Analysis of the 2003 NCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Coaches' Poll
by Mike Scott,
University of Rhode Island
Updated: September 22
For the 7th 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.
Notes: Places listed in parentheses refer to finish at the 2002 NCAA D-1 XC Championships at Indiana State University, unless otherwise noted. Performances are from the 2002-03 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
Next Weekend: The September 26-27 weekend marks the kick-off of the serious cross country season.
Great
American (9/26) -- Brigham Young, Campbell, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Florida
State, Grand Valley State, Liberty, North Carolina State, Northern Arizona,
Texas A & M, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Carolina - Charlotte,
Virginia, US Military Academy, William and Mary
Roy Griak (9/27) -- Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Boston College, Colorado State, Columbia, Indiana, Iowa State, Marquette, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Northern Iowa, Northwestern, Penn State, Providence, Southern Utah, Texas Tech, Toledo, Utah State, Wake Forest, Wartburg (IA), Washington State, Weber State
Stanford (9/27) -- 4K & 6K races: Arkansas, Cal-Santa Barbara, Stanford, UCLA, Wisconsin
Iona Meet of Champions (9/27) -- Auburn, Boston U, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Rhode Island, Yale
TOP THIRTY TEAMS:
1. Brigham
Young
Patrick Shane's defending champion BYU
Cougars have now won 4 of the last six NCAA team titles ('97, '99, '01, '02),
including the last two crowns.
NCAA steeplechase champs Michaela Mannova ('02) and Kassi Andersen ('03)
return to lead the Cougars.
Mannova, who finished 5th in both the '01 and '02 NCAA harrier races,
redshirted the outdoor season but notched a swift 9:42.01 steeple while winning
silver at this summer's Euro under-23 meet. In her absence, '02 USA Junior 1500 champ Andersen (7th) ran
away with the steeple title in an NCAA meet record 9:44.95 before claiming
silver at the USA championships. Also returning for BYU are Breanne Sandberg
(41st), Lisa Antonelli (10:14.37s/c), Shalice Pugmire (10:32.88s/c), as well as
a possible key for the Cougars' hopes of a three-peat: former two-time cross
country All-American Laura Turner (26th '99, 31st '98) who served on an LDS
mission in 2000 and 2001. Foot
Locker finalists Ruth Graham (12th FL) and Amber Harper (13th FL) could help
bolster the Cougars' lineup.
BYU opened by running a "B" squad (BYU's website
stated that they held out the top 5 or 6 runners) at the BYU Alumni Inv, where
they 1-2-3-4-5'd the field with Antonelli, Suzanna Larsen, and Breanne Sandberg
finishing together. Breane Sandberg
won the 9/13 BYU Autumn Classic to lead a mostly "B" squad to an easy
team win over cross state rival Weber State. Sandberg, Larsen, Rena Williams, Antonelli, and Jami
Caldwell scored for the Cougars.
BYU ran completely different "B" squad in Hawaii and fell to
UCLA; of note for the Cougars were seasonal debuts for Michaela Mannova's (easy
win) and Foot Locker finalist Amber Harper's (a bit back in 10th).
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/10 AzSt, 10/17 Pre-NCAA, 11/1 Mountain West Conf
(San Diego), 11/15 Mountain Reg (Ft Collins, CO)
Returnees: Michaela Mannova (5th, 5th '01, 148th '00; 9:42.01s/c; '02
steeplechase champ), Kassi
Andersen (7th; 2:08.10, 4:18.04 '01, 9:44.95s/c, '03 steeplechase champ, 2nd
USA s/c, 1st '02 USA Jr 1500), Breanne Sandberg (41st; 16:22.59), Shalice
Pugmire (10:32.88s/c), Aneta Lemiesz (2:05.30), Lisa Antonelli (10:14.37s/c),
Laura Turner (26th '99, 31st '98; 16:38.67)
Newcomer: Ruth Graham (12th FL; 10:02.7 3k, 10:46.87y); Amber Harper (13th FL;
4:37.95, 9:54.44 3k); Julie Cameron (2:12.83, 5:10.45i), Whitney McDonald (CA)
2. Stanford
Despite the loss of 3-time NCAA 5k
champion Lauren Fleshman and mile standout Malindi Elmore as well as a coaching
change, the Cardinal appears to be set for another run at the NCAA harrier crown. Following the departure of Stanford
mentor Vin Lannana for greener pastures (well, at least Ohio), former
All-American Dena Evans was promoted to Head Women's Coach. NCAA 10k champ Alicia Craig finished
3rd in Terre Haute last fall and will lead Stanford this fall and should be
joined up front by teammate Sara Bei (57th). Jeane Goff and Anita Siraki round out the NCAA returnees for
the Cardinal. Coach Evans scored
big with this year's recruiting class, nailing down one of the fastest prep
milers of all time Ari Lambie -- who also won the ever-competitive Foot Locker
NE regional before succumbing to illness at the FL finals -- along with the
talented Trotter twins -- Kathleen (2nd at Foot Locker championships) and
Amanda.
Stanford dominated its season opener at the 8/30 Bronco Invite with Sara Bei, Katy Trotter, Jeane Goff, and Amanda Trotter all finishing together in the top four spots; Craig and Lambie didn't appear at the opener.
Meets: 9/27 Stanford Inv, 10/4 Murray Keating, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Pac-10 (Pullman), 11/15 West Reg (Portland)
Returnees: Alicia Craig (3rd, 28th '01; 15:25.75, 32:40.03, NCAA 10k Champ), Sara Bei (57th, 89th '01; '00 FL Champ; 16:03.08; 13th out 5k; USA Jr '01 3k champ), Jeane Goff (128th, 4:26, 10:23.08s/c), Anita Siraki (110th, 2nd '00 FL' 9:47i); Kristen Cohoon (10:04.77; 17:08), Yfa Kretzschmar (2:10.05, 5:01.95y);
Newcomers: Ari Lambie (22nd FL, 1st FL NE; 2:45.46NR, 4:20.2, 4:37.23y, 10:11.9y), Kathleen Trotter (2nd FL, 2:11.32, 4:50.32y, 10:30.47y, ) Amanda Trotter (2:11.37, 4:54.43y, 10:32.11y), Teresa McWalters, Julie Allen (11th '01 FL; 4:59.27y, 10:37.75y),
3. Notre
Dame
The Irish came through big-time at the
NCAA championships to claim 3rd behind the leadership of Molly Huddle (6th as a
frosh!) and 2-time Cross Country All-American Lauren King (19th). Loryn King (76th), Stephanie Madia
(78th), and Katie Wales (225th) also return from the '02 NCAA meet, while Megan
Johnson is back after a redshirt year.
Notre Dame opened by running a mostly "B" squad at the
Valparaiso Inv, which won behind Jean Marinangeli's individual win. The Irish also won the 9/19 National
Catholic Inv with a "B" squad, with newcomer Kerry Meagher leading
Notre Dame with an individual win.
