Analysis of the 2002 NCAA Division I Women's Cross
Country Coaches' Poll
by Mike Scott,
University of Rhode Island
Updated: September 18
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. Redshirt frosh Breanne Sandberg, a 10:28 steepler last
spring), led the Cougars at the 9/14 BYU Autumn Classic as Coach Shane held out
his top five.
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.
Despite holding out five members of last year's NCAA squad, Georgetown
downed visitors Penn State and Yale at a 9/14 Tri-Meet to open the season.
Meets: 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. 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: 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)
4. 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: 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, 16:29), Jackie Zeigle
(7th FL; 5:02.45y, 9:41.23), Christine Bolf (10:35,.83y)
5. 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 Indiana State. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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. Arkansas downed Northern Arizona at the 9/14 Aztec Invite,
with Wurth, Londa Bevins, and Kleinmann finishing 2-3-4 leading the Lady 'Backs
to a 32-second 1-5 spread.
Meets: 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)
8. 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, and Caroline Beriebaum (9th
NE FL). This standout quintet
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. Duke won the 9/14 Lou Onesty Invite over Virginia, with
newcomers Bierbaum and Horowitz finishing 1-2 and Rowbury, Meyerhoff, and
Stanley finishing 6th, 8th, and 12th.
Beirbaum appears to have run away with the individual race, beating
Horowitz by 33 seconds.
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
Meets: 9/27 Great Amer, 9/28 Stanford, 10/12 NC Intercollegiates, 10/19
Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 ACCs, 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
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)
9. 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
10. Northern
Arizona
The Lumberjacks finished 12th in
2001. NCAA steeple runner-up Ida
Nilsson leads Northern Arizona.
Nilsson won the 9/14 Aztec Invite, but the Lumberjacks fell to Arkansas.
Meets: 9/27 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
11. 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)
12.
Villanova
'Nova finished 24th at Furman. The Wildcats return Kalin Toedesbusch,
Rebecca Mitchell, Carre Joyce, and Iona Parusheva, but lost Renee Gunning to
transfer. Foot Locker finalist Liz
Gesel will need to step right in to bolster Villanova's top-10 hopes.
Meets: 9/20 Haverford, 10/5 NCAA Preview, 10/12 Penn State, 11/1 Big East
(Boston), 11/16 Mid Atlantic Reg (WVa)
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)
13. 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. W&M then claimed 2nd behind Duke, but ahead of Virginia
at the 9/14 Lou Onesty Invite. Ali Henderson, Maura McMahon, Cheryl Bauer, and
Emily Halm, are leading the squad.
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)
14. (Tie)
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 Purdue Opener, w/ Jackie Swan claiming 3rd 30 seconds
behind. The following week, Barth
and Swan shattered the course record at the 9/13 Bradley Invite to lead their
teammates to a near sweep of the field; Dahm continues to sit out the races and
might possibly redshirt.
Meets: 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)
14 (Tie).
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)
16. 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. Despite a 1-2 finish by Kate and Laura
O'Neil and only missing Brewster and Wisner from their '01 NCAA lineup, Yale
could only muster third behind Georgetown and Penn State at a 9/14 Tri-Meet
hosted by the Hoyas.
Meets: 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
17. 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. BC also dominated the 9/13
UNH Invite, with Smith, Donovan, Spolidoro, Cicero, and Burdick sweeping the
top five spots as they finished within three seconds of each other.
Meets: 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
18,
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. McGettigan won
again the following week at the 9/14 Dartmouth Invite, leading her Friar
teammates to an easy win over host Dartmouth. The Friars demonstrate good depth early, with a 49-second
1-5 spread over the 3.3 mile Dartmouth course.
Meets: 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)
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. Colorado
State
The Rams claimed 20th last year at
Furman. CSU opened with a win over
defending D-II champ Western State at their 9/14 Ram Invite, with Jennifer
Kintzley leading the Rams, followed by Kim Leal, Kim Watson, Marget Larson, and
Katie Yemm in a tight 20-second 1-5 spread. Earlier, the Rams easily won the
9/6 Wyoming Invite.
