (R-Fr., Paeroa, New Zealand, 10:06.80, 17:00.32, 35:52.70); Monika Spinger (9:58.55, 17:20.12, 36:11.89); Erica Moriarty (2:14.2, 5:02.21y, 11:02.3m); Ebba Stenbeck (R-Fr., Norkkoping, Sweden, 9:50.64, 10:52.12s/c, 18:06.10).

28. Southwest Missouri State
The Bears return their entire lineup from the squad that claimed 4th at the 2001 Midwest regional. SW Missouri downed Oklahoma State at the 9/7 Wichita State Inv.
Returnees: Allen, Daro, Kuklenski, Owens, Schafluetzel, Sitton
Newcomer: Ashley Sanders (Mo champ)

29. James Madison University
JMU is looking for a berth out of one of the nation's toughest regions.

30. Weber State
Weber finished 5th in the competitive Mountain Region last fall and return their entire squad.

OTHER TEAMS RECEIVING VOTES:

31. Penn State
The Nittany Lions finished 5th at the Mid Atlantic regional in 2001 and return NCAA individual qualifier Michelle Wale. Newcomer Tracey Brauksieck won PSU's 9/7 Spike Shoe Invite, leading her squad to an easy win. Chelsea Lange finished 3rd overall, while Wale finished well behind in 15th.

Meets: 9/14 Georgetown, 9/28 Paul Short, 10/12 Penn State, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/3 Big Ten (W. Lafayette, Ind), 11/16 Mid Atlantic Reg
Returnees: Michelle Wale (134th), Chelsea Lange, Katy Hillard, Molly Landreth, Maureen Thomas
Newcomers: Tracey Brauksieck (FL), Tara Johnson (x-fer from Boston Univ)

31. Wisconsin
The Badgers are looking to qualifying for NCAAs after missing their first ever NCAA championships last fall.

Meets: 9/14 OZ Memorial (Minn), 9/28 Stanford, 10/5 Ill Inv, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs. 11/3 Big Tens (W. Lafayette, Ind), 11/16 GL Reg ((W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Liz Reusser (112th '00; 16:42.85), Michelle Lilienthal (113th '00), Hilary Edmondson (161st '00; 4:22.33), Leslie Patterson (193rd '00), Linsey Blaisdell
Newcomer: Michaela Courtney (2:13.96, 4:52.70y)

33. Washington
The Huskies lost Lisa Gibbs to transfer, but return five with NCAA cross experience from a squad that claimed 14th last season. Newcomers Alison Tubbs and Laura Hodgson should strengthen Washington's lineup. Newcomer Laura Hodgson won the 9/7 Emerald City Inv to lead the Huskies to an easy team win.
Meets: 9/21 Sundodger, 10/4 Notre Dame, 10/5 Willamette, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Pac-10s (Pasadena), 11/16 West Reg (Palo Alto)
Returnees: Kate Bradshaw (105th, 89th '00, 128th '99; '00 USA World XC Team; 34:20.86), Jamie Gibbs (113th), Courtney Inman (200th; 2:06.46, 4:17.53, 10th 1500), Kate Spigel (202nd, 249th '00), Camille Connelly (235th), Laura Halvorsen
Newcomers: Alison Tubbs (Great Amer champ), Laura Hodgson (10:49.20y), Molly Wise (x-fer from Colorado)

34. South Florida
South Florida finished 31st at Furman last fall. The Bulls fell to Indiana at the 8/30 Indiana Open.
Returnees: Kristy Fuller (115th, 215th '00, 238th '99; 16:47.08), Christa Benton (210th)
Newcomer: Jessica Hellender (31st FL; 10:59.55y)

35. Boston University
BU finished 16th at Furman in 2001.
Meets: 9/13 NU, SUNY-Albany (Boston), 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/11 NEs, 11/2 Amer East (Boston), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Sherida Bird (148th; 4:24, 9:26), Bolpar Vinh (175th, 80th '00, 99th '99; 5:04y, 9:59); Dina Mijuskovic (4:36, 9:56); Charlotee Coffey (4:36, 9:52)
Newcomer: Jessica Iannacci (11:02.4y)

36. Baylor
Returnees: Thornhill (Big 12 10,000 champ), Dixon, Bennett, Vacek
Newcomers: Marvin (10:51), Cornelius (Tx 3A Champ)

36. Oklahoma State
OK State claimed 18th at Furman last year.
Returnees: Marie Nilsson (61st), A. Lindquist (158th), Valentina Medina (162nd), Janine Brown (220th), C. Clifford (229th)

38. William & Mary
William & Mary opened with a win at it's own 9/6 meet. Emily Halm and newcomer Kristyn Shiring finished 1-2 for the hosts.
Returnees: Cheryl Bauer (9:33.92, 16:37.60), Alison Henderson (10:29.83s/c; 16:53.25, 34:25.77), Maura McMahon (9:51.05, 17:01.25, 34:43.77), Emily Halm (9th '00 SE reg), Laura Toscani (40th '00 SE Reg)
Newcomers: Julia Cathcart (28th FL; 4:32.36, 4:54.71y, 10:51.07y), Lauren Heron (2:13.25, 4:38.73, 4:57.90y), Karen Pulliman ('00 MD XC champ, 10:17 '01, returning from heel surgery), Kristyn Shiring (2nd VA AAA 3200, 10:59)

39. La Salle
The defending Atlantic 10 champs return everyone from a squad that finished 4th in the Mid Atlantic last fall.