Meets: 10/3 ND Inv, 10/11 Bronco Open, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs,
10/31 Big East (NYC), 11/15 Great Lakes Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Molly Huddle (6th, 4th '01 FL; 4:20.50, 15:36.95), Lauren King
(19th, 27th '01; 4:14.72), Loryn King (76th), Stephanie Madia (78th, 23rd '01
FL; 4:26.98), Katie Wales (225th); Megan Johnson (130th '01), Rachel Endress,
Jean Marinangeli (17:12), Elizabeth Webster
Newcomers: Amy Kohlmeier (CAN; 2nd Can Jr XC; 4:29.43, 9:52.01), Kerry Meagher (4:28), Jean Marinangeli (17:12)
4. Colorado
NCAA indoor 5k champ Sara Gorton returns to
lead the Buffs and is joined by Natalie Florence (22nd), Jackie Zeigle (138th),
and Christine Bolf (186th) from the '02 NCAA harrier meet, as well as Laura
Zeigle who missed most of last fall's campaign due to injuries, but showed good
fitness while competing unattached last spring. 2001 NCAA runner up Renee Metiever transferred from Georgia
Tech after missing all of last year due to a medical redshirt while Villanova
transfer Kalin Toedesbusch will also help the Buffs. At the CU Time Trial, it's traditional for the returnees to
keep cranking up the pace until only 7 runners remain, then permit the youngest
among them to "win".
This year, newcomer Shannon Sparks earned that honor followed by Bolf, Toedebusch,
Florence, Gorton, and Metivier; Jackie Zeigle finished about 50 seconds behind,
while neither Laura Zeigle nor Erika Odlaug appeared.
Meets: 10/04 Rocky Mountain Shootout, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 10/31
Big-12 (Austin, Tx), 11/15 Mountain Reg (Ogden, UT)
Returnees: Sara Gorton (10th, 8th '00; 4:15.48, 15:24.97; ind 5k champ, 3rd out
5k), Natalie Florence (22nd, 100th '01; 16:21.41, 33:40.46), Jackie Zeigle
(138th, 7th FL; 5:02.45y, 9:41.23), Christine Bolf (186th); (returning from
injuries): Erika Odlaug (2nd '01 FL; 17th '01 World XC; 10:35.13y '02), Laura Zeigle
(3rd '00 FL, '01 USA Jr Champ; 4:28.85, 9:51.28),
Newcomers: Shanna Sparks; Renee Metiever (x-fer from GaTech; 2nd '01), Kalin
Toedesbusch (x-fer from Villanova; 67th, 95th '01;)
5.
Providence
Perennial top-10 power Providence returns
four from their sixth-place squad, and gain two impact runners to aid them in
their quest for a trophy.
All-American Mary Cullen (28th) blossomed last year to twice break 16:00
and garner 4th in the NCAA outdoor 5k.
Deirdre Byrne, Lisa Cappello, and Roisin Quinn also return from last
year's NCAA squad. Kimberly Smith
and Fiona Crombie, a pair of New Zealand imports, should immediately help the
Friars; Smith ran 9:09.96 and 15:47.92 this spring, while Crombie competed outdoors
for PC. PC opened by hosting Rhode
Island and New Hampshire on 9/5; Smith and Cullen "jogged" away from
the field, while Byrne and Crombie were 20 secs back with Cappello another 40
seconds behind. PC then dominated
the 9/12 BC Select meet, with Cullen, Smith, Crombie and Byrne finishing 1-2-5-6;
with Cappello sitting out the race, Katie Twarog was the Frairs' 5th.
Meets: 9/27 Griak Invite; 10/17 Penn St Invite; 10/31 Big East (NYC), 11/15 NE
Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Mary Cullen (28th, 214th '01; 9:09.13, 15:56.96; 5th 5k), Deirdre
Byrne (71st, 114th '01; 4:26.86), Lisa Cappello (176th, 196th '01, 180th '00),
Roisin Quinn (249th), Ashley Jensen, Katie Twarog
Newcomers: Kimberly Smith (NZL; '02 & '03 WXC; 4:18.09, 9:09.96, 15:47.92);
Fiona Crombie (NZL; 4:48y, 9:45);
6. Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons were one of the
break-through teams of the '02 season, winning ACCs and the SE regional before
finishing 9th on an off day at NCAAs.
All-American Anne Bersagel should lead a deep Wake Forest squad. Foot Locker finalist Michelle Sikes won
both the Mountaineer Open and the 9/13 Wake Forest Alumni Invite leading mostly
"B" squads to wins at both meets.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/3 Notre Dame, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1
ACC (Wake Forest), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Anne Bersagel (25th, 57th '01; 4:26.26, 16:19.16, 33:23.52), Anna
Sherman (72nd; 4:19.77), Erin Franklin (120th), Danielle Coon (146th), Jill
Miller (218th; 16:11), Nikeya Green (220th; 2:04.56, 4:26.53), Lisa Gibbs (35th
'01; 34:34.79 '02),
Newcomers: Michelle Sikes (15th FL; 4:58.66y, 10:54.03y), Hanna Bremler (x-fer
from Hawaii; 4:29.1), Selina Sekulic (5:00.01iy)
7.
Georgetown
The Hoyas won trophies each of the last
two years, claiming 3rd in 2001 and 4th last year. Treniere Clement (58th),
Nicole Lee (68th), Jodee Adams-Moore (88th), and Jill Laurendeau (104th, 14th
'01) all return from last year's NCAA squad, while Amanda Pape and Colleen
Kelly return from the '01 bronze medallists. The Hoyas were surpised by a better-than-expected Arkansas
team at the 9/13 Georgetown Invite as Arkansas tied the hosts in a wet and wild
competition; Georgetown was missing Amanda Pape (sinus infection) from their
lineup, but was otherwise fielding their "A" squad.
Meets: 9/27 GWU, 10/4 Lehigh, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 10/31 Big
East (NYC), 11/15 Mid Atlantic (Lock Haven)
Returnees: Treniere Clement (58th; 2:07.90, 4:15.00), Nicole Lee (68th, 84th
'01; '01 US World XC Team; 16:49.11, 34:26.03), Jodee Adams-Moore (88th, 112th
'01), Jill Laurendeau (104th, 14th '01; 4:22.64 '01), Amanda Pape (46th '01,
98th '00; 16:39.39 '01), Colleen Kelly (145th '01, 143rd '00; 4:26.64,
16:42.22), Maura McCusker (4:29.64), Diana Clock (16:50i), Kelley Otstott,
Sabine Knothe
Newcomers: Elizabeth Maloy (2:12.82, 4:24.26, 4:52.15y, 9:45.45), Jayne Penn,
Sarah Isbitz (2:56.42 1k)
8. Villanova
'Nova finished 8th in Terre Haute. Marina Muncan, Ioana Parusheva, and
Rebecca Mitchell should lead the Wildcats; Kalin Toedesbusch transferred to
Colorado, but the Wildcats gain Hungary's Zita Mezei (4:16.97, 9:24.24). The Wildcats "B" squad took
the Haverford Invite.