Meets: 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)
21. Wisconsin
The Badgers are looking to qualifying for
NCAAs after missing their first ever NCAA championships last fall. In their season opener at the 9/14 OZ
Memorial, the Badgers went 1-2-3-4 over the host Minnesota squad, with UCLA
transfer Elaine Canchola winning, followed by Jackie Mulrooney, Heidi Lane, and
Liz Reusser. Michelle Lilienthal
and Hilary Edmondson filled out Wisconsin's top 6.
Meets: 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: Elaine Canchola (174th; x-fer from UCLA), Michaela Courtney (2:13.96,
4:52.70y)
22. 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)
23. Columbia
The Lions return everyone from a team that
finished 22nd in 2001.
All-American Caitlin Hickin leads a strong Columbia team. The Lions "B" team dominated the
9/14 Fordham Invite.
Meets: 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)
24. 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. Miller won the 9/14 Wake Forest Invite and led her teammates
to nearly perfect-score the field.
Meets: 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)
25.
Minnesota
The Gophers finished 25th at last year's
NCAA meet and return four of last year's top five runners. Darja Vasiljava, Laura Bjork, and
newcomer Carly Emil led the Gophers at their first real test of the season, the
9/14 OZ Memorial, where they fell to a resurging Wisconsin squad.
Meets: 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)
26. Virginia
The Cavaliers finished 9th in 2001, but
were hard hit by graduation. NCAA
steepler Dawn Cleary leads Virginia, which fell to Duke and William and Mary at
the 9/14 Lou Onesty Invite.
Meets: 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
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 under the former Washington State coach James
Li. Jenny Sears led the Wildcats to sixth at the 9/14 Aztec Invite; Arizona ran
without Hodge and Gurnicz in the lineup..
Meets: 9/28 Griak, 10/11 AzSt, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 PAC-10s (Pasadena), 11/16
West Reg (Palo Alto)
Returnees: Beth Hodge (32nd, 243rd
'00; 16:15.91), Nicole Gurnicz (138th, 183rd '00)
Newcomers: Jenny Sears
28. Cornell
Cornell finished 30th at the 2001 NCAA
meet. The Big Red won the 9/14
Army Invite, with Jessica Parrot and Kate Boyles finishing 1-2 to lead a
49-second 1-5 gap.
Meets: 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)
29. Weber
State
Weber finished 5th in the competitive
Mountain Region last fall and return their entire squad, plus should regain the
services of 2001 steeple runner-up Rachel Bennion by October. Weber finished
2nd at the 9/14 BYU Autumn Classic, with '01 NCAA qualifier Cynthia Losee and
Jessica Winters leading the way.
Returnees: Rebecca Bennion (33rd '01; 4:21 '01, 9:54 s/c '01, 16:07 '01; 2nd '01
s/c), Rachel Bennion (167th '01; 4:34, 10:39 s/c), Heida Bouwhuis (4:41, 10:42
s/c), Janae Johnson (201st '01; 17:30), Cynthia Losee (207th; 168th '01; 17:05,
36:47), Genny Minnoch (105th '01), Caroline Pebley (4:38, 10:41 s/c), Ashley
Winter (16:51), Jessica Winters (17:20)
Newcomer: Jenny Packer (5:14y, 11:30y)
30. Coastal
Carolina
Coastal Carolina upset North Carolina at
the 9/14 UNC Challenge when the Tar Heels rested their top three. Anne Marie Moutsinga leads the Lady
Chanticleers, winning both the 9/7 HPU/Elon Invite and the 9/14 UNC Challenge
to lead her teammates to victory.
Meets: 9/27 Coastal Carolina, 10/5 Reg Preview (Furman), 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2
Big South, 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
Returnees: Kara Koppel, Lindsey Kozlowski, Robyn Ritter, Kim Nemergut
Newcomers: Anne Marie Moutsinga (Romania; 3rd '99 Euro Jr XC; 4:27, 9:28,
16:33, 35:02)
OTHER TEAMS RECEIVING VOTES:
31. South
Florida
South Florida finished 31st at Furman last
fall. The Bulls fell to Indiana at
the 8/30 Indiana Open, then won the 9/14 Bulldog Stampede. Christa Benton leads the Bulls.
