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2002 Season Outlook It's hard to imagine that the Cedarville University women's cross country team could even think about equaling last year's dream season. They won the school's first NAIA national title in any sport, claimed the NCCAA banner, and won the American Mideast Conference championship. However, upon taking a look at the resources at head coach Elvin King's disposal, a repeat is a distinct possibility. The Lady Jackets are loaded with veteran experience and talented newcomers. King, the NAIA National Coach of the Year, welcomes back the top six runners from the 2001 squad including three NAIA All-Americans. A handful of other letter winners are eager to see varsity action besides five first-year CU runners who will try to crack the line-up. "We'll do everything we can to try to reduce the pressure on this team," King explained. "I don't want them to feel like any meet is automatic and lower their intensity, but to run each meet for the challenge.
"It will be important for us to peak at the end of the season, yet, compete well each time out. We understand that there are many variables like how good our health is and the talent other teams may add. No matter what, we're excited to be in the position that we are and we want to enjoy the season." Three-time NAIA All-American Erin Nehus, who is considered to be the finest distance runner the Lady Jackets have ever had, will lead the way. She placed 3rd in the country last year and won five individual titles including the NCCAA, American Mideast Conference, and the Midwest Collegiate Invitational. "No one works harder than Erin Nehus," said King. "She is a dedicated and determined runner. It is impressive that she has improved herself each season that she has been here." Jennifer Tetrick, a senior who has two years of eligibility left, and classmate Heidi Wright are the other two returning NAIA All-Americans. Tetrick finished 12th nationally in her first season of cross country while Wright was 29th. They were both NCCAA All-Americans and joined Nehus as NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athletes. Sarah Roberts is a junior who has been a consistent performer during her career. She is a two-time NCCAA All-American and All-AMC member.
Kim McNeilance, who finished the 2001 campaign in the #5 spot, is another senior with two years left. Abigail Winburn enjoyed an outstanding freshman year and was the team's #6 runner. Seniors Andrea Grigorenko and Katie Rulapaugh return for their final seasons of competition. Also back are sophomores Renee Rall, Katie Schauer, Libby Shortt, and Elizabeth Tegge. The Lady Jackets made a move to improve themselves with five newcomers. Headlining the list are junior transfer Ann-Marie Wiggins, who was the #1 runner at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho, and freshman Jennifer McKellar, a three-time All-Ohio Division III performer at nearby Xenia Christian High School. The 12th Annual Friendship Invitational and the NCCAA Championships highlight the season on the home course at John Bryan State Park near Yellow Springs. The Jackets will compete in seven other meets including the Midwest Collegiate Championship in Kenosha, WI and the Ohio Collegiate Championship. | |||||||||||||||||