Meets: 9/26 Great American (???), 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 10/31 Big
East (NYC), 11/15 Mid Atlantic Reg (Lock Haven)
Returnees: Marina Muncan (35th; 2:06.29, 4:21.32), Ioana Parusheva (44th, 209th
'01; 4:30.89, 10:37.72s/c), Rebecca Mitchell (83rd, 110th '01, 140th '00;
2:06.24, 4:21.00), Liz Gesel (116th, 19th '01 FL; 4:58.42y), Carre Joyce
(217th, 180th '01, 202nd '00; 4:30.20, 10:52.53s/c), Kirsty Smith (227th;
10:55.01); Transferred: Kalin Toedesbusch (x-fer to Colorado; 67th, 95th '01;),
Newcomer: Zita Mezei (HUN; 2:06.76, 4:16.97, 9:24.24), Denise Mazzeo,
9. North
Carolina
Shalane Flanagan won her first NCAA title
on her third try, running away from the field in Terre Haute. This season Flanagan hopes to not only
defend her title, but also lead the Tar Heels to a spot on the awards
podium. Joining Flanagan up front
will be Carol Henry, the '02 NCAA steeple bronze medallist, two-time NCAA 800
champ Alice Schmidt, and incoming Foot Locker finalists Megan Kaltenbach and
Meghan Owen. At their 9/13 season
opener, Erin Donohue and Henry finished 1-2 with Owen, Kaltenbach, and newcomer
Kristin Stroupe rounding out the scorers.
With NCAA champs Flanagan and Schmidt sitting out, UNC ran a 62-second
1-5 spread.
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/3 App St., 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 ACCs (Wake
Forest), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Shalane Flanagan (Defending NCAA XC Champ, 22nd '01, 4th '00; '00
USA Jr Champ; 4:11.60, 15:20.54; Ind 3k Champ, 2nd out 5k, 2nd USA 5k), Carol
Henry (38th '01; 4:19.32, 10:03s/c; 7th s/c, 3rd '01 s/c), Erin Donohue (91st,
60th '01; 4:19.09), Alice Schmidt (140th; 2:01.16, '02 & '03 out 800
Champ), Jessica Perry (213th), Cassie King (219th), Jennie Sucher (252nd)
Newcomers: Megan Kaltenbach (20th FL; 4:49.28y, 9:44.21, 10:28.81), Meghan Owen
(8th FL, 2:53.19i 1k, 4:50.58y)
10. Northern
Arizona
The Lumberjacks claimed 10th last fall and
return 6 runners from their NCAA squad.
Two-time NCAA steeple runner-up Ida Nilsson and her sister Johanna, the
NCAA indoor mile champ, lead Northern Arizona, which also gained English
graduate transfer Laura McCreesh.
At the 9/6 George Kyte, the Lumberjacks swept the top six individual
places, w/ Erika Edwards and Johanna Nilsson running 1-2 and Ida Nilsson
apparently sitting out the effort.
The following weekend, Johanna Nilsson lead the 'Jacks with a win at the
Aztec Invite (Sister Ida apparently sat out this meet too); Erika Edwards,
Natalie Rogers, Julia Fisher, and Ariel Latimer rounded out the scorers (1:28
1-5 spread)
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/11 AzSt Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs,
11/1 Big Sky (NAz), 11/15 Mtn Reg (Weber St)
Returnees: Ida Nilsson (8th, 12th '01; 9:10.48i; 9:49.94s/c, 15:51.71), Johanna
Nilsson (12th; 4:10.72, 4:32.49iy, NCAA ind Mile champ), Erika Edwards (82nd,
143rd '01), Jinny Hanifan (139th, 63rd '01; 10:25.23), Natalie Rogers (179th,
49th '01 World Jr XC), Julie Fisher, Jodie Denike
Newcomers: Natsha Wicks (2nd NV), Ariel Latimer (32nd FL W; 5:04, 11:08), Laura
McCreesh (GR x-fer from GBR; 17th GBR Champ; 16:40),
11. Arkansas
Arkansas finished 7th at last fall's NCAA
meet, but graduated their top three.
Penny Splichal missed much of the '02 season, but should be one of the
team's leaders. Following an easy
team win at the Fayetteville Inv, Maureen Scott led the Lady'Backs to a 28-28
tie against Georgetown at the 9/13 Georgetown Inv. Scott won the race and was followed home by Laura Jakosky,
Kristina Smith, Alison Zeinner, and Penny Splichal with a 28-second 1-5 gap.
Meets: 9/27 Stanford Inv, 10/18 Chili Pepper, 11/3 SEC
(Georgia), 11/15 SC Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Maureen Scott (105th, 10:50.13s/c, 16:38.04), Laura Jakosky (112th;
10:40s/c, 17:04), Shiloh Whiting (131st, '02 USA Jr s/c champ; 10:32.69s/c),
Erica Sigmont (171st; 2:07.67, 4:19.46), Penny Splichal (75th '01; 16:41.61,
34:14.15),
Newcomers: Caroline Peyton, Kristina Smith (AK XC Champ; 4:32.72, 4:56.86y), Sarah Selby (IL XC Champ), Tiffany Redlarczyk (4:58y, 10:40), Sara Saffa (5:03y)
12. Columbia
The Lions won their first ever Heps title
in 2002 before winning the regional title and claiming 11th at the NCAA
meet. Columbia adds Duke transfer
Caroline Bierbaum (34th), Cal champ Laura Meyers, and top Foot Locker regional
performers Genevieve Chavez and Susannah Shaw to the strong quintet of Loretta
Kilmer, Trish Nolan, Caitlin Hickin, Melissa Stellato, and Lisa Stublic.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs or Penn St, 10/31 HEPs
(NYC), 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Loretta Kilmer (48th, 163rd '01; 34:47.46), Trish Nolan (62nd, 165th
'01; 16:45.50 '02), Caitlin Hickin (97th, 20th '01, 90th '00; 16:32.66 '02),
Melissa Stellato (101st, 152nd '01, 164th '00; 4:30.67, 16:47.41), Lisa Stublic
(144th; 16:52.75), Julie Fisher
Newcomers: Caroline Bierbaum (x-fer from Duke; 34th), Nicci Fish (10:50), Genevieve Chavez (10th FL S), Susannah Shaw (10th FL W; 4:53), Laura Meyers (CA D-4 XC Champ; 11:00)
13. Michigan
The Wolverines finished 15th at the NCAA
champs. In addition to returning
Rebecca Walter (51st), Lindsey Gallo (108th), Andrea Parker (159th), and
Chelsea Loomis (16:37/35:48), Michigan gained Dartmouth graduate transfer
Jessie Allen-Young (140th '01).
Allen-Young led the Wolverines to an easy win at the 9/13 Miami Invite.
Meets: 9/27
Griak, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Big Tens, 11/15 GL Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Rebecca Walter (51st; 25th WXC; 16:18.29), Lindsey Gallo (108th;
4:16.35; 4:44.52iy, 9:30.05i, 16:39.03), Andrea Parker (159th; 10:38.18s/c;
16:39.51i), Jennifer Frudden ('01 Iowa champ), Chelsea Homan (4:29.87), Chelsea
Loomis (16:37.27i, 35:48.60), Katie Erdman (2:07.2, 4:52)
Newcomers: Jessie Allen-Young (GR x-fer from Dartmouth; 140th '01); Jackie
Gaydos (MI D-2 XC Champ; 4:55.2y)
14. North
Carolina State
Not quite able to match their runner-up
performance from '01, the Wolfpack finished 13th in Terre Haute behind 2002
NCAA 10k champ Kristin Price. In
addition to the talented Price, NC State fields a nice mixture of proven
veterans and talented newcomers.