Returnees: Kristy Fuller (115th, 215th '00, 238th '99; 16:47.08), Christa
Benton (210th)
Newcomer: Jessica Hellender (31st FL; 10:59.55y)
32. 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, and the
9/14 Mel Brodt Invite, with Lindsey Gallo leading the way.
Meets: 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
33. 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).
34. (Tie)
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. UNC won the 8/31 Campbell Inv, but then
finished 2nd to Coastal Carolina at the 9/14 UNC Challenge running without
their top three (Flanagan, Donohue, & Henry).
Meets: 9/27 Great Amer, 10/12 NC Intercollegiates, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 ACCs
(Atlanta), 11/16 SE Reg (Furman)
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)
34. (Tie)
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)
36.
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)
37. Georgia
Tech
Georgia Tech's Renee Metivier was last
fall's surprise, 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. Tech -- sans Metivier -- claimed 3rd behind South Florida and
Tulsa at the 9/14 Bulldog Stampede, with NCAA qualifier Katie Griffith leading
the Yellow Jackets.
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)
38.
Dartmouth
Nicole Kelleher and Jesse Allen-Young
return to lead Dartmouth.
Dartmouth fell to Providence at their own 9/14 Dartmouth Invite.
Meets: 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)
39. James
Madison University
JMU is looking for a berth out of one of
the nation's toughest regions.
Mollie DeFrancesco and Cindy Durham will lead the Dukes this fall.
Meets: 9/21 JMU, 9/27 Great Amer, 10/19 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 CAA, 11/16 South Reg
(Furman)
Returnees: Mollie DeFrancesco (56th; 9:56.07s/c, 16:03.97; 4th s/c, 4th USA
s/c), Cindy Dunham, Jennifer Lapetoda, Kelly Baker (36:33.45), Claire Wood
Newcomers: Nelly Anderson, Tiffany Cross, Kristen Saunders, Shannon Saunders
40. (Tie)
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)
40. (Tie)
Tennessee
The Lady Vols, 6th at the '01 South Regional,
return Sharon Dickie and gain Foot Locker finalists Felicia Guilford and Mindy
Sullivan. Dickie won the 9/13
Tennessee Invite to lead the Lady Vols to the team title, with Guilford
claiming 5th overall.
Meets: 9/21 Wolfpack Classic, 10/12 National Invite, 11/4 SEC (Florida), 11/16
South Reg (Tennessee)
Returnees: Sharon Dickie (136th, 74th '98), Brooke Novak, Jessica Southers
Newcomers: Felicia Guilford (6th FL; 8th USA Jr; 10:31.95y); Mindy Sullivan
(17th FL)
42. 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.
Rhody then claimed 3rd behind Providence and Dartmouth at the 9/14
Dartmouth Invite, with Coon again grabbing third.
Meets: 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)
OTHER TEAMS OF NOTE:
--. 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)
--. Baylor
The Bears won the 9/14 Rice Invite, with
North Texas-transfer Debbie Thornhill taking the individual win.
Returnees: Debbie Thornhill (Big 12 10,000 champ), Dixon, Stephanie Bennett,
Vacek
Newcomers: Marvin (10:51),
Cornelius (Tx 3A Champ)
--.
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)
--. 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)
--. La Salle
The defending Atlantic 10 champs return
everyone from a squad that finished 4th in the Mid Atlantic last fall. The Explores fell to Princeton at the
9/14 Princeton Invite, with Sheila Klick finishing 2nd overall and Solamiya
Login 5th.
Meets: 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)
--. Oklahoma
State
OK State claimed 18th at Furman last
year. Finished 2nd to SW Missouri
at 9/7 Wichita State.
Returnees: Marie Nilsson (61st),
A. Lindquist (158th), Valentina Medina (162nd), Janine Brown (220th), C.
Clifford (229th)
--.
Princeton
Returnees: Emily Kroshus (124th)
Newcomers: Meredith Lambert (10:13.80, 10:54.06y), Jordan Wagenseller (2:13.55)
--. 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)