tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17240545335277497812024-03-13T07:20:12.378-06:00The Wood ReportAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-73803944255743064732013-09-27T09:36:00.000-06:002013-09-27T09:50:50.483-06:002013 Coast to Coast the Battle in Beantown Preview<div class="MsoNormal">
Some thoughts on the big NCAA XC weekend starting today:<o:p></o:p></div>
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First off, shout out to <b>@kyleustfccca</b> for the hard work that
he puts into his “the warm up lap” because a lot of the tedious work that I normally
do was cut out for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Coast to Coast Battle
In Beantown- Men<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is a very exciting race from a team perspective for me,
but my excitement differs from the majority of the other previews about this
race. I’m really intrigued by <b>Syracuse</b>’s Men’s team and think they are very
good. In all honesty, I know that I have <b>Oregon</b> ranked very high (#2) and they
have all of the pieces to be that good at the end of the year, Syracuse always
looks good pretty early and they should look good in Boston. </div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0in;">Here’s the deal with Syracuse. <b>Martin Hehir</b> was
so underrated as a Freshman last year. His individual title at the Big East XC
Champs is out of this world good for a guy at that age. You add a healthy <b>Joe
Whelan,</b> a sixth year for <b>Griff Graves</b> and some very good incoming
freshman/redshirt guys and you have a very good team. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Andrew Palmer</b> looked very
good early last year (especially at Wisco) and don’t be surprised to see him be
Syracuse’s #3-4 this weekend. <b>Kevin Hoyos</b> is very talented and should be in the
mix along with the rest of these possibles (this is how deep they are):</span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ryan Urie (Jr., 3:49
1500m, 14:29 5k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reed Kamyszek (Jr.,
8:09 Open 3k, 14:25 5k, 29:45 10k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Griff Graves (Sr.,
14:18 5k, 71st NCAAs '12)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robert Molke (Sr.,
8:13 Open 3k, 14:13 5k, 29:35 10k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Max Straneva (Jr.,
8:22 Open 3k, 14:20 5k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Andrew Palmer (Jr.,
14:15 5k, 30:07 10k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan Lennon (So., 2nd
USATF Jr. 10k '13, 14:24 5k)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kevyn Hoyos (Redshirt
Frosh, 4:12 1600m, 9:01 2 Mile, 6th US Jr. 5k '13)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nick Ryan (Fr., 4:05
1600m, 8:55 3200m, 3 X NXN Qualifier- 15th '13, 5th '12, 28th '11)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shawn Wilson (Fr.,
4:11 1600m, 9:04 3200m, FL Finalist '12- 23rd)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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With that being said, I definitely underrated <b>Wisconsin</b>
early on in my preseason stuff (and felt the wrath of <b>Derek Rubis</b> because of
it) and they will be right in the thick of things with the Orange of Syracuse.
That grouping they showed a few weekends ago at the Sycamore meet proves they
have the depth to get it done, </div>
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I’m curious to see if they have anyone else that
will separate themselves from the main group with <b>Rob Finnerty</b>. If<b> Drew Shields</b>
is healthy, I think he is the guy to get it done. Otherwise, <b>Alex Brill </b>and
<b>Alex Hatz</b> are the next likely candidates to do so. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that <b>Oregon</b> has said that they will not be running <b>Eric
Jenkins</b> this weekend (don’t blame them-that’s gotta be awkward), they will not
be as good as they will be in Terre Haute. Regardless, <b>Parker Stinson</b> is the
class of the field and alongside much improved from xc last year <b>Jeremy Elkaim</b>
the Ducks will be fine without Jenkins for the moment. </div>
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I’m mostly really surprised no
one has been talking much about the debut of the fab freshman from Oregon-<b>Ed
Cheserek</b> and<b> Jake Leingang</b>. I’m really intrigued by how their initial races in
uniform will be. Especially because I have Ches very high in my individual
rankings (29<sup>th</sup> at the moment) that I am looking for some validation
or a slap in the face- in terms of where he truly stacks with the rest of the
NCAA. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Providence</b> has <b>Shane Quinn</b> and a bunch of new athletes that
I’ve yet to see really get after it, so I’m looking to see something solid out
of them to put them in my rankings after this weekend. Transfer from
Northeastern <b>Brian Doyle</b> (14:05 5k, 8:09 3k) adds to the Friar’s depth. </div>
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Also,
<b>Julian Saad</b> a grad student transfer from Fordham is talented having run 3:48
and 14:13 for 1500m and 5k, respectively. <b>Ben Connor</b>, <b>Harvey Dixon</b> and newcomer
<b>Hugh Armstrong</b> (2<sup>nd</sup> in Irish XC Champs) will also be in the mix. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other invididuals of note: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>James Randon</b> (HS PRs of 3:49 1500m, 8:20 3k, 8:52 2-Mile)-
Very talented young freshman for Yale. I’m interested to see where he finishes
up in comparison to the other real good freshman in the field (Cheserek and
Leingang)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Prediction: Syracuse</b>
is too deep and normally looks pretty strong early, they should win the team title. With Hehir, Graves and
Whelan up front, they will be solid and through seven are one of the deepest
teams in the NCAA. <b>Parker Stinson</b> will win the individual honors, but Hehir,
Finnerty and Quinn will be in the mix throughout. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Coast to Coast Battle
In Beantown- Women<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I definitely think the team battle here will be interesting,
but a lot of people are stressing over the final scores of a race that really
does not a mean a whole lot to several teams that are all but “locks” to make
the Big Dance. All that it will really prove is that <b>Providence</b> is very good
(and have the best top three in the NCAA) and that <b>Oregon</b> is deep and adding
<b>Zrinyi </b>and <b>Crevoiserat</b> make them that much better. </div>
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You cannot get too wrapped
up in the early season stuff, because in the end all that really matters is
what happens in <b>Terre Haute</b> in the middle of November. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With all of that being said, it is very fun to speculate
(probably one of my favorite things to do) and so these results help us see
where certain teams are at fitness wise, health wise, and the overall quality
of the team as a whole. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think <b>Cornell</b> is being greatly overlooked here and will be
better than many think. They are a serious contender at being number nine in
The Wood Report rankings and the USTFCCCA poll as well. <b>Rachel Sorna</b> and <b>Emily
Shearer</b> will be right in the mix with the top girls for the majority of this
race. <b>Caroline Kellner</b>, soon-to-be freshman star <b>Taylor Spillane</b> and <b>Devin
McMahon </b>will follow them and if <b>Oregon</b> is not on their game, things could get
real interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now like I said, in the long run none of that really matters
(it does to some degree--pride, confidence, etc.), but it is fun to watch
nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other individuals of note to watch for are: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Liz Westphal</b> (9:26 3k, 16:22 5k) Boston College: her home
turf, she will want to run well in what is sure to be her family and friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Morgan Mueller</b> (9:44 3k, 16:31 5k, 10:13 3k Steeple) Boston
College: the second part to BC’s pretty good top two. Mueller is in the same
boat as Westphal, looking to run well in front of the home crowd, especially
this being her senior year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Gabi Anzalone</b> (9:26 3k, 16:32 5k, 34:52 10k) Wisconsin: The
finish of this spring’s track season was definitely not ideal for Anzalone (35<sup>th</sup>
West Prelim 10k) and this meet will be her first chance to get back to where
she was last year as an individual qualifier to NCAAs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m a little confused on BC’s home page to the meet where it
says that <b>Syracuse</b>’s women are going to be there when they also have entries
into the Griak Invite as well. If the women of Syracuse do go to this meet,
<b>Brianna Nerud</b> is another individual to keep an eye out for. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Prediction: Providence</b>
steam rolls close to home over Oregon. The top three of <b>Sisson</b>, <b>Collins</b> and
<b>Nagel </b>are very good and the depth of Providence’s youth will come through for a
smooth victory. Oregon’s women are challenged by Cornell very closely. <b>Sarah
Collins </b>for the win. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-68599815711205331852013-09-18T11:38:00.000-06:002013-09-18T11:38:05.611-06:00NCAA Women's Cross Country Top 31 Teams- September 17, 2013<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After having the chance to do 31 different team previews for the upcoming season, solidifying who transferred where and who is hurt, this is my updated Top 31 Women's teams as of September 17, 2013. The points tab is how many points (according to my calculations) they will score at the NCAA meet. </span><br />
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1 Duke 144- The main core of studs at Duke have yet to compete, but Botorff, Frazier and Lakowske are ready to prove they are just as good as the trio at Providence (see below). This Friday could be some of the ladies' first race in Cary, NC. The real test will be at Notre Dame in a few weeks.<br />
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2 Providence 172- The three headed monster of Collins, Nagel and Sisson have gone 1-2-3 in the first two races this season. With the amount of depth the friars have, Providence is REAL good.<br />
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3 Oregon 204- Getting Crevoiserat and Zrinyi from UCONN make this team even better. Grabill, Leonardi and Patrignelli have had their rust buster already this season and seem to be ready to lead the Ducks this year.<br />
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4 Florida State 244- Hannah Walker from the U.K. is real good and can roll with Colleen Quigley. The Seminoles have brought in some nice pieces (additions to depth) to replace the five scorers lost from 2012. Pippa Woolven, Anna Holdiman and Bridget Blake are all capable of being top five on any given day.<br />
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5 Arizona 276- Kayla Beattie and Maria Larsson (incoming transfers) really make the Wildcats much better and give Elvin Kibet and Nicci Corbin someone to run with up front.<br />
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6 Washington 280- Katie Flood appears to be back and ready to lead the Huskies. Losing Goethals is obviously a blow and the major reason why Washington dropped in the polls. Katie Knight ran well in her collegiate debut and Eloise-Neale still has not spiked up. The Huskies are still somewhat a mystery because of the amount of quality freshman they have that will need to step up in the place of Goethals.<br />
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7 Georgetown 311- Haley Pierce proved herself as the real deal this weekend at Dartmouth and is ready to step up and be a scorer for the Hoyas. She adds to the depth that Coogan and Chambers need to keep them a top ten team.<br />
<br />
8 Stanford 314- Losing Cayla Hatton really hurts the Cardinal's hopes at a podium spot. Granted they are so deep and have so many quality athletes that they should be able to find someone to step up. Rebecca Mehra, Julia Foster and Tate Murray looked good at USF and are candidates to fill the roles left by the graduating seniors and Hatton.<br />
<br />
9 Cornell 319- I was way off on my original poll position for the Big Red as they are much better than I had originally advertised. Sorna, C. Kellner, Shearer and Freshman Spillane are very talented. If they can get something out of Iacone, Devoe or MacMahon, this is a dangerous team.<br />
<br />
10 Arkansas 337- The Hogs are so deep that I am not sure where to began to break down in a few sentences where they are at. Stephanie Brown looked good leading the way at their first meet a week and a half ago. It is also interesting to see Sandie Raines already suiting up for the Razorbacks in the first meet of the season. Obviously, Coach Harter has a lot of trust in her ability and she will be a scorer for Arkansas this year.<br />
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11 Michigan 363- The first race of the year showed how good the Wolverines could be this year. If they decide not to red-shirt Jaimie Phelan. They have a very good core of girls that can be a top 40-60 finisher at NCAAs. Taylor Pogue, Shannon Osika, Erin Finn, Jaimie Phelan, Taylor Manett, etc. If they can get some consistency out of these girls, they will be much better than 11th.<br />
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12 William and Mary 380- Stites and Balouris are the real deal, McGovern, Hennessey and co. will be counted on to keep the spread as close as possible. Having these two low-sticks will come in handy at NCAAs where low-sticks have more of an impact.<br />
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13 Colorado 416- Shalaya Kipp will come around nicely towards the championships portion of the season and so we won't see much out of her early on. The good news is that the Buffs are actually pretty deep. Carrie Verdon, Jana Stolting, Courtney Bouchet are ready to help youngsters Erin Clark, Hagen Reedy and Melanie Nun make the transition to the NCAA. If they can do so smoothly, this is a very good team that will be <i>scary</i> come Terre Haute.<br />
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14 Villanova 416- Frosh Julie Williams looks pretty good early and adds depth to the Wildcats front five. It will be interesting to see where she marks up with Emily Lipari and Nicky Akande. Villanova will show where their fitness is at the Main Line invite next weekend.<br />
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15 Butler 431- Although this team lacks a bit in depth, the Bulldogs do have some very quality front runners. Katie Good from the U.K. won her collegiate debut against Bradley and Kirsty Legg was fifth at the same race. Legg is a 9:19 3k girl and had to have been tempo-ing the race or is coming off of injury. When Mara Olson and Katie Clark can get in the mix those are four pretty dang good athletes. <br />
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16 Oklahoma State 434- Samantha Nightingale looked good in her second ever race in a Cowboy uniform, finishing 8th after a slow start at the Bluegrass Invite this weekend. With Adela Hofmannova not too far off of her they are looking to be solid scorers for the 'Pokes. The main squad will be out in full force at the Cowboy Jamboree next week.<br />
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17 San Francisco 450- The Dons still haven't opened up the main scorers this season. Rumor has it that they are better than 17th and I'm intrigued how they will look at the Stanford Invite on the 28th of September. They have some pieces (Elena Burkard, Laura Suur, Eva Krchova, Jana Southeout--read my preview on them) and if they can do on the xc course what they have done on the track, they are better than 17th. Only time will tell.<br />
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18 Michigan State 455- Leah O'Connor won their home invite this past weekend going away. She is very good and with Sara Kroll and Julia Otwell in the mix the Spartans look to be good enough to challenge their Ann Arbor rivals at the Big 10 level. Saw some good things out of newcomers Shelby Jackson and Rachele Schluist (4:56 miler in HS) which is encouraging to the Spartan depth. Watch for the rest of the crew at Griak in a few weeks.<br />