NC State easily downed Wisconsin and host Tennessee in a tri-meet, with
Price running away with the race and Renee Gunning, Lucinda Hull, Josi Lauber,
and Megan Coombs packing it in together nicely to cement the win. The Wolfpack's "B" team won
the 9/20 Raleigh Inv.
Meets: 9/26 Great Amer, 10/18 Pre-NCAA, 11/01 ACC (Wake
Forest), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Kristin Price (29th, 4th '01; 9:28.80, 16:08.25i, 32:50.01; '02 10K
champ), Megan Coombs (13th '01), Kristina Roth (65th; 10:26s/c), Josi Lauber
(70th, 173rd '01), Diana Henderson (167th, 141st '00), Janelle Vadnais (182nd;
4:29.21), Abigail Nelkie (185th), Julia Lucas (205th; 41st WXC; 4:27), Amy
Arnold ('01 Ohio Champ); Renee Gunning (4:29.92; 16:53.13), Kara Price, Erin
Swain
Newcomers: Sara Powell (21st FL;
MA XC champ; 5:05.38y, 10:54.8y), Jennifer Boyd (VA champ; 4:56.64y, 10:03.64),
Jessica Yester (5:00.62y), Lucinda Hull (x-fer from Lehigh; 10:32s/c)
15. Michigan
State
The Spartans finished 11th in '01 and 12th
in '02. Michelle Carson and Jamie
Kryzminski lead all seven members back from last year's NCAA squad. Katie
Anderson led Sarah Pepera, Brittany Ballard, Natalie Stein, and Cindy Durocher
to a 1-5 sweep at the Saginaw Valley Open, with all five Spartans finishing
together; neither Carson nor Kryzminski appeared. All-American's Carson and Kryzminski finished 1-2 at the
Spartan Invite to lead Peppera, Stein, and Anderson to all finish among the top
7 with a 55-second 1-5 gap over 6k.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Big Ten (MiSt),
11/15 GL Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Michelle Carson (27th, 34th '01; 16:24.59i), Jamie Kryzminski (47th,
106th '01; 9:31.35i, 16:17.50i, 32:52.87; 5th 10k), Sarah Pepera (95th,
10:27.37s/c), Cindy Durocher (124th, 208th '01, 62nd '99), Natalie Stein
(173rd, 147th '01), Gail Stec (230th), Brittany Ballard (240th); Katie Anderson
(116th '01), Megan Radermacher Michelle Rafferty
Newcomers:
16. Duke
Duke finished 17th in Terre Haute. The Blue Devils will lose their top two
runners from last season, with Caroline Beirbaum transferring and Clara
Horowitz redshirting. However,
Sheila Agrawal (7th 2000) is reported to be returning for her final season
after a two-year absence from the lineup and '01 Foot Locker finalist Natsha
Roetter is reported to be competing this year after taking a year away from the
sport. Laura Stanley led Paige
Miller, Shannon Rowbuy to 1-2-3 finish and a win at the 9/5 Covered Bridge
Open. The following weekend,
Roetter finished second in her collegiate debut to lead Duke to wins over
WillIam & Mary and Virginia.
Roetter, Sally Meyerhoff, newcomer Elle Pishney, Liz Wort, and Phebe Ko
combined for a 29-second 1-5 spread.
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/3 Notre Dame, 10/18
Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 ACCs (Wake Forest), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Shannon Rowbury (119th; 2:09.90, 4:41.85iy, 9:32.51i), Sally
Meyerhoff (163rd, 12th '01 FL; 4:29.44, 16:42.51), Laura Stanley (195th, 5th
'01 FL; 16:43.82), Phebe Ko (200th), Heidi Hullinger (222nd; 16:58.10); Meghan
Leon (4:26.27), Elizabeth Wort (10:49.09s/c), Lauren Matic (4:24.62), Sheila
Agrawal (7th '00, 28th '99; '00 USA World XC Team; 16:29.54), Paris Edwards
(9:53.37), Paige Miller (9:38.34, 17:03.89); Redshirting: Clara Horowitz (85th,
USA Jr XC Champ, 39th WJrXC; 4:28.32, 9:27.53i, 16:26.15i)
Newcomers: Lindsay Van Alstine (27th '01 FL; 4:53.4iy, 10:02.16, 10:31.6y;
17:24.89), Rachel Umberger (2:09.67, 2:54.16 1k), Lindsey Owen (2:12.35), Elle
Pishny (10:06.13, 17:18.77)
17. Missouri
Mizzou won the MW regional before
finishing 16th in Terre Haute.
Sophomores Amanda Bales and Valerie Lauver return to lead the
Tigers. Despite holding out Lauver
and Katherine Bonugli, the Tigers still finished 1-2-3 to dominate their 9/6
home meet; Bales led Jill Petersen and Serena Ramsey to the sweep. The following week, Mizzou sat out
Bales, but Lauver returned to lead the Tigers to a win at the Bradley Open over
Marquette. At Bradley, Lauver,
Petersen, Ashley Patten, Kristin Hansen, and Bonugli combined for a 42-second
1-5 split -- a figure that should be reduced when Bales returns to the lineup.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs & Chili Pepper, 10/31
Big 12 (Texas), 11/15 MW Reg (Stillwater)
Returnees: Amanda Bales (53rd), Valerie Lauver (54th, 8th '01 FL; USA Jr WXC),
Serena Ramsey (172nd), Katherine Bonugli (191st, 219th '00), Jill Petersen,
Jackie Pirtle
Newcomers: Kate Bundy, Merry Uchiyama, Kate Greer, Allison Werner
18. UCLA
The Bruins finished 25th in Terre
Haute. 2002 NCAA 1500 champ Lena
Nilsson claimed 17th individually at last year's NCAA meet. Newcomer Allison Costello led the Bruins
"B" team at the 9/13 Aztec Invitational, with Ashley Caldwell, Sarah
West, Carolyn Shea, and Emily Haigh rounding out the UCLA scorers. With only a BYU "B" team to
contend with in Hawaii (9/20), the Bruins notched a win with Caldwell leading
Jenny Timinsky, Costello, Flores, and West to a 27-sec 1-5 spread over 4K;
Nilsson still out of the lineup.
Meets: 9/27 Stanford Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/01 Pac-10
(WaSt), 11/15 (Portland)
Returnees: Lena Nilsson (17th, 135th '01; 4:07.69, '01 1500 champ, 2nd '02
1500), Alejandra Barrientos (86th, 125th '01), Valerie Flores (180th, 127th
'01; 19th FL '99), Jenna Timinsky (206th; 2:07), Carmen Winant (207th), Allison
Hall (224th), Lori Mann (245th, 190th '01), Ashley Caldwell (), Sarah West ()
Newcomers: Allison Costello
19. Wisconsin
The Badgers look to send off Coach Peter
Tegen (retiring end of '02-03 season) with a bang and improve upon their
19th-place finish in 2002. Maggie
Guiney, a graduate transfer from Boston College, is reportedly fit and should
boost Wisconsin's chances.
Michelle Lilienthal and Hilary Edmondson finished 3-4 to lead the
Badgers as they lost to NC State, but beat host Tennessee on 9/12. Guiney, Heidi Lane, and Linsey
Blaisdell wrapped up Wisconsin's scorers.