Meets: 9/4 Haverford, 9/14 Princeton, 9/27 Great Amer, 10/5 La Salle, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 A-10s (Pittsburgh), 11/16 Mid Atlantic Reg

Returnees: Sheila Klick (4:33.01, 4:55.23iy, 9:54.61, 17:18.48), Ndidi Obichere (2:09.56, 2:48.90i, 4:32.07), Leyna Williams (17:56.78), Jenna Darcy (4:58.69y, 17:59.77i), Megan deSimone, Solamiya Login (3:00.00, 10:48.41s/c)

39. Texas
The 'Horns finished 28th at Furman last fall.
Returnees: Erin Sims (142nd; 4:20.37), Talis Apud-Martinez (153rd), Justine Boulin (179th), Sarah Doyle (226th)

39. Cal-Santa Barbara
NCAA Individual qualifier Katie Appenrodt returns to lead UC Santa Barbara. Appenrodt won the UCSB Open to lead her teammates over regional foe Cal Poly SLO.
Returnees: Katie Appenrodt (81st)

42. Tennessee
The Lady 'Vols return Sharon Dickie and gain Foot Locker finalists Felicia Guilford and Mindy Sullivan.
Returnees: Sharon Dickie (136th)
Newcomers: Felicia Guilford (6th FL; 8th USA Jr; 10:31.95y); Mindy Sullivan (17th FL)

43. Michigan
The Wolverines are hoping for a berth into this year's NCAA championships after failing to qualify in 2001. Michigan won the 9/7 Detroit Mercy Invitational, with Andrea Parker finishing 3rd to lead the Wolverines.
Meets: 9/14 Mel Brodt Inv, 9/21 Sundodger, 10/5 NCAA Preview, 10/11 Mich Intercollegiates, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/3 Big Tens (W. Lafayette, Ind), 11/16 GL Reg (W. Lafayette, Ind)
Returnees: Lindsey Gallo, Jeanne Spink, Katie Easton, Theresa Feldkamp, Chelsea Homan, Edna Kollarits
Newcomer: Jennifer Frudden (Iowa champ), Rebecca Walter

OTHER TEAMS:

Ball State
Returnees: Stacey Ritz (17th), Katie Nowak (10:34.05s/c, 16:15.29), Jill Scully, Sarah Huddleston (17:23.54), Crystal Meeks (36:29.25), Linda Stebbins (17:35.63), Natasha Lothery (2:06.55), Aubrey Gaffer
Newcomers: Nicole Hartford (5:05.70y, 11:11.38y)

Darmouth
Meets: 9/14 Dartmouth Inv, 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/5 Keene St, 10/11 NEs, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 HEPs (NYC), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Jesse Allen-Young (140th), Nicole Kelleher (182nd), Kristen Ettensohn (199th), Cecily Garber (206th)
Newcomer: Megan Olds (2:13.3)

Kansas State
Returnees: Amy Mortimer (19th, 6th '00, 12th '99; 4:16.48, 9:09.99i, 15:52.99; 4th ind 3k)
Newcomers: Erin Mortimer (4:57.35y, 10:47.88y)

Princeton
Returnees: Emily Kroshus (124th)
Newcomers: Meredith Lambert (10:13.80, 10:54.06y), Jordan Wagenseller (2:13.55)

Rhode Island
The Rams finished 2nd to Boston College in their season opener at Central Conn., with frosh Kristen Coon finishing 3rd overall to lead URI's young squad.
Meets: 9/14 Dartmouth, 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/11 NEs, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 A-10s (Pittsburgh), 11/16 NE Reg (NYC)
Returnees: Heidi Westerling (16:40.41, 35:19.69)
Newcomers: Emily Anderson (4:58.17y, 10:30.37; NE out mile champ), Kristen Coon (10th FL NE; 10:08.72i), Jamie Sweeney (6:53.54 2k s/c, 10:24.63, AOC s/c champ), Lindsay Vieira (10:07.57, 10:49.37i; NE ind 2-mile champ)

Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons are bolstered by Washington transfer Lisa Gibbs and redshirt frosh Jill Miller, who will join '01 individual qualifier Anne Bersagel. Bersagel and Miller finished 1-2 at the 8/30 Mountaineer Open, with five other Deacons among the top nine finishers.
Meets: 9/14 Wake Forest, 9/28 Iona MOC, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 ACC (Atlanta), 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
Returnees: Anne Bersagel (57th; 16:40.43), Jill Miller (9:37.72; 2nd USA Jr 3000), Risa Rutland
Newcomer: Lisa Gibbs (x-fer from Washington; 35th; 34:34.79), Anna Sherman (x-fer from Layfette College), Erin Franklin (10:03.24, 10:43.77y)