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Cross Country 2008 Outlook

      After a surprisingly strong season last year, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams expect to build to an even stronger year in 2008.

      The men’s team graduated its number four and number seven runners, Michael Platt and Joe Campagna, but has the remaining five of their top seven returning. Team Captain Dan Ballard will lead the way as a senior standout. Co-captain and senior leader Chad Stauring will fill the number two spot while fellow seniors Jacob Connor and Landry Jarvis will take the number three and number five spots. 

      “Having this many of our top seven return means that we should have a team of guys who know how to compete and can provide leadership,” says Head Coach Bob Smalley.

      Leadership will be essential since the team will include five returning sophomores and eight freshmen. Freshman Stephen Hines from Dansville, NY, is expected to have an impact upon arrival and possibly come out at the number two or three spot towards the end of the season. 

      The women’s team is hoping for a competitive season, despite losing number two  runner Rachel Rhodes to graduation and number four Veronica Caldwell to an off- campus studies program.

       Junior star Kaitlin Fadden will return—along with her school records in the 5k, 10k, steeple chase, half marathon and marathon races—and carry the number one spot. Her experience last season should shape her into a prominent leader on this year’s team

      Fadden will join returning sophomores Heather Sayre, Ashlie Wilson and Audry Gillette, who currently hold the number four, five and eight spots. Seven freshmen—including several high school standouts—will join them. The combination should make for a competitive season.