Meets: 9/27 Stanford, 10/4 Loyola Inv, 10/11 Luther College,
10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/02 Big Ten (MiSt), 11/15 GL Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Hilary Edmondson (93rd, 161st '00; 4:22.33), Linsey Blaisdell
(121st), Heidi Lane (143rd), Michelle Lilienthal (147th, 113th '00), Jackie
Mulrooney (179th)
Newcomer: Maggie Guiney (GR x-fer from Boston College; 9th '01, 13th '00)
20. Arizona
State
The Sun Devils finished 23rd in both '01
and '03 and return six from last year's NCAA squad. Amy Hastings will lead Arizona State this fall just as she
led the US Junior Team at last spring's World XC Champs. ASU dominated their
cross-state rivals Arizona at the 9/19 Dave Murray Invitation, with Amy Hasting
leading a tightly-packed 22-second 1-5 spread (4.3K) that included Anna
Masinelli, newcomer Jessica Crate, Desiree Davila, and Amanda Lyon.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/10 AzSt Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/01
Pac-10 (Pullman), 11/15 West Reg (Portland)
Returnees: Amy Hastings (92nd, 20th WJrXC), Desiree Davila (150th, 205th '01),
Anne Marie Masinelli (157th), Jessica Scalzo (169th), Amanda Fitz-Gustafson
(209th), Liz Lindgren (223rd), Jenny Aldridge
Newcomers: Jessica Crate
21. Indiana
The Hoosiers stepped it up in 2002 to claim 14th at the NCAA meet. Mindy
Peterson and Audrey Giesler should lead Indiana. IU easily dominated its own 8/29 Indiania Opener, with
Giesler, Lindsay Hattendorf, Peterson, and newcomer Kristin Whitezell placing
2-3-4-5. The Hoosiers also
dominated the 9/19 Indiana Intercollegiates, with Giesler winning and leading a
51-second 1-5 spread.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/3 Notre Dame, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2
Big Ten, 11/15 GL Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Mindy Peterson (59th; 4:26.43), Audrey Giesler (77th, 10:24.19s/c),
Jessica Gall (113th; 16:49.53), Lindsay Hattendorf (145th; 16:53.88), Becky
Obrecht (153rd), Alison Miller (235th), Kelly Siefker (247th; 10:51.24s/c)
Newcomers: Kristin Whitezell (5:00.85y)
22. Penn
State
The Nittany Lions finished 25th at the
NCAA meet. Team leaders Tracey
Brauksieck (96th) and Molly Landreth (134th) both were steeple finalists at the
NCAA champs. Landreth led her
teammates to a sweep of the top 8 places at the 9/13 Spiked Shoe Invite;
Landreth ran away to a 27-second win, with Chelsea Lenge, Katy Hillard, Maureen
Thomas, Brauksieck, Jenny Stevens, Tara Johnson, and Kayla Matrunick all
finishing within 13 second of each other.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/3 Notre Dame, 10/18 National Invite
(PnSt), 11/2 Big Ten (MiSt), 11/15 Mid Atlantic Reg (Lock Haven)
Returnees: Tracey Brauksieck (96th; 10:16.91s/c), Molly Landreth (134th; 10:07.78),
Michelle Wale (137th, 134th '01), Jenny Stevens (161st; 4:31), Katy Hillard
(187th; 4:35), Tara Johnson (192nd), Maureen Thomas (229th; 35:49), Chelsea
Lenge (16:58)
Newcomers: no significant newcomers
23. Boston
College
Hampered by injuries and illness in 2002,
Boston College -- 6th in 2001 -- had the distinction of being the best team in
the country not to qualify for the NCAA meet. 2001 USA Junior champ Maria
Cicero, 16th in her collegiate debut and 18th at the 2002 champs, returned to
lead the Eagles after recovering from an early-season bout with mono; Cicero,
however, suffered a stress fracture mid-summer and isn't expected to race until
late October. Also returning with
NCAA experience are Jennifer Kramer and Jennifer Donovan (9th NCAA s/c), while
National Scholastic indoor 5k winner Jesse Mizzone joins the squad. The Eagles sat out Cicero, Laura Smith,
and Laurel Burdick at the 9/12 season opener and finished a distant 2nd to
Providence.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/10 New Englands, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs,
10/31 Big Easts (NYC), 11/15 NE regional (Boston)
Returnees: Maria Cicero (18th, 16th '01; USA Jr Champ; 9:31.85, 17:05.40),
Jennifer Kramer (119th '01, 97th '00; 4:23.56, 9:38.18i, 17:13.26i), Jennifer
Donovan (183rd '01; 9:32.50i, 10:04.52s/c), Laura Smith (151st 00; 17:04.67),
Laurel Burdick (22nd FL), Daniel Jelley, Anne Hessberg, Alexis Lake
Newcomers: Jesse Mizzone (10:07.5i, 10:44.85, NSIC 5k champ), Jessica Flinn (NH
state champ)
24. William
& Mary
The Tribe tied Arizona State for 23rd at
the '02 NCAA meet. All-American
Ali Henderson will lead William & Mary. Henderson won the 9/13 Lou Onesty Inv to lead a
understrength W&M team to runner up honors behind an understrength Duke
squad; the Tribe didn't race Emily Halm, Jackie Kosakowski, and Lauren Heron.
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/10 Auburn, 10/18 Pre-NCAA or
PnSt,, 11/1 Colonial AA, 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Ali Henderson (38th; 16:09.65, 33:55.23; 8th ind 5k, 12th 10k),
Maura McMahon (80th; 17:01.25, 34:43.71), Kristyn Shiring (175th; 17:42.69),
Jackie Kosakowski (178th; 10:57.18s/c. 17:16.54), Lauren Heron (234th;
4:31.87), Emily Halm (9th '00 SE Reg), Katrina Menard, (36:58.65), Lara Toscani
(4:37.59), Erin Masterson (2:15.19)
Newcomers: Julia Cathcart ('01 FL), Heather Stevenson (2:17.3, 5:06.85y), Meghan Bishop (4:58.10y, 10:57.3y), Jessica Wolfe (VA St Catholic champ), Kate Willever (5:10.16y, 7:08.89 2ks/c)
25. Colorado
State
The Rams claimed 20th at the '01 NCAA
meet, but failed to advance to NCAAs last year. CSU won the Lobo Inv.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/01 Mtn West Conf (San
Diego), 11/15 Mtn West (Weber St)
Returnees: Katherine Yemm (80th '01, 156th '00; 4:44.14iy), Jennifer Kintzley
(129th '01, 127th '00), Colleen Blair (150th), Michelle Carman (x-fer from
Boise St; 16:52), Brittany Saunders (2:14, 5:07, 11:08 at altitude); Crystal
Clark (17:19)
Newcomers: April Thomas, Rebekah Yetzer (2:16, 5:01, 10:59), Valerie McGregor,
Emily McGregor, Nicole Feest (x-fer from Oregon)
26. Marquette
The Golden Eagles graduated their top
three from last year's 18th-place squad, but return Brianna Dahm from
redshirt. Newcomer Heidi Lindemen
won the Bradley Invite to lead Marquette to second behind Missouri; Wisconsin
transfer Michael Courtney, Jamie Haro, Shannon Oster, and Susie Edmond rounded
out the team's scorers, who notched a 42-second 1-5 gap in Dahm's absence.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/04 Willamette Invite, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Conf USA (SFl), 11/15 Great Lakes Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Brianna Dahm (51st '01; 107th '00; 4:23.93, 9:22.07, 10:04.14s/c, 16:50.84), Jodi Jakubek (98th; 16:59.18), Jamie Haro (181st), Alli Sauer (198th; 35:53), Susie Edmond (244th), Tara Hinke ('01 Wisc Div 1 champ), Audrey Schlitz
Newcomers: Heidi Lindemen (10:30), Oster (10:20 3k), Michaela Courtney (x-fer from Wisconsin; 4:52y)
27. Baylor
The Bears finished 4th at regionals last
fall and will be led by Erin Dixon and US Junior steeple champ Angela
Marvin. Baylor won the 9/13 North
Texas Invite.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/4 Cowboy Jamboree, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs,
11/1 Big 12 (Texas), 11/15 SC Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Erin Dixon, Angela Marvin (USA Jr s/c champ; 6:37.48 2k), Jessica
Chance, Lisa Cornelius (17:13)
Newcomers: Brittany Brockman (4:54, 10:36), Monique Ortega (4:59, 10:35),
Brittany McGuire (5:04)
28. Virginia
The Cavaliers finished 20th in 2002 and
should be led by Jane Maxwell (75th).