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19 Notre Dame 466- The Fighting Irish women are probably better than 19th. It proves to be difficult to know where a team is at, fitness wise, when they have not raced anyone. When Molly Seidel, Kelly Curran, Gabby Gonzales, Meg Ryan and the Aragon sisters can finally spike up, we'll have a better clue if this ranking is true to reality. They host their big invite in a couple of weeks, but first the Catholic Championships are this weekend.<br />
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20 Penn State 467- Perfect scoring their home meet this past weekend, the Nittany Lions have a very solid core of athletes from 1-5. With only a :14 second differential between the first and fifth runners, this kind of grouping is indicative of a team that is capable of big things later on in the season. Emily Giannotti is good and is a great cross country runner that looks to be the leader of this talented squad.<br />
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21 Florida 486- Still holding out hope that McGee will be as good as I think she will be in cross this season. With her low points along with Agata Strausa, they are bound to be a low-20s finishing team at NCAAs. The Gators will need to see something from Shelby Hayes and Stephanie Strasser when they open up to help them score points early on in the season. Julie Macedo looked pretty good in her opener, which is good news for the Gators.<br />
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22 New Mexico 500- The Lobos did not run anyone at their home meet that will be a scorer for them later on in the season (maybe Sophia Torres). Interested to see Joanne Harvey and the kind of impact she can have off the bat. She is seemingly a very talented athlete and she will help push the pace with Charlotte Arter, Chloe Anderson, and Janna Mitsos.<br />
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23 Texas 510- No one has competed for the Longhorns so far this season that will score for them and the verdict is still out on the potential of this team. Marielle Hall and Sara Sutherland are a good 1-2 punch. Who will step up to support those two? Maybe Megan Siebert or Rachel Harper? We will find out this weekend (if Herbster decides to open them up) at the Ricardo Romo Classic (he might not because of the Texas Invite the following weekend).<br />
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24 Minnesota 558- I feel like this team is better than 24th and am excited to see where they finish at Roy Griak in a couple of weeks. They opened up early this season by perfect scoring poor Drake and South Dakota State. Griak will be fun to put their big guns up against some of the best in the NCAA.<br />
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25 NC State 565- Getting another year of eligibility for Emily Pritt could be huge for the Wolfpack. She was 17th NCAAs in 2009, but has not run a cross country race in uniform since. If she is actually healthy, and if Laura Hoer is too, this is another very underrated team. They open up this weekend in their home invite.<br />
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26 Vanderbilt 566- In a seemingly controlled effort in their home invitational Vanderbilt was good, but there still is much to be seen of the 'Dores. If Lily Williams can roll with Liz Anderson and they can find more production from their big time recruiting class, this is a top 20 team. They'll be seen at Griak in a few weeks and we can judge where this team is at a little better.<br />
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27 BYU 569- The Cougars looked good in their first race of the season, their home meet. BYU has a very good pack of girls that have improved quite a bit since last season (where they did not qualify to NCAAs). With a few other girls that are very talented that could be added to the mix in the next couple of weeks BYU could continue to get better. As for now, though, I like them at no. 27.<br />
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28 Iowa State 582- If the Cyclones can get as good of an effort out of Ejiro Okoro this season as they did last weekend, they will be deeper than initially thought. The transfer of Bethanie Brown adds to their depth as well. The drop from 26th is purely based on a few teams having run their main girls already and moved up through the rankings a bit. Iowa State's first real test will be at Griak in a few weeks.<br />
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29 Weber State 656- Without Amber Henry and Kayla Blackford (no. 5), Weber State almost beat BYU on their home course this past weekend. Had Henry been in the mix they would have won, but the Wildcats saw some nice running out of true frosh Summer Harper and redshirt frosh Kelsey Braithwaite. Those are a good three, if local product Jamie Stokes can continue to develop and Blackford can run like she did last season, Coach Paul Pilkington has nothing to worry about.<br />
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30 Harvard 736- The Crimson saw some nice things out of freshman Madeleine Ankehlyi this weekend whom I had failed to mention in their preview. She is a nice scorer to add to their mix and with Viviana Hanley running as well as she is now, Harvard should be sticking around in these rankings for much longer.<br />
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31 Texas A&M 762- Karis Jochen proved she is the real deal in her collegiate debut at the Rice Invite this past weekend where she finished second overall. Some help will be needed fromHillary Montgomery and the others to tighten the gap from 1-5 as :52 seconds probably isn't going to get it done towards the championship portion of the season.<br />
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Other teams of note: Toledo, Virginia, West Virginia and PrincetonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-9477029183960799402013-09-18T08:09:00.000-06:002013-09-18T10:42:55.761-06:00NCAA Men's Cross Country Top 31 Teams- September 17, 2013<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After having the chance to do 31 different team previews for the upcoming season, solidifying who transferred where and who is hurt, this is my updated Top 31 Women's teams as of September 17, 2013. The points tab is how many points (according to my calculations) they will score at the NCAA meet. </span><br />
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1 OK State 95- No doubt the best team in the NCAA right now.<br />
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2 Oregon 148- Getting Jenkins and Tanguy (the steepler) makes them even deeper. They now have enough pieces that they are hands down a podium team. <br />
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3 Colorado 154- No results since their time trial. Once Hurysz gets healthy they will be very scary.<br />
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4 NAU 211- Looking forward to seeing the impact of Hardin and Freriks from this already stacked returning team from 2012.<br />
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5 New Mexico 224- The most underrated team in the NCAA. Beyond Caldwell and Millington, U.K. transfers Ross Matheson, Jake Shelley and Alex Cornwell make them even better. Plus Sean Stam, Adam Bitchell, Elmer Engholm, and Pat Zacharias are licking their chops for a chance to score for the Lobos. Joe Franklin's best team ever.<br />
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6 Arkansas 256- The best top three in the NCAA. Haile must stay healthy for them to have a chance at the podium. Gonzales is a huge pickup.<br />
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7 BYU 301- Beating Portland at home was huge, although both teams were "not taking it very seriously" that West Coast Conference rivalry is real. Thatcher looked good winning and Jason Witt is coming around (former Foot Locker finalist). Returned missionary Jon Nelson has scary upside.<br />
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8 Portland 305- If David Perry doesn't bonk at BYU this weekend, they beat the Cougars on their home course. Ryan Poland was not himself either, when him and Perry come around they are a very legitimate contender. (Charlie MacDonald had the best race of his career).<br />
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9 E. Kentucky 329- Adding Ambrose Maritim makes them even better than originally thought. Being named the national team of the year is a huge step for this program. Soufiane Bouchikhi and Wade Meddles are shoo-in All-Americans.<br />
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10 Syracuse 329- Looked good at the Dartmouth meet and didn't even run half of their best athletes. Whelan, Hehir, and Graves are a good 1-3.<br />
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11 Princeton 338- Perfect scored the Delaware meet. Interested to see them prove who they have at Notre Dame in a few weeks.<br />
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12 Florida State 344- Better than what people think. Getting Matt Mizereck from Florida was huge for them and Glen Yarham and Jakub Zivec, when healthy, will make their top five real solid. Must stay healthy to keep this position in the rankings.<br />
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13 Tulsa 359- Andy Heyes coming back really adds to Tulsa's front pack with Chris O'Hare. Dennis Hodapp, Adam Palamar and Marc Scott are a good five. With limited depth, can they stay healthy?<br />
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14 Notre Dame 402- The Irish are much better than what others think. Michael (Martin- joke) Clevenger, J.P. Malette, Scott Milling and Walter Schafer are a nice supporting cast to Jeremy Rae and Martin Grady.<br />
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15 NC State 403- Andrew Colley could be the best American in the NCAA right now (obviously a case can be made for Eric Jenkins and others). Crawford, and a bunch of unproven studs keep NC State in the top 15. Looking to see something out of Thomson, Engels, Link, Mansy and Parsons.<br />
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16 Stanford 403- So many pieces here. Probably better than 16th in the end- Erik Olson, the Rosa's, Stutzman, Graham are good leaders beside a great class- Wharton, McGorty, and Keelan.<br />
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17 Texas 404- Craig Lutz and Ryan Dohner are shoo-in All-Americans. Will Nation, Daniel Vertiz, Brady Turnbull, and Mark Pinales will be battling to score for the Longhorns. The Baylor meet was a good sign of where Nation and Roth and Moore are at this early.<br />
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18 Wisconsin 441- Good sign from the Badgers this past weekend at the Sycamore Invite. They are deep, just looking for solid front running from Rob Finnerty. He makes them so much better. Jacob Ershen is looking good for Wisco.<br />
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19 Virginia 448- Kyle King and Thomas Porter are a good 1-2. Adam Visokay is going to be big-time for the Cavs this year as a redshirt freshman.<br />
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20 UCLA 457- The Bruins have yet to run this year. Curious to see where Fay's fitness is coming off of that nasty injury at the West Regional 5000m.<br />
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21 Villanova 515- Jordy Williamsz had a good start to the season in a non scoring race. If he runs like he is capable of, he makes the Wildcats much better than 21st. Tiernan, McEntee and Denault are all very talented.<br />
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22 Georgetown 523- Brian King came out of nowhere and was the Hoyas no. 1 runner this weekend at the Navy Invite. Springer was right behind him and with those studs leading the way, this could be a better team than 22. Got to find some depth from Fahy, Darrah and maybe Bile.<br />
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23 Iona 561- We will see where the Gaels are at the Paul Short Invite in a few weeks. Iona could surprise us like they did last year and be better than this, but until they prove themselves, I like them at 23.<br />
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24 Michigan 588- It will be fun to see the Wolverines' spike up against the Cowboys in Stillwater in a few weeks. Ferlic, Royyan and Beams will be needed to roll up front and find some depth from Blacklaws, Posada, Yau, Mora, Albaugh, etc.<br />
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25 Auburn 610- Maybe the most intriguing team in the NCAA purely off of the fact that Auburn is finally relevant for the first time in a while. This weekend they did not look great, but without Jaworski and it being this early, it's hard to knock a team for possibly using a race as a tempo (probably a smart move this early). Things will be more revealing in their next race at the Panorama Invite at Virginia.<br />
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26 Florida 624- The Gators look to have four very strong athletes in Clark, Parrish, Hines and Garcia. If Freshman Carlos Miranda continues to improve and impress like he has early, he could be the five they need to qualify for NCAAs and keep their spot in the poll.<br />
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27 Washington 626- If Sumner Goodwin can be as good as he was in the Sundodger Invite, the Huskies have found another very good freshman that is "instant offense." Aaron Nelson is good and Jacob Smith and Andrew Gardner will find their way through the Husky pack this season. Washington could be better than what I thought initially.<br />
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28 Columbia 633- The Lions will be a mystery to the country of where their fitness is at until October 4th at Notre Dame. Much of their drop in ranking is solely based on their lack of racing early. Once we can see them race, obviously we can adjust their ranking accordingly. Columbia has solid middle distance and pure xc guys so it will be interesting to see how this squad comes together.<br />
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29 Iowa State 656- The Cylcones have a lot of question marks surrounding them still with the numerous changes that occurred in the off-season. According to the roster, Charlie Joslin-Allen of the U.K. is on the team (rumor had it that he was asked to not come) and he will help. Also, getting Martin Coolidge another year of eligibility adds to their depth. He is a 29:08 10k guy and should help them.<br />
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30 Georgia 725- Coach Patrick Cunniff has a good squad of five athletes that have NCAA experience. This team is one of the most up and coming teams in the NCAA and it will be interesting to see what Charlie Sparks, Brandon Lord and Luke Baker, especially, can do at Griak in a few weeks.<br />
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31 Mich. State 835- The Spartans hold onto the final spot in the poll this week. It seems as if the Spartans have three solid athletes (Rhynard, Carruthers, Wilson), but will need to see more from their depth in order to hang on to this spot.<br />
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Other teams of note: Indiana, North Carolina, and Arizona StateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-90706526245075763482013-09-06T14:05:00.000-06:002013-09-06T14:21:13.113-06:00NCAA XC Men's Darkhorse Team- Wisconsin<br />
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<i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wisconsin</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Mick Byrne (6th) Season)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 2nd</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob Finnerty (Sr., 3:41 1500m, 8:03 Open 3k, 14:15 5k, 49th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex Hatz (Jr., 3:39 1500m, 14:23 5k, 113th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex Brill (Sr., 3:46 1500m, 13:57 5k, 8:39 3k Steeple, 211th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drew Shields (Sr., 3:47 1500m, 8:55 3k Steeple, 112th NCAA XC '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Van Voorhis (Jr., 8:12 Open 3k, 14:06 5k, 204th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Impact Recruits/Transfers</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan Kromer (Fr., 4:14 1600m, 9:19 3200m, 8th FL Finals '12, 9th NXN '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Russell Sandvold (Redshirt Fr.- 4:09 1600m, 9:01 3200m, NXN Qualifier '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malachy Schrobilgen (Redshirt Fr.- 4:11 1600m, 8:57 3200m, 44th NXN '11, 26th FL '11)</span></li>
