|
 |  | |||||||||||||||
2001 Season Outlook It's hard to imagine that the Cedarville University women's cross country program could take the success they've enjoyed in recent years to a higher level. However, that prospect is a very real possibility this fall with the return of five of the team's top seven runners coupled with an influx of new talent. The Lady Jackets, pre-season ranked No. 5 in the NAIA, have been a Top 25 team for eight consecutive years. They are the defending American Mideast Conference champions, won four other invitationals a year ago, lost a tiebreaker for the NCCAA title, and placed 8th at the NAIA Nationals. Even though the squad is considered young with only one senior on the roster, they possess a wealth of experience of competing in big meets. "We are expecting the women's program to be very strong," proclaimed head coach Elvin King, who has been at Cedarville since 1969. "We have quality runners at the top and probably have more depth than we've ever had before. Any solid program needs to stay healthy and if we can manage that then we could enjoy a great season."
Two-time NAIA All-American Erin Nehus leads the way. The junior, who is a also a two-time NCCAA All-American, has been the team's #1 runner in every meet during her career and won two invitationals last fall. Sarah Roberts enters her sophomore season after moving into the #2 position as a rookie. She was an NCCAA All-American and earned All-AMC recognition. Junior two-sport athlete Jen Roman, who plays in the #3 position on the women's tennis team, was a welcome addition last year in her first season of cross country. She finished the campaign in the #3 slot and was an All-AMC performer. Junior Heidi Wright and sophomore Jennifer Nikerle round out the returning runners from the top seven. Senior Jenni Gerber, juniors Andrea Grigorenko, Kim McNeilance, and Katie Rulapaugh as well as Maren Ullestad also return as experienced runners. Seven newcomers join the roster including junior Jennifer Tetrick, who was a member of the Lady Jacket volleyball team the past two seasons. She was a part of the track & field squad in the spring and emerged as the AMC 10,000 meter champion. The 11th Annual Friendship Invitational and the NCCAA Championships highlight the season on the home course. Both meets will be run at John Bryan State Park near Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Jackets will compete in seven other meets including the Midwest Collegiate Championship in Kenosha, WI and the Ohio Collegiate Championship. | |||||||||||||||||