An under-strength UVa squad finished 4th at the 9/13 Lou Onesty meet
behind Duke, William & Mary, and a strong Richmond squad.
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/4 GMU Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAA,
11/1 ACC (Wake Forest), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville, NC)
Returnees: Jane Maxwell (75th), Megan McGarvey (152nd, 96th '01), Kara Scanlin
(154th), Sharon O'Connor (149th), Delany Moje (4:58.21y), Emily Hampson, Jolene
Hampson
Newcomers: Angie Saterstad (9:49.91), Meghan Hughes (10:03, 10:45y), Janine
Ricci (5:03.5y, 10:20.24)
29.
Southwest Missouri State
Third at the '02 MW regional, the SMS
Bears are trying for their first NCAA championship berth. The Bears won the 9/6 Wichita State
Classic with a 24-sec 1-5 gap led by Laura Schafuetzel and Erin Sutton, the won
the Missouri Southern Stampede, with Sutton leading SMS to a 45-second 1-5
spread.
Meets: 10/4 Cowboy Jamboree, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Mo Valley
(Drake), 11/15 MW Regional (Ok St)
Returnees: Erin Sutton (4:59.96i,
10:32.85s/c, 16:59.30) Casey Owens (4:34.04, 9:51.82i, 16:52.37), Rebekah Daro
(10:00.03i, 10:39.58s/c, 17:30.21), Laura Schafluetzel (10:08.16i, 17:40.13),
Ashley Sanders (10:03.16, 17:36.36), Casey Dewitt (18:23.05), Becky Moffit,
4:51.89), Lisa Lewis
Newcomers: Kate Chettle (AUS, x-fer from Arkansas; 4:32, 9:50.94), Jennifer
Beasley, Clarris Codrington, Chloe Key, Tonisha Moore, Jessica Tuttle, Nicole
Walcutt (x-fer from Iowa St), Sara Whiting
30. Washington
Washington finished 31st at the 2002 NCAA meet. The Dawgs won the 9/6 Emerald City meet.
Meets: 9/27 Sundodger (Seattle), 10/3 Notre Dame Inv, 10/18
Pre-NCAAs, 11/01 Pac-10s (WaSt), 11/15 West Reg (Portland)
Returnees: Lindsey Egerdahl (156th; 2:10, 4:32), Laura Halvorsen (216th), Laura
Hodgson (228th; 2nd USA Jr XC, WXC Team), Jamie Gibbs (242nd; 113th '01; 9:58,
16:58), Camille Connelly (235th '01; 9:58, 10:52s/c) Chessa Adsit-Morris
Newcomers: Brianna McLeod (3x OK champ; 3rd Jr 3000, 4:50y, 9:45), Ingvill
Makestad (NOR; 2:04.99, 4:13.58), Marie Foushee (Wa AAA XC Champ; 5:04, 11:00),
Dallon Williams (6th CA XC; 2:15, 5:01y); Kira Harrison (2:12, 5:01, 11:16),
Amy Lia (2:15, 5:05),
31.
Pittsburgh
NCAA individual qualifier Maureen
McCandless leads Pitt (15th at the '02 regional), which edged West Virginia
27-28 at the 9/6 Duquesne duals.
32.
Tennessee
The Lady Vols claimed 28th at last year's
NCAA championships. Brooke Novak
(103rd) returns to lead the Lady 'Vols.
Novak's runner-up finish to only NC State's Kristin Price at the NC
State-Wisconsin-Tennessee Tri shows that she fit this fall. Georgia Tech transfer Carly Matthews,
Megan Cauble (164th), Liz McCalley (250th), and Jessica Southers (238th)
rounded out Tennessee's scorers in their season opener; Several Lady Vol's sat
out the meet including Felicia Guliford and Stanford transfer Lindsay
Hyatt. Although Guliford and
Hyatt joined Tennessee's lineup at the 9/19 Crimson Classic, Novak and Matthews apparently didn't run; in
their absence, Cauble led the Lady 'Vols to an easy victory.
Meets: 10/4
Paul Short, 10/18 PnSt, 11/3 SECs (GA), 11/15 South Reg (Auburn)
Returnees: Brooke Novak (103rd), Megan Cauble (164th); Jessica Southers
(238th), Felicia Guilford (246th; 6th FL; 8th USA Jr); Liz McCalley (250th),
Erin Anderson (253rd), Mindy Sullivan (17th '01 FL), Christy Baird, Katie
Flaute
Newcomers: Lindsay Hyatt (GR x-fer from Stanford), Carly Matthews (x-fer from
GaTech, 5:13.75y, 10:09.62), Leslie Treherne
33. Texas
A&M
The Aggies claimed 3rd at regionals. A&M easily won their 9/20 invite.
Meets: 9/26 Great American, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 Big 12
(Texas), 11/15 SC Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Meredith Crane, Sarah Steadman (191st '00), Katherine King, Landra
Stewardson, Candice Kolb, Stacy (Cusimano) Garrity, Tamara Budija (9:50),
Vanessa Kelly
Newcomers: Jamie Geissler (11th FL), Katie Hummel (10:25), Lauren Mewhinney
34. Toledo
Still in a quest for a first-ever team
appearance at the NCAA championships, Toledo fell just short again in 2002.