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<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22px;">Season Preview</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just for the fun of it, I've decided to do a quick little preview on the Badgers because: One, there are a ton of Wisconsin fans that have asked me to do one; two, getting a sixth year for Finnerty pushes them into a top 30 team; and third, not previewing a team that was second at the Big Dance last year would be wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the skinny on the Badgers: getting Rob Finnerty a sixth year was huge for them. I'm not saying that they could not make the meet without him, but when a team has at least one guy with a good chance of All-American at NCAAs and a good supporting cast, it instantly puts them in the picture. It was interesting the more and more I researched this team and looked at who they have, Wisco has some horses that people have forgotten about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, Drew Shields was an absolute stud in high school. 4th at Foot Locker in 2008 and 7th at NXN the same year. That's a big time high school runner right there. It is not that his talent has flown away, injuries and other things have obviously hindered his progression. With him healthy, he adds another dimension to this squad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, Finnerty, like mentioned before, is good and he is going to make everyone around him that much better. It will be hard for the Badgers to be at the same level that they were the past few years, losing Mo Ahmed, Maverick Darling and Reed Connor really hurts. The crazy thing is that Wisconsin has some pretty talented guys that have yet to have a break-out year in cross. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take Alex Brill as another example. This dude is a stud! All of his PRs are very quality and his 3k Steeple mark is in the top 10 of Steeple PRs of athletes returning in the country. Plus, he's run under the 14:00 minute mark for 5k and should be much better this year at NCAAs than his 211th place finish in Louisville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex Hatz is one more guy to add to the "stud-on-the-track" list that just needs to find his rhythm in xc. It's clear that he is much more of a middle-distance guy than a pure cross country runner. Being in the sub-4 mile club is a nice place to be in and his talent should shine this season when he is going to be counted on to step up. Finishing 113th last season at Nationals is promising for what he his capable of in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Van Voorhis is another athlete that struggled at NCAAs last season, but redeemed himself on the track. Finishing 204th in Louisville is good enough motivation for an athlete to get ready to roll and have a little redemption for the next year at Nats. 14:06 for 5k is a solid PR and definitely worthy of <i>at least</i> 140s or better at the Big Dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay so that is just the returners. Without even mentioning the young guns who have yet to compete, it is clear that the Badgers have a ton of talented athletes that have not had much of a chance to prove themselves in cross country on the big stage. That played a big factor in my decision to originally leave them out of the top 30. The talent is there, just unproven. With a coach like Mick Byrne, he should be able to whip these guys around and make them cross country runners at last. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The freshman (redshirt and true) are a huge x-factor for Wisconsin. Ryan Kromer was quite possibly the most consistent cross country runner as a prep last year. Placing top-10 at both NXN and Foot Locker (especially considering the gnarly conditions of the NXN course) is big time and he is the definition of a pure cross country runner. Disregard his track PRs because he could surprise a lot of folks if he is healthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malachy Schrobilgen has the most legitimate cross country experience of the three freshman racing their first time this season. Finishing right behind Craig Nowak at the 2012 U.S. Junior XC Nat'l Championships is a good sign of his ability and running on a huge stage like World Cross does a lot to a young athlete, in terms of opening their eyes of what they are capable of and from a goals standpoint as well. He ended up finishing 26th at Worlds, which is outstanding, and he will be a scorer for the Badgers this upcoming season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Russell Sandvold will be solid for the Badgers because he has a nice combination of good track PRs and also the ability to run well on the cross country course. Any help from him will be icing on the cake for Wisconsin as it is sometimes hard to immediately make an impact as a freshman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All three of these freshman have fantastic ability and it will be intriguing to see what they can do to help get the Badgers back to NCAAs for the "millionth" time in a row (will be 42nd if they do it again this year). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, Wisconsin making the Big Dance this year is probably all but a done deal. Why would they not? A great coaching staff (adding Gavin Kennedy is huge for them--big time recruiter), solid returning pieces and some anxious young guns ready to start their career as Badgers, do not be shocked to see Wisconsin moving their way up the charts this season. With the freshman on the team nipping at the heels of the veterans all season long, and a historic streak of consecutive NCAAs on the line, Wisconsin's 2013 season could be the most intriguing season in the last 10+ years in Madison. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-12629530495222820932013-09-05T13:25:00.003-06:002013-09-05T13:25:59.224-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #1- Oklahoma State<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#1 Oklahoma State</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Dave Smith (8th Season)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 1st</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Farrell (Sr., 3:58 Mile, 7:51 Open 3k, 13:15 5k, 9th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shadrack Kipchirchir (Sr., 7:56 Open 3k, 13:38 5k, 29:08 10k, 18th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph Manilafasha (Sr., 24th NCAA XC '12, 8:16 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kirubel Erassa (Jr., 3:58 Mile, 7:49 Open 3k, 13:47 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shane Moskowitz (Jr., 3:59 Mile, 8:07 Open 3k, 53rd NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Craig Nowak (So., US Jr. Nat'l Champ XC '12, 24th World Cross '12, 8:15 Open 3k, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brian Gohlke (So., 14:11 5k, 29:28 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor Monaghan (Sr., 4:06 Mile, 8:56 3k Steeple)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew Fayers (Fr., 1:50 800m, 3:45 1500m, 4:01 Mile (17 yr old)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brigham Hedges (Fr., 4:10 1600m, 9:12 3200m, 14:28 5k, 3 X NXN Qualifier)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luis Martinez (Fr., 4:11 1600m, 9:13 3200m, 3rd NXN '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chad Noelle (Transfer from Oregon- So., 3:59 Mile, FL FInalist '10- 10th place)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charles Mathenge (So., From Kenya- </span></li>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22px;">Season Preview</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was this ever really a question? When only one runner is gone (Girma Mecheso) from the National Championship winning team, it is an easy decision. After a dominant 2012 campaign, the Pokes are ready to come back and do it all over again in 2013. With the majority of the team returning from 2012 (Fabian Clarkson left), Coach Dave Smith looks to have the overwhelmingly best team in the NCAA as we head into the 2013 season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Farrell is the top returner from 2012 and is as good of a no. 1 runner than any team has in the NCAA. When Farrell is on, he is <i>very </i>good. His 13:15 5k PR is one of the best in the country and having him for one more season makes the Cowboys that much better. Farrell is the leader on this squad and really is the metronome for Oklahoma State. His speed has really come around quite well recently as he broke the four minute barrier this past track season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shadrack Kipchirchir is in his final season in the bright orange kit for the Pokes as well. Kipchirchir came up huge for Oklahoma State in 2012 where he finished 18th individually and added one more All-American for the Cowboys to help solidify their title. He will be just as needed this season and in fact will be needed to help push Farrell up front. With these two leading the way, they will be able to help push each other in the key races. Both Farrell and Kipchirchir are capable of top 10 finishes at NCAAs in Terre Haute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The athlete that really solidified the NCAA title last fall in Louisville, was the efforts of Burundi-native Joseph Manilafasha. Stepping up huge for the Cowboys, Manliafasha found himself finishing 24th in the biggest race of the year. Being a pure cross country runner, Manilafasha does not have the track chops that some of his teammates do, he needs to stay healthy after xc season. Nevertheless, he is another All-American that the Cowboys can throw into the mix of things as we look at the 2013 season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beauty of what the Cowboys have going for them is that all of their runners get a chance to train with some of the most talented athletes in the country day in-and day out. This allows their young athletes to improve at rates others cannot because of the quality of talent surrounding them to train with. This is exactly the case with Shane Moskowitz. After a year or so to be around some of the big-time runners in Stillwater, Moskowitz himself has now turned himself into one of the better harriers in the NCAA that returns from 2012. A breakout year helped Shane finish 53rd at NCAAs. He also had a very good following track season where he broke the 4-minute mile barrier. Moskowitz spent the summer injured, but when he gets healthy he is going to be ready to deliver when it matters most, just like he did in 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This only begins to describe what Oklahoma State has coming back from their 2012 team alone. I mean we have not even touched Craig Nowak and his awesome post-NCAA XC season where he won the US Jr. XC Individual National Title and led the US team in Poland and finished 24th individually there. He will be a strong addition to their top seven (the fact that he was not in their top seven in 2012, shows how unbelievably good this team is). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brian Gohlke and Taylor Monaghan have really come around as of late as well and are products of being a part of a team of this caliber. Who knows, maybe they will be the next Shane Moskowitz's and finish top 60 this season at NCAAs?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cowboys also bring in a very good recruiting class mixed with some good transfers to implement into their top seven and to provide even more depth to their squad. One of the studs of this class is British youngster Matthew Fayers. As a seventeen year old Fayers ran 4:01 for a whole mile, and Dave Smith is very good at getting his miler-types to be good cross country runners, so this is a perfect fit for Fayers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luis Martinez and Brigham Hedges were both prep standouts and have quality experience running at a high-level in high school. I could see them redshirting because the 'Pokes are just that deep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No team really ever wants to have the target on their back, but if there is a squad that can handle it, the Cowboys are as fit a team in the country for the spot. At this point it looks like it would take a bad day from Coach Dave Smith's team to not win a national title in Terre Haute. Colorado, NAU, Arkansas and a few others are champing at the bit at any opportunity to beat these guys. With the athletes returning and the studs they're bringing in, the overall favorites to win the National Championship in 2013--are the Oklahoma State Cowboys. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-5093775110733742452013-09-05T13:25:00.002-06:002013-09-05T13:28:48.897-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #1- Duke<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#1 Duke</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Kevin Jermyn (10th Season)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 7th</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juliet Bottorff (Sr., 9:21 Open 3k,
15:49 5k, 33:18 10k, 27th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelsey Lakowske (So., 9:41 Open 3k,
16:41 5k, 20<sup>th</sup> NCAA XC ’12, 6<sup>th</sup> ACC XC ’12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carolyn Baskir (Jr., 9;49 Open 3k,
81<sup>st</sup> NCAA XC ’12, 20<sup>th</sup> ACC XC ’12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashley Brasovan (Sr., 35:41 10k, 22<sup>nd</sup>
ACC XC ’12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessie Rubin (Jr., 9:47 Open 3k,
16:30 5k, 44<sup>th</sup> ACC XC ’12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gabby Levac (Jr., 16:13 5k, 61<sup>st</sup>
ACC XC ’12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sophia Ziemian (Sr., 23<sup>rd</sup>
ACC XC ’09, 146<sup>th</sup> NCAA XC ’09, 16:48 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lindsey Olivere (Redshirt Soph- 4:56 1600m, 10:35 3200m, 7</span><sup style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Mile NBIN ’11)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colleen Schmidt (Redshirt Soph- 9:40 3k (HS), FL Finalist ’09 -27</span><sup style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wesley Frazier (Fr., 4:45 1600m,
9:57 3200m, 15:55 5k (HS))</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haley Meier (Fr., 4:42 1600m, 3<sup>rd</sup>
Dream Mile- 4:42)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah Meier (Fr., 4:18 1500m
(HS), 2<sup>nd</sup> Dream Mile- 4:40)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olivia Bischof (Redshirt Frosh-
4:56 1600m (HS), 10:33 3200m (HS), FL Finalist ’11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allison Sturges (Redshirt Frosh-
4:47 1600m (HS))</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colette Whitney (Tr- Sr.- 4:55
1600m (HS), 10:27 3200m (HS)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Briana Jackucewicz (Transfer from