With steepler Briana Shook having completed her cross country eligibility, the
two-time MAC champions will be led by Washington State transfer Everlyne Lagat
(30th in '01). Toledo opened with a "B" squad tying Bowling Green in
a dual on 9/5; only Chris Tye from the Rockets' top six raced in the
opener. Tye sat out the 9/20
Toledo Invite, but the meet saw the seasonal debut of Lagat, Candace Cromley,
Erica Moriarty, Kelly McCarty, and Ebba Stenback.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/10 All-Ohio, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 MAC, 11/15 Great Lakes
(Terre Haute)
Returnees: Erica Moriarty (4:32.69, 9:50.50, 17:16.69), Chris Tye (NZL,
10:06.80, 17:00.32, 35:52.70), Ebba Stenbeck (SWE, 4:42.78, 10:00.70,
10:52.12s/c, 18:06.10), Jackie Baumgarter (10:18.14, 18:09.44)
Newcomers: Everlyne Lagat (x-fer
from WashSt; 30th '01; 4:28.30, 9:25.90, 16:15.17), Kelly McCarty (x-fer from
Houston; 4:35.65, 10:06.16), Katalin Garami (HUN; 4:35.34, 9:58.89, 17:14.11);
Candice Cromley (11:09), Lindsay Helge (11:18), Alison Tittle (11:14), Megan
Tittle (11:26)
34. West
Virginia
Megan Metcalfe (9th) leads West Virginia,
which finished 4th at regionals last year. The Mountaineers lost to Pitt at the 9/6 Duquesne Duals.
Meets: 9/27 Pre-Regionals (Lock Haven), 10/4 Paul Short,
10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 10/31 Big East (NYC), 11/15 Mid Atlantic Reg (Lock Haven)
Returnees: Megan Metcalfe, Tara Struyk
36. Auburn
Auburn claimed 4th at the '02 South
regional. Catherine Waynoike (74th) and USA Junior National
team member Angela Homan will lead the Tigers this fall. Auburn opened with a win at the 9/5 UTC
Opener, with Homan and Waynoike finished 1-2 over the 2-mile course.
Meets: 9/27
Iona MOC, 10/10 Auburn Inv, 10/25 Miss St Inv, 11/3 SEC (Georgia), 11/15 South
Reg (Auburn)
Returnees: Catherine Waynoike
(74th; 2nd '01 JUCO; x-fer from Butler JC), Angela Homan (51st WJrXC, 18th '01
FL), Spring Dawson, Caitlin Reese, Sarah Reese, Dawn Morgan, McKenzie Fox,
Danielle Keplinger
37. New
Hampshire
The Wildcats feature a strong foursome in
Leslie Read, Caitlin Hayes, Megan Hepp, and Katie Litwinowich but are searching
for a fifth. UNH finished third
behind Providence and Rhode Island at the 9/5 Providence Invite with
Litwinowich on the sidelines, but then won the 9/20 Central Connecticut Inv.
Meets: 10/4 Murray Keating, 11/10 New Englands, 11/1 America
East, 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Leslie Read (5:01.58y), Caitlin Hayes (10:04.49i, 36:08.34), Megan
Hepp (10:07.44i, 10:38s/c, 16:56.65), Katie Litwinowich (2:11.58, 2:53.59i 1k,
4:29.87), Alison March
Newcomers: Emily Mareb, Ashley Vance
38. Brown
University
The Bears finished 7th at last year's NCAA
NE regional. Meredith Crocker is
expected to lead the Bears. Brown
finished 3rd behind Providence and Boston College at the 9/12 BC select meet;
Anna Willard led the Bears in Boston.
Meets: 9/27 Iona MOC, 10/10 NE Champs, 10/31 HEPs (NYC),
11/15 NE Champs (Boston)
Returnees: Meredith Crocker, Anna Willard, Nora Sullivan, Kristin Ware, Anya
Davidon
Newcomers: Michol Monaghan, Heather Driscoll, Kathleen Loughlin
OTHER TEAMS OF NOTE:
--. Ball
State
The Cardinals claimed 27th at last fall's
NCAA meet. Ball State finished 3rd
at both the 9/13 Maimi Invite and the 9/19 Indiana Intercollegiates.
Meets: 9/26 Central Coll (Kalamazoo, MI), 10/3 Notre Dame
Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 MACs (Akron), 11/15 GL Reg (Terre Haute)
Returnees: Jill Scully (136th), Crystal Meeks (155th), Sarah Huddleston
(203rd), Aubrey Gaffer (239th), Nicole Hartford (243rd), Linda Stebbins (10:04,
17:30)
Newcomers: Amanda Ponsot (2:14, 5:05), Rose Lehe (5:10)
--. Boston
University
BU finished 7th at the 2002 NE
regional. The Terriers won their
9/12 quad.
Meets: 9/27 Iona MOC, 10/10 New Englands, 11/1 America East
(Albany), 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Dina Mijuskovic (4:36, 9:56); Jessica Iannacci (5:03.54i, 17:16.03),
Julie Nazzer (11:07.07s/c)
Newcomer:
--.
Cal-Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara finished 2nd at the Big
West Champs and 8th at regionals in 2002.
UCSB took the 9/19 Riverside Invite with Desiree Leek leading a
36-second 1-5 gap.
Returnees: Desiree Leek (4:33.18), Cosette Smith (16:44.18), Desiree DeJesus
(17:05.30), Tiffany DeJesus, Lauren Christman (4:36.89), Lindsay Christman,
Stephanie Rothstein (17:47.01),
Newcomers: Bethany Nickless (10:44.50y)
--. Cornell
Cornell finished 6th at the 2002 NE
regional. Mandy Knuckles, Nyam Kagwima, Megs DiDario, Natalie Gingerich, and
Angela Kudla combined to help edge Army in a 26-33 dual meet at Cornell on
9/12.
Meets: 9/27 Iona MOC, 10/4 Paul Short, 10/18 PnSt, 10/24
Reif Memorial, 10/31 HEPs (NYC), 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Kate Boyles (10th '00 FL), Jessica Parrott (156th '01), Kari Haus
(168th '01), Christy Planer (4:58.61y, 11:03.52y), Angela Kudla ('00 FL; NY
"B" champ), Emily McCabe (9:54, 17:36), Alyssa Simon (10:48s/c),
Sarah Coseo (4:30, 9:58); Redshirting: Amber McGown (170th '01; semester in
France), Jenn Meil (semester in Equador)
Newcomers: Christy Paul (OR state XC Champ, 10:08), Robyn Ellerbrock (7:09 2k
s/c), Megs DiDario, Nyam Kagwima (2:16, 5:01)
--.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth finished 5th at the 2002 NE
regional. Former All-American
Maribel Sanchez replaces Ellen O'Neil (who left for Smith College over the
summer) as cross country coach.
Dartmouth opened with an easy win at the 9/13 Dartmouth Invite.
Meets: 9/27 Iona Inv, 10/4 Keene St, 10/10 NE Champs, 10/18
Pre-NCAAs, 10/31 HEPs, 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Nicole Kelleher (182nd '01), Kristen Ettensohn (199th '01), Cecily
Garber (206th '01), Kristin Andrews, Megan Olds (2:13.3), Melanie Schorr
Newcomer: Vanessa Cruz
--. Florida
State
The Seminoles finished 28th at NCAAs. The Seminoles finished 2nd to Wake
Forest at the 8/29 Mountaineer Open then won the 9/12 Florida
Intercollegiates. Natalie Hughes
and transfer Helen Hofstede lead the Seminoles.
Meets: 9/26 Great Amer, 10/18 Pre-NCAA, 11/1 ACCs (Wake
Forest), 11/15 South Reg (Auburn)
Returnees: Natalie Hughes (197th; 4:16.33), Ann Clinton (231st; 17:11), Laura
Melendez (251st), Jenny Gomez (254th), Suzanne Shepard, Cathleen Willy (10:46
3200 '02), Rachel Marsh
Newcomer: Helen Hofstede (NED; 4:23.5), Heather Clark (5:04.66y), Carla Agnew
(CAN; 4:43.1)
--. Kentucky
Kentucky finished 8th at the '02 Southeast
regional. Individual qualifier
Caitlin Phillips (126th) leads the Wildcats. Patterson led the Wildcats at the 9/20 WKU Oldtimers
Classic.
Meets: 10/4
Louisville, 10/18 Pre-NCAA, 11/3 SEC (Athens, GA), 11/15 SE Reg (Greenville,
NC)
Returnees: Caitlin Phillips
(126th; 4:29.76, 9:36.51, 16:45.56), Brooke Patterson (2:06,4:48y), Allison
Grace (9:51), Leah Kerstetter (9:55), Leep (2:10, 4:30), Beth Heimann (2:04,
4:27), Jackie Wagner
Newcomers: Ganne Way (2:09), Emily King (10:52y)
--.
Minnesota
The Gophers finished a non-qualifying 5th
at last year's NCAA regional meet, but return almost the entire squad. Unfortunately for Coach Gary Wilson
that exception is '02 NCAA individual qualifier Darja Vasiljeva (87th) who will
be sidelined this season with an October surgery for her left hamstring. In her absence, Minnesota opened with
easy wins over the fields at the 9/6 Intrasquad and 9/13 Oz Memorial. Redshirt frosh Emily Brown is leading
the team with wins at their first two meets.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/3 IoSt, 10/18 Pre-NCAA, 11/2 Big Ten
(MiSt), 11/15 MW Reg (Stillwater)
Returnees: Lisa Dyer (111th '01), Laura Bjork (133rd '01), Krista Anderson
(186th '01, 227th '00), Anita Menden (213th '01, 165th '00), Carly Emil (4:55,
10:37), Jenny Hess (2x Mn A XC champ), Emily Brown ('01 Wisc XC runner-up), Amy
Lindner (SD champ); Injured: Darja Vasiljeva (87th, 86th '01, 46th '00),
Newcomers:
--.
Northwestern
The Wildcats finished 30th at the 2002
NCAA meet.
Meets: 10/4 Cowboy Jamboree, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/2 Big Ten (MiSt), 11/15 MW Reg
(Stillwater)
Returnees: Diana Hossfield (162nd), Emily Blakslee (204th), Kyna Forkins
(232nd), Nora Colligan
Newcomers: Katie Romaine, Casey Shea, Jama Bernard
--. Oregon
The Ducks begin a new era this fall,
competing for the first time without long-time mentor Tom Heinonen at the helm.
Marnie Mason is the new Oregon coach.
Meets: 9/27 Sundodger Inv (Seattle), 10/18 Willamette Open,
11/01 Pac-10 (WaSt), 11/15 West Reg (Portland)
Returnees: Laura Harmon (4:29.49, 17:12.04), Eri Macdonald (2:06.37, 4:25.81),
Magdalena Sandoval (16:45.91, 36:30.65), Alicia Snyder-Carlson (10:57.72s/c),
Annette Mosey (4:35.78)
Newcomers: none of note
--. Rice
The Owls won the WAC title last fall. Rice easily dominated the 9/13 Rice
Invitational, with Kate Gorry leading 5 Owls among the top 7 finishers. The Owls then finished 3rd behind Texas
A&M and Texas Christian at the 9/20 A&M Invite; Gory claimed runner-up
honors.
Meets: 10/3 Islander Open, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/1 WAC (San
Jose), 11/15 SC Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Kate Gorry (17:03), Tanya Wright (4:28), Shannon Murto (4:34),
Whitney McAlpine (36:45), Brandi Armstrong (4:39), Megan Sandler (4:32), Lauren
Murphy (5:12y, 10:45)
--. Richmond
Richmond has improved this fall. Lyndsey Webber, Amanda Russell, and
Danielle Binns led Spiders to 3rd at the 9/13 Lou Onesty Inv behind Duke and
Williams & Mary.
Meets:
Returnees: Lindsey Webber, Nicole Kurtain, Alison Belicose
Newcomers: Danielle Binns, Amanda Russell, Caitlin Smith
--. Stony
Brook
The Sea Wolves finished 8th in NE
regional. Jackie Nunez will lead
Stony Brook. Nunez and Leonora Joy
finished 1-2 to lead Stony Brook to a win at their own 9/6 Seawolves Invite.
Meets: 9/22 Monmouth Inv, 10/3 METs (NYC), 10/18 Lafayette
Inv, 11/1 America East (Albany), 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Jackie Nunez, Leonora Joy (2nd NZL XC Champs; 2:11.92, 4:25,
9:27.01), Laura Hixson, Lauren Gengo
Newcomers: Liz Carlson
--. Texas
The 'Horns improved to claim 22nd in Terre
Haute last fall. Talis Apud-Martinez should lead Texas this fall, but most
likely won't race until at least Pre-NCAAs since she's recovering from
injuries.
Meets: 10/4 TxSt Classic, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 10/31 Big 12s
(Texas), 10/15 SC Reg (Baylor)
Returnees: Talis Apud-Martinez (36th, 153rd '01), Sarah Ross (190th), Jodi
Jones (233rd), Katie Scarlett (237th), Evelyn Dwyer, Erin Budd, Dee Dee Cortez
Newcomers: Brooke Stewart, Grace Ann Nathanson
--. Weber
State
Weber finished 5th in the competitive
Mountain Region last fall. The
Wildcats finished 2nd to a BYU mostly "B" squad at the 9/13 BYU Autm
Classic, with Heidi Bouwhuis, Janae Johnson, Lindsey Olson, Caroline Pebley,
and Cheryl Jolly scoring for Weber.
Meets: 9/27 Griak, 10/4 Montana Inv, 10/18 Pre-NCAAs, 11/01
Big Sky (IdSt), 11/15 Mtn Reg (Weber St)
Returnees: Rebecca Bennion (33rd '01; 4:21 '01, 9:54 s/c '01, 16:07 '01; 2nd
'01 s/c), Heida Bouwhuis (4:41, 10:42 s/c), Janae Johnson (201st '01; 17:30),
Caroline Pebley (4:38, 10:41 s/c), Ashley Winter (16:51)
Newcomer: Jenny Packer (5:14y, 11:30y), Lindsey Olson (UT 3A champ), Jamie
Stubbs (UT 5A champ)
--. Yale
Following the graduation of Kate and Laura
O'Neill, Yale will be in a rebuilding mode this year. Rebecca Hunter and Melissa Donais are expected to lead the
Bulldogs. Yale finished a distant
third at the 9/13 Georgetown Invite.
Meets: 9/27 Iona MOC, 10/4 Y-H-P (Boston), 10/18 Pre-NCAAs,
10/31 HEPs, 11/15 NE Reg (Boston)
Returnees: Rebecca Hunter, Melissa Donais ('99 FL; '02 Millrose Mile champ),
Alexandra Sawicki (171st '01), Julia Pudlin (8th FL '00; 10:27.51y), Emily
Vince, Hannah Oberman-Breindl, Katie Matlack
Newcomer: Cara Kiernan (14th FL), Catie Markesich, Katie DeWitt, Ashley
Campbell, Jackie Myers, Julia Emanuelle