Harvard – 16:43 5k)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Kevin Jermyn is a very good recruiter and quite possibly the most underrated recruiter in the NCAA. After looking at the recruiting classes that he has brought in over the past few years in Durham, its unbelievable the kind of talent he has snagged. To be frank, the more and more this team was studied and the quality of runners on this team, he it almost became laughable--the overall level of talent that Duke has. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishing 7th last year at NCAAs was big time for this program and they saw some awesome performances out of some unproven talent. With three of those athletes returning from 2012 and the best recruit in the country (and two other dang good recruits), Duke is looking like the best team in the country for 2013 (on paper). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all starts with the veteran leader Juliet Botorff. Her chops on the track and on the cross country course, make her the most valuable member of this Blue Devil squad. All-American finishes indoor and in xc last year, and a National Title in the 10k Outdoors in 2011 on her belt, she is the no. 1 runner on this team going into the 2013 season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The surprise on this Duke team last year was then-freshman, Kelsey Lakowske. Actually beating Botorff at NCAAs, Lakowske was surprisingly very good when it counted and ended up 20th individually in Louisville. Although her track season was cut to only a few indoor races and an ACC Championship 5k (finished 8th), Lakowske should be able to come back this xc season and provide the same fire up front that she did in 2012. If she can stay healthy and continue to progress as a runner, she will be another shoo-in All-American for the Blue Devils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Duke has so many quality girls that are coming back from 2012 that it would be hard to give in depth highlights on them, but as you can see above they have a lot of talent. Carolyn Baskir is a solid 4-5 girl on this team in 2013 and if she ends up being no. 5 and does just as well as she did last year (81st), Duke is in for a great year. Gabby Levac made huge strides on the track this past spring, running 16:13 outdoors. If her progression is where it looks like, she could be the no. 4 runner for this squad. Jessie Rubin is another girl that improved a ton on the track and who knows where she could end up. Rubin would be a very solid 6-7 runner. Sophia Zieman will be back in action this year and has quality experience at the NCAA level. Lindsey Olivere and Colleen Schmidt are both coming off of redshirt years and have talent, it will be interesting to see where they end up on the depth chart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the rest of the country, things for Duke only get scarier. Bringing in the no-brainer best senior distance runner in high school last season, Wesley Frazier, was huge for the Devils. Running 15:55 as a senior in high school is out-of-this-world good and she is the epitome of the phrase "instant offense." It she is not All-American this year, that would be a huge surprise. So you can count up at least three "shoo-in" All-Americans already. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It gets deeper. The Meier twins from Michigan add depth to this already star-studded class. Hannah and Haley were outstanding on the track in 2013 and were 2nd and 3rd behind none other than Wesley Frazier in the dream mile. Both of the Meier girls are excellent track athletes, but will be able to help them in xc as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three high school studs that redshirted or transferred in will also be helpful for Duke. Allison Sturges, Colette Whitney, and Olivia Bischof, are also very unproven, but capable athletes. Briana Jackucewicz rounds out the runners that have not yet had a chance to prove themselves in a Duke uniform that are more components of a very, very deep squad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ACC is going to be a big test for the Blue Devils as Florida State has won six straight titles. An upset-bid to do so is likely as Duke is loaded. In fact, they have 10 different girls that would be a lot of schools 1-5 in the NCAA. With the freshman Frazier pushing the veterans up front, it's a perfect balance of youth and naivety and experience and ability to make the Duke Blue Devils the number one team in the country headed into the 2013 season. They are the heavy favorites, as of right now, to win the NCAA title in Terre Haute. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-17470418062207500332013-09-04T12:08:00.000-06:002013-09-04T12:41:13.303-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #2- Northern Arizona<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#2 Northern Arizona</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Eric Heins (7th Season)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brian Shrader (Sr., 3:43 1500m, 7:59 Open 3k, 14:15 5k, 15th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Futsum Zienasellassie (So., 3:46 1500m, 13:50 5k, 31st NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt McElroy (Jr., 8:11 Open 3k, 14:08 5k, 66th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nathan Weitz (So., 3:44 1500m, 80th NCAA XC '12) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caleb Hoover (Jr., 14:05 5k, 8:44 3k Steeple, 75th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Freriks (Sr., 14:18 5k, 29:31 10k, 94th NCAA XC '11)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Josh Hardin (Sr., From William and Mary-14:04 5k, 29:29 10k, 140th NCAA XC '10 (Frosh)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Korey Krotzer (RFr., From Ok. St.- </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">4:09 1600m, 9:01 3200m)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andy Trouard (Fr., 4:08 1600m, 8:51 3200m, 29th NXN '12)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012, Northern Arizona flew under the radar during the majority of the season and loved every minute of it. In the process of being underrated all season long, the Lumberjacks slowly picked up the pace throughout the year. After dominating the Big Sky Conference meet and surprising Colorado and BYU by winning the Mountain Regional, NAU came back from a tough 10k performance in the Regional to get a podium spot as a team in Louisville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Eric Heins has done an outstanding job recruiting and developing his athletes in his seven years at the helm in Flagstaff. This year he has a great mix of young talent and veteran athletes that make them one of the top programs in the NCAA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of the success of the Lumberjacks goes with their leader Brian Shrader. Now that Diego Estrada is gone (granted he didn't run xc last year anyway) Shrader needs to step into that role in full force and take this team to a different level. His 15th individual finish in NCAAs last season was a huge step for him and he should be looking at a similar type of performance this season in Terre Haute. Although he was stricken with injuries during the track season this spring, he should be ready to lead NAU this fall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The athlete that could improve the most from last season to his is Futsum Zienasellassie (thank you copy and paste for that last name). Had Ed Cheserek not been around during his prep days, Futsum could have been Foot Locker champ at least one year (and challenged Verzbicas another). He is still very untapped and proved that on the track this spring where he ran a very solid 13:50 and qualified for NCAA Outdoors (finished 13th). It will be interesting to watch Ches and Futsum go at it again at NCAAs this season and who ends up beating who. Both of those guys are capable of top-25 performances on the right day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were not very many freshman that had as good of a year on the track than Nathan Weitz did this most recent outdoor season. For a freshman (that was pretty unheralded) to come right out of high school and make NCAA Outdoors in the 1500m is pretty impressive. Weitz was solid in cross in 2012 where he finished 80th. Look to see a marked improvement in him as well going forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt McElroy is a wildcard for NAU. His inability to stay healthy on the track and throughout his career has really hindered his progression. A high school stud, (finished runner-up to Verzbicas at Foot Locker in 2009) McElroy's talent did not just fly away, he just needs to actually be healthy and he is a potential All-American. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With those four athletes alone, NAU is scary good and talented. Add in guys like Caleb Hoover, who had a breakout year on the track (8:44 Steepler) and Tim Freriks (experienced xc guy) and the Lumberjacks have some very good options for no. 5-7 runners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The quality runners do not stop there in Flagstaff, key transfers like Josh Hardin (from William and Mary) and Korey Krotzer (from Oklahoma State--decided to go to Flagstaff instead of Provo instead) will be ready to make in impact from the minute they wear a NAU uniform. Andy Trouard was a very good prep and any kind of help Coach Heins can get from them is just icing on the cake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will be difficult for Northern Arizona is making sure they can get out of the Mountain Regional alive with a controlled effort to prepare themselves for NCAAs. But who am I kidding, they looked great at Regionals in 2012 and still ran out of their minds in Louisville. NAU is loaded with talent and more in the wings waiting to step up into the top seven to boot. Along with Colorado, Northern Arizona has a legitimate shot to win an NCAA title if any of the other top programs have a down day and things work out just like they did in 2012 where they surprised the country with their fourth place finish. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-55651505086311330702013-09-04T12:07:00.002-06:002013-09-04T12:42:49.960-06:00NCAA Top 31 XC Countdown: Women's #2- Providence<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#2 Providence</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Ray Treacy (30th Season)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Collins (So., 9:26 Open 3k, 16:19 5k, 10th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Sisson (Sr., 9:06 Open 3k, 15:34 5k, 33:02 10k, 15th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura Nagel (Sr., 9:24 Open 3k, 15:50 5k, 33:46 10k, 35th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Erin Murphy (Sr., 16:32 5k, 35:46 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grace Thek (Sr., 9:43 Open 3k, 16:54 5k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashley Erba (Fr., 4:55 1600m, 10:24 3200m, 16:18 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jillian Fanning (Fr., 4:35 1500m, 9:43 3000m, 4 X NXN Qualifier- 28th '09, 6th '10, 4th '11, 21st '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keelin Hollowood (Fr., 4:33 1500m, 6:43 2k Steeple, 5 X NXN Qualifier- 40th '08, 25th '09, 55th '10, 28th '11, 48th '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catarina Rocha (Fr., 4:49 1 Mile, 10:26 2 Mile, 3 X FL Finalist- 31st '10, 7th '11, 2nd '12)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a very surprising (to some) second place finish at NCAAs in Louisville last year, and spent the first few moments following the race thinking they won, Coach Ray Treacy and his Providence team bring back their three headed monster to lead them in the 2013 season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That three headed monster includes Sarah Collins, Emily Sisson and Laura Nagel, all of them All-Americans from NCAAs XC 2012. With those three returning alone, the Friars look like an easy podium team if they have some OK girls to back them up in the no. 4-5 spot. What makes them even scarier is their recruiting class, that could be considered the best in the country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most talented girl on the team, especially on the track, is Emily Sisson. Her breakout track season this past spring, where she ran 33:02 for 10k at the Big East Championships (who does that at a conference meet?) is a good indication of where her progression is at and what she is capable this upcoming season. If she can roll with the momentum from track she is a top-10 individual at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The no. 1 returner for Providence from 2012 on the xc course is Sarah Collins of Ireland. Her 10th place finish at NCAAs XC last season was big-time for the Friars and her and Sisson up front are a very scary duo, not including Nagel. Collins was the front runner for Providence at every meet in 2012 and will not be relenting that position to Sisson any time soon. That is the beauty of having two outstanding runners pushing each other up front, they make one another better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not to forget the third member of the Friars 1-2-3, Laura Nagel also returns from her All-American performance in Louisville. Nagel actually has better track PRs than Collins does and is, like Sisson, coming off of a very good track season this spring. All of this is good news for Providence because Nagel is a potential top-20 individual finisher at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With three girls potentially placing in the top-20 at Nats, Providence seems like a shoo-in for at least a podium finish if not better. It only gets scarier for everyone else in the country with the recruiting class that Coach Treacy pulled in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes the Providence recruiting class so good is the amount of girls with high-level quality cross country running experience in high school. Every single one of the athletes listed above in the recruit section, were big-time prep runners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashley Erba was dominant on the track, especially for 5k. Her NBON 5k championship in 2012 was no joke and if she's healthy she's a very good no. 4-5 runner in the Providence pack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jillian Fanning and Keelin Hollowood can be thrown into the same mix as very experienced high school runners. Combined these girls competed in nine Nike Cross National Champioship races. Both have similar track PRs, but Fanning was a little bit better in every NXN that they ran. The real question with these two (and with their whole class potentially) is their upside. Fayetteville-Manlius (where Fanning went) and Saratoga Springs (where Hollwood went) are both known for being high mileage schools that get a lot out of their kids in high school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is that both of these girls are very talented, and Fanning's sister still continued to improve in college at Albany after going through the same program. Fanning also did improve every year but last year (the mudder year) and that is a good indication of where her ceiling is. It will be interesting to see where Hollowood ends up in the Friar depth chart, but the experience that she has gained from all of those championship level teams is definitely not going to hurt her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but definitely not least on the recruiting side is Foot Locker 2012 runner-up Catarina Rocha. While improving all three of her Foot Locker Finals races since 2010, her upside is seemingly very high and is instant offense for the Friars if she stays healthy. Rocha has been one of the most consistent cross country runners in high school over the past three years. Providence can plug in just about any of these new freshman girls and they will be just fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Ray Treacy has done a great job of preparing his athletes to run well at the NCAAs and should be no different this year in Terre Haute. If five of these girls can stay healthy and peak at the right time, there is only one team standing in their way of a national championship and that team is going to have to be on their "A" game to hold Providence off, come November. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-37357829019566810562013-09-03T13:49:00.001-06:002013-09-03T20:24:05.709-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #3- Colorado<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#3 Colorado</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Mark Wetmore (19th Season)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blake Theroux (Jr., 3:45 1500m, 8:11 Open 3k, 8:49 3k Steeple, 39th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jake Hurysz (Sr., 3:40 1500m, 8:01 Open 3k, 32nd NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugh Dowdy (Sr., 3:47 1500m, 8:50 3k Steeple, 9th Pac-12 XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pierce Murphy (So., 14:04 5k, 29:36 10k, 45th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connor Winter (So., 3:44 1500m, 14:09 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ammar Moussa (So., 3:47 1500m, 8:11 Open 3k, 13:57 5k, 88th NCAA XC '11 (Frosh)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most iconic teams in the NCAA are the Colorado Buffaloes. Year in and year out, somehow, the Buffs always come around when it matters most. You can credit much of this to the enigmatic Mark Wetmore. No one does a better job with developing talented, but untapped, talent in the country than Wetmore. Every single year when NCAAs rolls around, the Buffs are always ready to roll and produce at the right time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be the case again this season as Colorado is reloaded with talent and have some outstanding freshman coming in that will be incredible additions to an already excellent program. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is interesting how both teams that were placed at #3 in the preseason, both finished 3rd last year at NCAAs. Pure coincidence. The beauty of Colorado is that they have a great mix of high school studs, that are still studs, and diamonds in the rough, that are now All-American-good. The mix of Jake Hurysz's and Ammar Moussa's (big time prep athletes) with the Hugh Dowdy's and Pierce Murphy's (more diamonds in the rough-although still solid preps) is what makes Colorado so great and Wetmore such a good coach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The leader of the Buffs is Jake Hurysz. Although he has been hurt this offseason, he will be back in time for Pac-12s and will still be an asset to this squad. In fact, he might be better of being hurt at this time in the season. Much of the time when athletes are too fit too soon, they end up seeing their wheels come off at the end of the season. If Hurysz can time this right, he should be looking at All-American honors in Terre Haute and an improvement from his 32nd finish last season in Louisville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blake Theroux is the legit no. 2 on this team and as consistent as they come in xc for the Buffs. In every race he ran last xc season, except for NCAAs (where he was 39th and All-American), Theroux finished in the top 15. That is including Pre-Nats, Pac-12s and the brutally tough Mountain regional. This consistency will definitely benefit the Buffs this season as with Hurysz out for a good chunk of the year, Theroux will need to step up in a leadership role and be a solid front-runner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connor Winter might have had the best outdoor track season of the entire bunch returning from 2012s 3rd-place team at NCAAs. Winter ran, as a freshman, 3:44 for 1500m and qualified for the West regional. Winter is still quite young and is only going to get better. He was impressive as a freshman at NCAAs XC in 2012 where he finished 65th. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though he did not compete in 2012, due to an injury, Ammar Moussa will be back in action in this season and will look to improve upon his solid freshman year for the Buffs in 2011. Moussa lived up to his hype coming out of high school his frosh year where he finished 88th at the NCAA meet. Moussa was finally healthy for outdoors this past spring and had a solid year where he ran 3:47 for 1500m and 13:57 for 5k. Having him healthy and rolling in the front of their pack is a good sign for CU. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugh Dowdy, Pierce Murphy, Dillon Shije and Morgan Pearson are all solid contributors to their top seven and are going to be interchangeable parts to an already stacked front pack for the Buffs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes Colorado even scarier is incoming freshman-stud Ben Saarel. He is all the hype. he is the real deal. Having watched him run in person on a handful of occasions (15 plus times), I can assure you that he is the complete package. There might not be an incoming freshman in the country with the kind of range and ability that he has, mixed with the race savvy of an elite-college athlete. Saarel dominated the outdoor track season with big wins at Arcadia and the Dream Mile. His 8:49 3200m run at altitude, breaking Luke Puskedra's Utah high school state record, was unreal to watch. Besides Ed Cheserek, there might not be another freshman in the NCAA that will make as big of an impact in their first year than Saarel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yeah, don't forget Zach Perrin of Montana who was 10th at Foot Locker this past year and is a sub-9 3200m kid along with fellow Montana prep Adam Peterman who will be in the mix up front as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Hurysz can get healthy and not do it too quick, but quick enough to run at Pac-12s, the Buffs will be looking at a very good shot at a podium spot. In fact, Colorado might be a team that is scary enough that if they get the ball rolling at NCAAs in Terre Haute (which they perennially do), if Oklahoma State is not on their game--or has lost a few to injury, the Buffs have a legitimate shot at taking home a NCAA title in 2013. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-36465228911425652842013-09-03T13:49:00.000-06:002013-09-03T13:49:03.502-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #3- Stanford<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#3 Stanford</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Chris Miltenberg (2nd Season)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aisling Cuffe (Jr., 9:07 Open 3k, 16:15 5k, 21st NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessica Tonn (Sr., 9:10 Open 3k, 15:54 5k, 34:41 10k, 43rd NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rebecca Mehra (So., 4:47 1600m (HS), 3 X NXN Qualifier- 13th '09, no. 7 at West Reg)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia Foster (Jr., No. 6 at NCAAs '12- 161st, 9:33 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Lacy (So., 4:52 1600m (HS), 10:22 3200m (HS), no. 7 at NCAAs '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cami Chapus (So., FL Finalist '11- 22nd, Dream Mile Champ- '11-12, No. 9 at Pac-12s)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justine Fredronic (Sr., No. 6 at West Reg'l, No. 5 at NCAA XC '12- 150th)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sophie Chase (Fr., 4:48 1600m, 10:19 2 Mile, 3 X FL Finalist- 6th '12, 11th '11, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma Fisher (Fr., 4:56 1600m, 10:26 3200m, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanessa Webster (Fr., 4:58 1600m, 10:31 3200m, 16:59 5k NBON '12)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After being blessed with a team stocked full of talent in his first year as head coach, Chris Miltenberg has a chance to work with some of his own recruits and the ones left to him in 2013 in order to improve upon their 3rd place finish from 2012. Although the Cardinal were not incredibly deep in 2012, having four athletes in the top 45 was good enough to put them on the podium (even if Fedronic, their #5 was 150th). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This upcoming 2013 Stanford team is one of the most interesting teams in the country and here is why. Stanford must find a way to replace All-Americans Kathy Kroeger and Cayla Hatton who left for graduation and personal reasons, respectively. With these girls gone, Stanford needs to find some young guns to step up and fill the shoes of these two big-time talented runners, to help them see the podium again in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news for Coach Miltenberg is that All-American Aisling Cuffe is back and is now a leader on this Cardinal squad. Cuffe has been very solid and consistent as a college athlete and has seen improvement and progression during her post-high school days, even after being so good in high school. Cuffe had a remotely disappointing outdoor track season, finishing 13th at NCAA Outdoors in the 5k, and therefore will be doubly motivated to improve upon her 21st finish at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessica Tonn is in a similar boat as Cuffe as she is coming off of a poor finish to her outdoor season in the 5k where she finished 17th outdoors. That is not to take away from her excellent season prior to NCAAs. Tonn was big time for the Cardinal at Pac-12s where she placed 5th in the 5k and 2nd in the 10k outdoors. After placing 43rd at NCAA XC in 2012, being so close to All-American, Tonn is almost a guarantee to find herself somewhere in the top-40 in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Stanford team could actually be deeper than the team they had in 2012 because of their depth having a little more experience and with recruits coming in that are studs in cross country. The rest of the top seven is going to be made up of Cami Chapus (high school mile star), Justine Fedronic (great middle-distance runner who solidified her spot in the stanford top seven last year, could be greatly improved in xc this season), Rebecca Mehra (good high school cross country runner--should see a big improvement in her this season, looking at a no. 4 or 5 spot), Tate Murray (who just ran great at the USF meet this weekend), Megan Lacy (another high school stud--made NCAA XC team in 2012, but struggled in Louisville) and Julia Foster (another NCAA XC runner, placed sixth on the team, coming off of a mediocre track season). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was a lot. Anyway, Stanford is definitely deep and has a lot of girls that could step into the no. 3-7 spots. What makes the Cardinal even more interesting are the quality recruits that are coming again this season. Miltenberg proved last season that he can coach young talent (Weissenbach, Hatton, etc) and therefore should help some of the incoming athletes find their way on the travel team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sophie Chase is the biggest sign for the Cardinal and she is the type of runner that can immediately impact a big-time college program like Stanford. Chase is one of the more proven cross country runners coming from the high school level and is also just as good on the track. Improving every year at Foot Locker Finals in high school is a good sign of where her ceiling is at and she should be able to progress at a similar, if not faster rate, with Miltenberg. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma Fisher and Vanessa Webster are also quality recruits and could see their way onto the travel team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stanford is full of some very talented girls and is going to be in the mix at every big meet all season long. If they can stay healthy and find a couple of All-Americans in their depth, they will be looking at another podium finish at NCAAs in Terre Haute in 2013. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-28418010029168035342013-08-30T08:54:00.002-06:002013-08-30T13:29:26.076-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #4- Oregon<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Andy Powell (9th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parker Stinson (Sr., 7:55 Open 3k, 13:31 5k, 28:34 10k) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremy Elkaim (Jr., 3:59 Mile, 13:39 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew Melancon (So., 14:09 5k, 29:31 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan Pickering (Jr., 14:19 5k, 29:48 10k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed Cheserek (Fr., 4:02 Mile, 8:39 2 Mile, 13:57 5k, 2 x FL Champion)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jake Leingang (Fr., 4:05 1600m, 8:51 3200m, 14:11 5k, 3rd FL '12, 4th FL '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brett Johnson (Sr., from Virginia- 3:58 Mile, FL Finalist)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of all of the predictions and previews I have done thus far, there has been no team that I have mulled over where to put them more, than Oregon's men. Putting them at no. 4 came through a process of several factors. A lot of it has to do with their recent success on the track the past indoor and outdoor seasons. Another factor that played in was the better than typical recruiting class for the Ducks. Also, I do believe that Andy Powell is a good coach and is due for another run at the podium spot, and this is a team that is capable of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of the success of Oregon this year will be centered around how high Parker Stinson can finish at the NCAA meet. Stinson is the leader of the Ducks and needs to be a huge low-stick for them to make the podium. There may be no other athlete in the country as motivated as Stinson to race well at NCAAs because of his unfortunate performance in Louisville in 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parker is coming off of a very good track season where he ran big PRs in both the 5k and 10k, 8 seconds and 26 seconds, respectively. Stinson should be able to carry his track momentum into an outstanding final cross country season and is a shoo-in for All-American and could be top-15. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another important piece of the puzzle for the Ducks will be the improvement of Jeremy Elkaim on the cross country course. Elkaim proved his ability indoors where he ran 13:39 for 5k and had a pretty good follow up season outdoors. If he can become a cross country runner and step up into the no. 2-3 runner slot, Elkaim is very talented and is good enough to be All-American, but will have to actually prove it in a race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mac Fleet has battled injuries his entire career, but when he has been healthy he has done quite well in xc. Placing 49th his freshman year at the West regional XC proves he is capable of performing at a high level in cross country, it is just a matter of staying healthy. After the best outdoor track season of his career, he could be dangerous in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Melancon is another guy who came around on the track this past year and is a good glue guy. His 29:31 10k PR is solid and could be a good anchor no. 5 runner and is seemingly one of the more consistent runners on the squad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oregon is full of a bunch of talented runners who just haven't really proved themselves on the cross country course. Guys like Ben DeJarnette, Daniel Winn, Colby Alexander, Chris Brewer, Ryan Pickering and Cole Watson are all capable runners. If Oregon can find just one or two of these athletes having good seasons, the Ducks will be in good shape come Terre Haute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest reason behind the high ranking of Oregon lies in its awesome recruiting class. Getting Ed Cheserek and Jake Leingang was huge for the future success of Oregon and both of these athletes are immediate impact guys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed Ches is one of the best high school runners in U.S. history and has PRs that are better than a large chunk of NCAA runners. 13:57 for 5k in high school is amazing and 8:39 for 2 Miles is also top-notch. Cheserek has won Foot Locker back-to-back years and has been dominant in cross country as a prep. He should be looking at an All-American finish as long as he as a pretty good day at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jake Leingang was a very talented prep runner. His 14:11 5k performance at NBON was a good sign of what he is going to be able to do immediately at the NCAA level. If Leingang can hold on to Ches as long as he can, he will be a very good no. 4-5 runner for the Ducks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things are looking good for the Men of Oregon in 2013. There are so many pieces to the NCAA podium puzzle in place for the Ducks. If they can get just get one or two of their super-talented, who have not proven themselves yet, runners to step-up, Oregon is going to give some of the best schools in the country a run and find themselves relevant on the national level in cross country once again. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-55802893789932791832013-08-30T08:54:00.001-06:002013-08-30T08:54:09.846-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #4- Washington<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Greg Metcalf (12th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Goethals (Sr., 9:08 Open 3k, 15:33 5k, 32:52 10k, 48th NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justine Johnson (Sr., 4:22 1500m, 9:31 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liberty Miller (Sr., 9:34 Open 3k, 16:33 5k, 35:07 10k, 10:08 3k Steeple)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kaylee Flanagan (Fr., 4:57 1600m, 10:25 3200m, 2 X FL Finalist, 18th NXN '11)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Lawson (Fr., 4:48 1600m, 10:40 3200m, 2 X NXN Qualifier)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amy Eloise-Neale (Fr., 4:43 1600m, 10:21 3200m, 3 X NXN Qualifer)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Greg Metcalf might just have the best recruiting class he's ever had in his time in Seattle-- and that's saying something. With the talented recruits that Metcalf has brought in alone, Washington would have a chance to make the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute. What is so scary about UW this season is the quality of girls that are returning as well. Legitimately, the Huskies are once again one of the best programs in the NCAA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to Washington, it all starts with Megan Goethals and Katie Flood. After a brutal Olympic Trials experience for Flood last summer, Goethals took over as the no. 1 runner and leader of the squad. Although her NCAAs finish in Louisville last season was less than desirable, Goethals is still one of the best distance runners in the NCAA and she proved so this most recent outdoor track season. Goethals finished 4th in the 10k and 5th in the 5k in Eugene this past spring, solidifying her place in the NCAA top-tier. As long as she has just better than average day in Terre Haute, she will be All-American if not top-5 or 10. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katie Flood struggled a bit last year as she was coming off of the Olympic Trials and a very long season on the track. Now that she has had some time to recover and find the fire again, so-to-speak, she should be back to lead the Huskies up front with Goethals. Flood is among one of the most talented 1500m runners in the NCAA. In 2011. Flood was 7th individually and the no. 1 runner for the Huskies. If she is back to that form, Washington has quite possibly the best 1-2 punch in the NCAA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eleanor Fulton is coming off of a redshirt year, but was a quality top seven runner for Washington in 2011. As a freshman (2011), Fulton placed 130th at NCAAs. With her back in the mix, she really adds to the Husky pack and depth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justine Johnson and Liberty Miller have been amazingly consistent performers for Washington the past three years and will be fighting to be in the top seven with the world-beating recruiting class. Nevertheless, these two are proven xc runners over the past three seasons and have experience that will help guide the young, but talented athletes on this squad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two biggest recruits for Washington are local talent Katie Knight and Amy Eloise-Neale. Both of these girls have been some of the best runners in the country as preps and will immediately make impacts as freshman in the Huskies' top seven. Eloise-Neale had a very productive summer, running the 3k Steeplechase in the European Junior Championships and has some quality experience that most of the girls on the Washington team do not have. She also has the best overall PRs for 1600m and 3200m in the class and could be the no. 3 runner on the team from the very onset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katie Knight is just as quality in almost every way as Eloise-Neale is. Knight has been 3rd at Nike Cross Nationals back-to-back years. That kind of consistency is a good sign of what she should be able to do at the next level and that she still has some upside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kaylee Flanagan and Kelly Lawson are also no slouches on the cross country course. Flanagan is a two-time Foot Locker finalist and placed 18th at NXN in 2011. Kelly Lawson is a two-time NXN qualifier and has a very good 1600m PR of 4:48. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Flood is back to her old form and Goethals continues her consistency in big races (exception of NCAAs 2012) and Washington can find success in their veterans and freshman class, the Huskies will be back on the podium in 2013. If they can stay healthy throughout the brutal Pac-12 and West Regional races and keep their athletes fresh, Washington could see another repeat of 2011 if not a National Championship. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-19899951040811839922013-08-28T11:33:00.001-06:002013-08-28T11:33:40.364-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #5- Arkansas<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Arkansas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Chris Bucknam (6th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 10th</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solomon Haile (Sr., 8:01 Open 3k, 13:58 5k, 28:43 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kemoy Campbell (Sr., 3:41 1500m, 7:46 Open 3k, 13:32 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stanley Kebenei (Jr., 3:47 1500m, 7:58 Open 3k, 13:42 5k, 8:24 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Flynn (Sr., 8:13 Open 3k, 14:17 5k, 8:49 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrick Rono (Sr., 1:46 800m, 3:46 1500m, 4:01 Mile)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cale Wallace (So., 4:06 Mile, 8:21 Open 3k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gabe Gonzales (Jr., 35th Big 12 XC '12, 24th MW Regional XC '12)</span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arkansas last season was led by the three headed monster of Kemoy Campbell, Solomon Haile, and Eric Fernandez. With those boys up front, the Hogs were a dominant force through the SECs and did well enough at Regionals to make a good showing at NCAAs. Although Fernandez is graduated and gone, Arkansas will be fine and can substitute all-NCAA 3k Steepler Stanley Kebenei for Fernandez. No knock on Fernandez, he was a stud, but Kebenei could be considered an upgrade with his credentials. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Bucknam has assembled one of the best teams, if not his best, since he has been at the helm in Fayetteville. With some solid pack runners and three beasts leading the way, Arkansas is going to be very good this year, and here is how. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kemoy Campbell burst onto the scene last year coming off a JUCO XC National Championship the year before. The man from Jamaica is an absolute beast and has range that most cross country guys could only dream of. His 17th place finish at NCAAs in 2012 was proven that it was no fluke as he followed that up with a 2nd place finish indoors in the 3k and 5th place finish this past spring outdoors in Eugene for 5k. Campbell, with one year of Division 1 running under his belt, is going to be a dominant force in the NCAA, and would not surprise anyone if he finished in the top-10 individually. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is scary for the rest of the country is that Campbell is so good, and he might not even be their no. 1 runner at times during the season. Solomon Haile is another very good asset in the Razorback stable of studs. Haile was very good early in his career at Arkansas, kind of plateaued a bit and was hurt, and came back to life this past season. In cross he was 47th at NCAAs, and ran 28:56 outdoors in the 10k at Stanford this past spring. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haile has ability to be great, and if he can carry the momentum he has gained from a great xc season last year and solid track, he should improve upon his 47th finish last year to an All-American performance in Terre Haute in November. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If these two were not enough to prove this team's quality, throwing Stanley Kebenei in the mix will definitely do it. Now when we mentioned that Campbell might not be the no. 1 runner for the parts of the season, it did seem like we alluded to Haile being the guy to push Campbell out of that spot, but in reality, Kebenei is just as capable as Campbell. Granted Campbell's PRs are better on the track, and Kebenei is not nearly as proven a cross guy as Campbell, but with the credentials Kebenei has you cannot believe he won't be able to roll up front with Kemoy all season long. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kebenei is a monster talent that has had all summer to train and put in a very good base with two All-American athletes. His 8:24 Steeple PR is World-Class and has the range needed to move up to 8k and 10k. Kebenei is good enough to feel secure saying he will be All-American, barring injury or the worst day of his life (which do happen). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With those three pieces in place, Arkansas is set for three of the best low-sticks in the country. Now all the Hogs need are a no. 4 and no. 5 runner. Some good options can come from Cale Wallace who was the SEC Freshman of the year in cross country for 2012; Patrick Rono, one of the more versatile 800m/1500m runners in the NCAA who should at least be a no. 5 for Arkansas off of talent alone; and David Flynn, a good steepler. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If neither of the above mentioned harriers cannot get it done, Arkansas did get a quality transfer from Kansas in Gabe Gonzales. An above average cross guy for Kansas, Gonzales has quite a bit of upside and having the training partners he now has in Fayetteville, he could get a lot better real fast. Gonzales had good showings at Big 12s and their Regional and has the ability to be a good no. 5 if needed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arkansas could be looking at a kind of 7-8-9 finish similarly to Oklahoma State in 2010. The jury is still out if the Hogs have a good enough 4-5 to be podium, but if they can find them out of Flynn, Wallace, Rono, or maybe Gonzales (or someone else that no one knows about yet), Arkansas is one of the best teams in the NCAA in 2013. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-21097015258491407002013-08-28T11:33:00.000-06:002013-08-28T11:33:30.681-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #5- Florida State<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Florida State</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Karen Harvey (7th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colleen Quigley (Jr., 4:15 1500m, 9:13 Open 3k, 15:58 5k, 9:38 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linden Hall (Jr., 2:09 800m, 4:15 1500m, 9:39 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Georgia Peel (So., 2:08 800m, 4:14 1500m, 9:41 Open 3k, 16:26 5k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah Walker (Jr., From U.K.- 9:21 Open 3k, 15:48 5k, 33:09 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pippa Woolven (Jr., From U.K.-9:53 Open 3k, 10:11 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna Holdiman (Fr., 9:48 Open 3k, 4:35 1500m, 7th FL Finals '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bridget Blake (Fr., 4:54 1600m, 10:40 3200m, 15th FL Finals '12</span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(written by Sam Wood, my genius brother, to maintain objectivity)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Florida State's women's cross country team is most definitely one of the elite programs in the country. Year in and year out Karen Harvey's squads are consistently good during the season and have tons of talent. Last year's team placed three athletes in the top 20 at the NCAA Championships, but didn't have the consistency from their other four runners in order to help them win a championships, and the team faded to fourth.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Looking on paper, this team has some definite chops on the track. Colleen Quigley is a top-notch steeplechaser (2nd NCAA Steeple behind Emma Coburn) and returns from a 12th place finish at the NCAA XC Meet last year. She will be a top-notch front runner for the Seminoles with a group of middle distance returnees as well as elite newcomers following her lead. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Linden Hall and Georgia Peel have had some great success at the 800 and 1500 distances, but will look to have that carry over in Terre Haute. If they can make the conversion from 1500 to 6k, this team could be looking at more than just a podium position this November.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There aren't many teams out there who have a newcomer quite like Hannah Walker. Her times on the track over in the U.K. would have given her a chance at being an All-American on the track last year. If her ability can translate quickly from across the pond, FSU could have an outstanding 1-2 punch with her and Quigley. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Pippa Woolven, Anna Holdiman and Bridget Blake will be contending for scoring position as well for the Seminoles. Woolven is also a great steepler and Holdiman and Blake come off of top 15 finishes at the Foot Locker National Meet.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If history is any indicator, the Seminoles will be ready to roll by the time Notre Dame and Pre-Nationals come around. There may be no more intriguing team to watch this fall on the women's side than the Lady Seminoles.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-4532520019596505632013-08-27T10:37:00.000-06:002013-08-27T10:37:03.092-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #6- BYU<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Ed Eyestone (14th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tylor Thatcher (Sr., 13:45 5k, 28:59 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tommy Gruenewald (Sr., 4:04 Mile, 8:07 Open 3k, 13:54 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curtis Carr (Sr., 14:20 5k, 8:40 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Witt (Sr., 4:05 Mile, 8:16 Open 3k, 13:58 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve Flint (Jr., 8:12 Open 3k, 13:57 5k, 8:46 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor Farnsworth (Sr., 8:09 Open 3k, 14:21 5k, 29:33 10k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jon Nelson (So., Off Mission- 14:20 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Korey Krotzer (Fr., From Oklahoma State-4:09 1600m, 9:01 3200m)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a podium finish in 2011, BYU followed up with a solid 6th place finish at NCAAs and was a little bit disappointed by it. Many things went wrong that day for BYU and a injuries and health issues played key factors in their bid for back to back podium spots. 2013, things are looking a little bit different for the Cougars. Jared Ward lost a season of cross country and just training through cross, preparing for the 2014 track seasons. So that means the mantle of leadership goes to Tylor Thatcher, Tommmy Gruenewald and Jason Witt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Losing Jared Ward really hurts BYU. He is the heart and soul of that team. The good news is that BYU was so deep last year, that that depth is still helping push through many quality runners up to the front of the BYU pack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tylor Thatcher is the top guy returning from 2012. Thatcher finished the xc season in Louisville with a 34th place finish and All-American honors. Thatcher is a workhorse and a metronome at practice, and he does a great job of doing the little things that make you better. Coming from a 4:20 and 9:20 high school kid to 13:45 and 28:59, he still has upside and has a legitimate shot to be top-20 individually at NCAAs this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tommy Gruenewald is starting to figure things out again after coming off a church mission in early 2012. Many of you will remember him from many years ago where he qualified for NXN and Foot Locker every year since a sophomore in high school. His talent is still there and his 13:53 5k PR this outdoor season is proof of that. He has all of the tools to be All-American and if he stays healthy and motivated he should get that done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BYU boasts two very good 3k Steeple guys that should factor in the pack in 2013. Curtis Carr surprised much of the country this past spring with his 4th place finish at NCAA Outdoors in the 3k Steeplechase. His 8:40 PR is no joke and he is as solid as they come in cross country. Carr is very consistent and provides stability to the Cougar top five. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve Flint is the other quality steepler for the Cougs. Flint boasts a much better 5k PR than Carr, having run 13:57 and has one of the best kicks in the NCAA. Flint was the no. 5 man for BYU at NCAA XC last year and should be a very good no. 3-4 runner for them this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason Witt was the no. 5 man for BYU during their podium finish in 2011 and if he has the summer he was hoping for, he is another guy capable of All-American. Witt has a solid 5k PR of 13:58, and is looking to make up for his second to last finish at NCAA XC in 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor Farnsworth is a former prep standout who was 13th at FL Finals in 2006. He finally came around toward the end of the track season this past spring where he won his heat of the 10k at Mt. Sac and ran 29:33. If he can stay healthy, he is a solid pack guy that will be pushing the top five the whole year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wildcard for the Cougars is Jon Nelson. With a year under his belt post-church mission service, Nelson is fit and very talented. He redshirted track, but ran all of the workouts right with Gruenewald and Witt and is capable of at least a top-60 finish at NCAAs, if he can stay healthy. Also, Korey Krotzer, who spent a year at Oklahoma State, has recently transferred to BYU and will be fighting for a top seven spot amongst all the guys mentioned above. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Eyestone is one of the most consistent coaches in the NCAA at getting his team to the NCAA championships. BYU has a shot once again at a podium finish and if things come together for Coach Eyestone and the Cougars, even without Jared Ward, this will be a very good team come Terre Haute in November. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-18946895515301929792013-08-27T10:36:00.002-06:002013-08-27T10:36:47.678-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #6- Oregon<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Oregon</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Andy Powell (9th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allie Woodward (So, 16:17 5k, 32:56 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Annie Leblanc (So., 2:06 800m, 4:17 1500m)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Patrignelli (Jr., 4:21 1500m, 10:09 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Molly Grabill (So., 16:38 5k, 4:49 1600m (HS), 10:19 3200m (HS) )</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Penney (Sr., 4:21 1500m, 9:51 Open 3k, 16:41 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abbey Leonardi (So., no. 7 runner in 2012, 9:47 Open 3k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lindsay Crevoiserat (From UCONN, 9:09 Open 3k, 15:58 5k, 42nd NCAA XC '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alli Cash (Fr., 4:45 1600m, 10:32 3200m, 40th NXN '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therese Haiss (Fr., 4:50 1600m, 10:37 3200m) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nikki Hiltz (Fr., 4:42 1600m, 10:48 3200m, 17th FL Finals '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly O'Neill (Fr., 4:37 1500m, 10:14 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maggie Schmaedick (Fr., 4:35 1500m, 9:43 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mel Newberry (From Princeton, 9:34 Open 3k, 16:35 5k, 10:18 3k Steeple)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four of the seven athletes that made up the national championship winning team of 2012 have graduated. At most schools that would mean the next year would be a major rebuilding year. Let's get real, this is Oregon, there is no rebuilding year, it's more of an extreme makeover, cross country edition. Coaches Andy and Maurica Powell have brought in a very good recruiting class and have some key transfers along with quality girls who are ready to fill the shoes of their predecessors in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012, Oregon was basically unbeatable (except for a loss to Florida State at Pre-Nats). Jordan Hasay and Alexi Pappas led the Ducks in every race and their loss will definitely hurt Oregon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allie Woodward is coming off of an amazing freshman campaign in 2012. Along side her 44th finish at NCAAs XC, she also proved her chops on the track running 16:17 and 32:56. Those are some outstanding feats for a freshman. Not to mention finishing 5th in the NCAA Outdoor 10000m. Now with a year of consistent top-level NCAA running under her belt, she is going to be one to watch for in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Annie Leblanc is the other returner, besides Woodward, from 2012s National Championship winning team. Leblanc was also big time as a freshman last season where she finished 68th individually and helped secure the title for the Ducks. She too had a solid track season running 4:17 for 1500m. Leblanc is a good example of a middle-distance type girl that can step up and run 6k. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third returning freshman from 2012 whose name also starts with the letter "A," is Abbey Leonardi. Although she was not nearly as successful as her freshman teammates in 2012, Leonardi was still a crucial part to the national championship winning team. Leonardi was an outstanding high school athlete (4th FL Finals '11) and the experience she gained last season as a freshman will be huge for her confidence going into her sophomore season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Molly Grabill was awesome her freshman year for Oregon in 2011 where she was the no. 5 scorer for the majority of the season. Now coming off of a redshirt year, Grabill should be fit and ready to roll with her fellow sophomores and lead the Ducks in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Penney and Megan Patrignelli are both capable cross country runners that had good track seasons this past spring. These two will be able to provide some veteran leadership to a very, very young Oregon team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes Oregon so scary is that the preview has not even reached the incoming recruits and transfers for the season that approaches. With an underrated recruiting class and some key transfers, many of these girls are instant offense for Oregon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest transfer for the Ducks is Lindsay Crevoiserat, from Connecticut. Crevoiserat has the best track PRs of the bunch and has the highest national finish individually than any girl on the team. Crevoiserat is a tough runner that is perfectly suited for 6k. her 9:09 3k PR and 15:58 5k PR are top notch and after a redshirt outdoor season this spring, she should be fit and ready for an All-American bid in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The incoming freshman for Oregon that will play key roles are Nikki Hiltz and Alli Cash. These girls both had injury-plagued high school careers taking away much of their senior year, so their PRs listed above come from their junior years. That being the case, their upside is very high. Hiltz and Cash both have very quality track PRs and proven abilities in cross country. These girls should figure into the Oregon top seven at some point during the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even with the blow of some of the biggest names in Oregon history gone, the Ducks have reloaded for 2013. The youth of this team, combined with the unreal talent, is what is so scary about Oregon this year. Crevoiserat, Woodward, Leblanc, Leonardi, and Grabill are all very young, but <i>very good. </i>Those five alone are capable of All-American on any given. day. Oregon is back, and they are a serious contender for a podium spot at NCAAs in Terre Haute this year, if not a repeat title. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-20019945397078206562013-08-26T09:23:00.000-06:002013-08-26T09:23:26.279-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #7- New Mexico<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Joe Franklin (7th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke Caldwell (Sr., 3:44 1500m, 13:29 5k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam Bitchell (Sr., 3:43 1500m, 4:05 Mile, 8:08 Open 3k, 13:57 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean Stam (Sr., 14:03 5k, 29:46 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elmar Engholm (So., 3:45 1500m, 8:49 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pat Zacharias (Jr., 14:01 5k, 30:39 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Evans (Sr., 3:43 1500m, 4:02 Mile)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex Cornwell (Jr., From U.K.- 3:43 1500m, 8:09 Open 3k)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Joe Franklin says this is the best team that he has ever coached. This coming from a guy who has coached some solid teams in his career (coached Butler to a podium finish in 2004). If you look at their roster above, you can see why. The Lobos are absolutely loaded. Franklin has found a good balance between finding outstanding foreign recruits and mixing them in with the local talent and producing very good teams, year in and year out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lobos are led by two athletes with very good track credentials to go along with nice cross country experience. Luke Caldwell came to Albuquerque in 2012 and was instantly the no. 1 runner for the Lobos, while Millington was injured. Caldwell claimed the Mountain West Conference individual honors and had a very good showing at NCAAs finishing 27th. Caldwell kept his momentum from cross country going into the indoor and outdoor seasons where he finished 8th at the Indoor 5k and 7th at the Outdoor 5k. With his sub-13:30 ability, Caldwell is a shoo-in for a top-40 finish and is a potential top-15 finisher individually. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross Millington has had plenty of time the past few years to think about the last time her ran a cross country race. The last time he spiked up for a race on the grass was in 2011, where he dropped out of the National Championships and his team finished 31st. There might not be a guy in country as motivated as Millington is for redemption. He has all of the tools to be a top-40 guys and to roll right with Luke Caldwell to a top-20 individual finish. His 7:49 3k and 13:36 5k PRs are superb, and those times should equate, as long as he's healthy, to another key low-stick for the Lobos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the returning guys for New Mexico have quality experience in cross country and on the track. Adam Bitchell was injured outdoors and if he can get healthy and get the necessary base, he will be a very good no. 3 for the Lobos (on paper). He has the ability to rise up and be another big time cross country guy for Franklin if he's healthy. Sean Stam has had a very consistent career in Albuquerque where he has gone from a walk-on to an All-Conference athlete. He provides stability to their top-7. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elmar Engholm is a young, but very talented runner. Engholm had a good track season, but was actually more impressive at Nationals in Louisville, where he stepped up big and was the no. 2 runner on the team finishing 85th. That kind of quality experience will help him push to make the top-five again this year (they are that loaded). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pat Zacharias is a local kid who spent a little while at Arizona before transferring back to his home state in New Mexico. Franklin has done an excellent job developing him and he has similar attribute to Stam as a solid and consistent performer, race in and race out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Evans and Alex Herring are track studs that have yet to prove themselves on the cross country course. If that changes for either one of these guys and they can make the jump from their track abilities to cross country and 10k, they just add to the unreal depth of this team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is even scarier about these Lobos is the awesome recruiting class that Joe Franklin pulled in, mostly coming by way of transfers from the U.K. Ross Matheson is the most ready to jump in and help out New Mexico right away in cross country. Matheson was 21st in the all U.K. cross country championships and will be pushing Caldwell and Millington up front. Alex Cornwell has the best 1500m PR of the bunch (3:43) and has the same 3k PR that the other recruit has, Jake Shelley (8:09). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, if these guys all stay healthy and are fit, this is a podium team. Since Franklin has gotten to Albuquerque, New Mexico has yet to have a fantastic finish at Nationals. With the Mountain Region being brutal every year, New Mexico will need to be picking up points earlier in the year (they'll be fine) to make sure they can cruise through the Regional in Ogden, Utah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joe Franklin is looking to finally have a podium team in New Mexico, and if there ever was a year for that to happen, this is it. With the possibility of three All-Americans and some awesome transfers, (we did not even mention Peter Callahan of Princeton transferring--granted he's never had much success in xc, which could change) these Lobos are the most dangerous team in the NCAA in 2013. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-77817287449449486222013-08-26T09:22:00.001-06:002013-08-26T09:22:51.281-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #7- Villanova<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Gina Procaccio (14th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Lipari (Sr., 4:15 1500m, 9:08 Open 3k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Venables (Jr., 17:03 5k, 35:26 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Schappert (Jr., 2:07 800m, 4:18 1500m)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courtney Chapman (Jr., 4:26 1500m, 9:31 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelsey Margey (So., 2:06 800m, 4:17 1500m)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie Williams (Fr., 4:51 Mile, 10:50 2 Mile, NXN Qualifier '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katie Brislin (Fr., 4:29 1500m, 10:18 3k, 29th NXN '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angel Piccirillo (Redshirt Frosh, 2:05 800m, 4:21 1500m)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although it feels like they have been around forever, Emily Lipari and Nicky Akande have finally reached their senior years at Villanova. Coach Gina Procaccio has done a great job keeping this Villanova team consistently good throughout the years, and this year will be no different. With two very solid front-runners returning, some nice depth and a good freshman class, the Wildcats are ready to return to NCAA prominence after their 20th finish in 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Lipari has had quite the storied career at Villanova. She is the only returning member from the 2010 NCAA National Championship winning team. Lipari has the tools and experience to be a top-15 runner. She has good range from 800m to 3k. If she steps up and becomes a huge low-stick for this team, they will see the success they are capable of this season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicky Akande is one of the more under-rated athletes in the NCAA. Akande was awesome for the majority of the cross country season in 2012. She finished 3rd at the Big East Champs and took home the individual title at the Mid-Atlantic Regional. An unfortunate Nationals race in Louisville last year will have her hungry to improve upon her 95th place finish, this upcoming season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Villanova's Men's and Women's programs, though coached by different people, share a similar attribute--they are loaded with middle distance talent. Lipari and Akande are both gems in the middle distance events (with some range) and have two other athletes that are sub 4:20 for 1500m. Coach Procaccio has proven that she can coach up the middle-distance runners and this played a huge reason in their ranking so high this season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the squad that will help the Wildcats break into the top-10 this season is comprised of a few girls with pretty good experience in xc and a few that have limited opportunities, but have some very good upside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Schappert, Kelsey Margey, Ariann Neutts and Angel Piccirillo all are excellent middle-distance runners. Neither of these athletes have necessarily excelled in cross country (Piccirillo redshirted her freshman xc season) but all have the capability of stepping up in distance and being solid pack runners for Villanova behind Lipari and Akande. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Venables and Courtney Chapman have a little bit better chops for the longer distances than the previously mentioned girls, but do not quite have the leg speed to compare with them. If these two can get some good miles in this summer, they should rise up and push the middle-distance girls for the no. 3-5 spots. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The recruiting class for Villanova this year is solid, though not sizable. Julie Williams is an immediate impact distance runner that has experience running well for the mile and two-mile races. Katie Brislin has outstanding track PRs and will also be able to contribute "from the gun." Brislin and Williams both come from high-profile high school teams-Fayatteville-Manlius and Tatnall and will bring their top-notch prep experience to an already very good returning Villanova squad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news for the Wildcats is that every single athlete that competed in Louisville in 2012 returns for them in 2013. This not counting the loss of Summer Cook who decided to focus on the triathlon and moved to Colorado Springs to train with the OTC group there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all of these girls returning, Villanova will have the hunger to improve from 2012 and to make a statement in 2013. The pieces are there for a top-10 teams. Two awesome low-sticks up front (Lipari and Akande) and a bunch of very good middle-distance girls and high school stand-outs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> If things come together like they should, Villanova will have a fun battle through their conference and regional with Georgetown. Their front-runners will help keep their score low enough at Nationals and they will be looking at a big improvement this season at Nationals from 20th to 7th in Terre Haute. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-24486248342880986272013-08-23T13:14:00.001-06:002013-08-23T13:14:26.279-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #8- Syracuse<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Chris Fox (9th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martin Hehir (So., 8:00 Open 3k, 13:53 5k, 29:35 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joe Whelan (Sr., 8:53 3k Steeple, 55th NCAAs '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan Urie (Jr., 3:49 1500m, 14:29 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reed Kamyszek (Jr., 8:09 Open 3k, 14:25 5k, 29:45 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Griff Graves (Sr., 14:18 5k, 71st NCAAs '12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert Molke (Sr., 8:13 Open 3k, 14:13 5k, 29:35 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max Straneva (Jr., 8:22 Open 3k, 14:20 5k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevyn Hoyos (Redshirt Frosh, 4:12 1600m, 9:01 2 Mile, 6th US Jr. 5k '13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick Ryan (Fr., 4:05 1600m, 8:55 3200m, 3 X NXN Qualifier- 15th '13, 5th '12, 28th '11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shawn Wilson (Fr., 4:11 1600m, 9:04 3200m, FL Finalist '12- 23rd)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Syracuse and Coach Chris Fox, this could be the year. With the horde of talented athletes that are returning from 2012s Big East Championships winning team and a good recruiting class, the Orange might finally break the curse of finishing somewhere around 15th at NCAAs every single year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After pulling a few string with the NCAA and some very good returners, Syracuse has 10 guys that could find themselves in their top seven at any point during the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Orange's no. 1 returner, although just a freshman last year, is Martin Hehir. Coming out of no where and winning the Big East individual title as a freshman, Hehir is now an experienced and accomplished athlete that is ready to tack on All-American to his list of accolades. Running 13:53 for 5k on the track this past spring is a good indication of his progression. Hehir is a top-40, if not better, caliber talent and will be a critical low-stick for Syracuse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joe Whelan is actually the no. 1 returner from NCAAs (Hehir was for the majority of the year though) in Louisville last year. After a sub-par track season, Whelan will be looking to get back to his fitness from 2012 and find himself pushing Hehir up front. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Griff Graves was able to get a medical redshirt year back and makes Syracuse that much better with him in the top five. Graves was a vital scorer for the Orange throughout his career and if fit, he is also a guy that is capable of pushing Hehir and Whelan in the front of the pack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a slew of quality athletes that return for Coach Fox and that will be battling it out for a spot in the top seven throughout the season. Andrew Palmer is generally very good early on in the season, but needs to find a way to keep the wheels from coming off. His 59th place finish at Wisco Invite in 2012 is solid, but 210th at NCAAs is pretty mediocre. He is a talented athlete that if he can keep it together during the championship portion of the season, Palmer will be an important piece to the puzzle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert Molke, MJ Erb, Reed Kamyszek and Ryan Urie all have some pretty good track PRs from various times of the career at Syracuse. Most of these guys seem to be pure distance/xc guys that will be icing on the cake for Coach Fox if they are able to find a place for themselves in the top seven at some point during the season. Dan Lennon is currently getting ready to represent the United States at the Pan-Am 10k. If he can get fit in time (maybe redshirt though) that kind of big-level experience really broadens the horizons of many athletes. Lennon is another possible scorer for the Orange in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond the returners from 2012, Chris Fox and Brian Bell have done a great job recruiting the past few years and have some good young talent coming into Syracuse. Nick Ryan, Kevyn Hoyos and Shawn Wilson all are very talented athletes from the prep ranks. Nick Ryan is a three time NXN finalist and finished top-30 all three of those years. Ryan has the best track PRs of the bunch and is capable of placing top 75 at NCAAs if he can stay healthy, fit and enthused about running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevyn Hoyos has had quality experience running at the national junior level in cross country and on the track. Shawn Wilson is a Foot Locker finalist and might redshirt, but if not he is another harrier to throw in the mix of runners looking to crack the top seven or even the travel squad (Syracuse is so deep). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Northeast Regional looks to be all but theirs in 2013. Columbia and Iona are talented, but on paper, Syracuse is the class of the region. If Fox can time things right and cruise through the regional, Syracuse could be looking at a top-10 finish for the first time, in a long time. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-20647247549449383292013-08-23T13:14:00.000-06:002013-08-23T13:14:12.713-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #8- William and Mary<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>William and Mary</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Jill Miller (2nd Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 21st</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elaina Balouris (Sr., 9:34 Open 3k, 16:03 5k, 33:43 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Stites (So., 9:34 Open 3k, 15:45 5k, 34:15 10k)</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dylan Hassett (Jr., 9:42 Open 3k, 16:41 5k, 34:54 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carolyn Hennessey (So., 16:51 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meghan McGovern (So., 9:44 Open 3k, 16:34 5k)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contrary to many of the teams that have been previewed recently, William and Mary is a team with five very talented girls, but not nearly as good of depth. Coach Jill Miller, along side Coach Stephen Walsh, have done a great job finding and recruiting talented athletes, but also being able to catch the diamonds in the rough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this team moves forward from its solid and much improved 2012 season where they finished 21st at NCAAs, they have one of the best 1-5s in the country and are prepared to greatly improve upon last season's succcesses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William and Mary has one of the best 1-2 punches in the country with Elaina Balouris and Emily Stites coming back off of two All-American seasons in 2012. Frankly, had they not been as good as they were last season William and Mary would have been looking at a 25th place finish or worse. The Tribe depends greatly on their abilities and sink or swim with their performances. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elaina Balouris is about as pure of a cross country runner as there is in the NCAA. Balouris has the track chops for 10k and the proven ability on the course to put her in the mix of a top-10 finisher at NCAAs. Knowing that her low-stick is vital to this team's success, Balouris is definitely a sleeper from an individual finisher perspective. She could creep up on some athletes at the finish at NCAAs and put herself in contention for the top-10 if not better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Stites is one of the most talented sophomores in the NCAA. Along with Laura Hollander (Cal Poly), Sarah Collins (Providence) and Kelsey Lakowske (Duke), Stites is as solid as they come, coming off of her freshman campaign. Some quality world-class racing experience this past winter will help open her eyes to what she is capable of this upcoming fall. Stites is definitely as good as Balouris in cross, with a little bit better speed, she will be dangerous come November. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William and Mary has three other girls that are very solid 3-5 runners. All have stepped up since their cross country season in 2012, this spring on the track, and their improvement there should produce quality times in cross country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dylan Hassett ran a solid 10k on the track and is a good pack runner. Meghan McGovern also had a good year on the track and will be battling Hassett for the no. 3 slot for the Tribe. McGovern has some upside and if her progression continues she is a top-60 quality girl at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William and Mary does not have the luxury of having a deep team as some of the schools from the power conferences. On the other hand, they have some very talented athletes that are capable of bringing them into the top-10. As mentioned before, William and Mary goes as Stites and Balouris go. If they have a great year, which they should, and McGovern and Hassett find themselves having break-out years, the Tribe will have one of the best teams in their program history in 2013. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-21981931198857645172013-08-22T10:30:00.000-06:002013-08-22T11:30:15.709-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #9- Portland <br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Rob Conner (24th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott Fauble (Jr., 3:45 1500m, 14:00 5k, 29:11 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Perry (Jr., 3:45 1500m, 13:58 5k, 29:09 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William Kincaid (Jr., 3:45 1500m, 13:58 5k, 29:49 10k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William Krebs (Jr., From Germany- 8:02 Open 3k, 14:13 5k, 29:21 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Josh Gorecki (Sr., 14:10 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danny Martinez (Redshirt Frosh, 8:57 3200m (HS), 9th USA Jr XC Champs '13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ryan Poland (Jr., 8:01 Open 3k, 14:03 5k, 29:30 10k)</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i>Editor's note: Ryan Poland of Oklahoma has now transferred to Portland. This addition makes Portland even better. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is not a team in the country, besides BYU, that I know more about than Portland. After studying their athletes and their performances very closely over the last three years, Portland is as consistent a team in the country of producing when it matters and Rob Conner is a master recruiter. Even if there seemingly should be a down year in Portland, like last season (Dunbar, Osoro and Kipchumba gone) Conner still somehow won the West Coast Championship, was 2nd in the West Regional and finished 12th in Louisville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a very solid core group of returning studs and some very good incoming guys, the Pilots are looking like a much improved team from 2012. Everything starts with the three guys from Colorado. Scott Fauble, David Perry and William (Woody) Kincaid lead this sqaud and are the heart and soul of the program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott Fauble has been the no. 1 runner for the Pilots for the majority of the last year. Fauble is a tough competitor and has solid NCAA experience. His 11th place finish at NCAA at 10k in 2012 and 26th (All-American) finish at NCAAs last season is proof of that. He has very good range from 1500m to 10000 and needs to stay healthy and consistent for this triumvirate to do any damage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Perry is a very talented athlete that lacks the consistency that Fauble has. He definitely has the ability to roll with Fauble in every move they make on the course or track, it is just a matter of him doing it when it matters most. In fact, Perry has the best PRs on the team on the track and is capable of being All-American in 2013, if he can stick to Fauble and stay consistently healthy and fit throughout the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woody Kincaid is a wildcard on this team. His huge run at the West Coast Cross Country meet in 2012 was a big reason why they upset BYU on their home course. Kincaid is a very untapped, talented athlete that if he can get the miles in this summer he could end up being the no. 1 runner on the team in 2013. Like Perry, Kincaid is a sub-14 5k guys and is capable of stepping up to 10k no problem. This three-headed monster is one of the best group of three in the NCAA and are all capable of All-American. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond these three are a lot of question marks and new guys. Jacob Smith, Izaic Yorks and Aiden Irish, all significant contributors in 2012, are now running for different schools, but the Pilots have filled their space with fresh new faces already. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danny Martinez is someone who can make an immediate impact for the Pilots. He is a proven cross country runner, having run well at the USA Junior meet this past year and was very good in high school. He can step right in to the top five and score for Portland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert Krebs and Josh Gorecki are even more of a question mark than Martinez. Krebs might be the most talented of the two for 10k, but they are seemingly even at 5k and under. Gorecki is an experienced veteran runner that has one year to produce for the Pilots. Krebs is also an older athlete (24) and with his track ability he should be looking at the no. 4 spot for Rob Conner for the majority of the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The West Coast Conference Championships will once again be a battle between BYU and Portland. Portland is coming down to Provo to race BYU early at the beginning of September at the BYU Autumn Classic and that race will be a good indication where everyone's fitness is at and how things will shape out at the end of the season. Portland has some studs, but are not nearly as deep as they have been in years past. If the transfers can step up and support the Colorado triumvirate, Portland is back in the top 10 at NCAAs in 2013. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-59961364284819906912013-08-22T10:29:00.001-06:002013-08-22T10:43:59.471-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #9- Connecticut<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Amy Yoder-Begley (1st Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New analysis: Many of these girls have now left with the loss of Coach Mcdonough</i><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allison Lasinicki (Sr., 15:59 5k, 33:36 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lauren Sara (Sr., 9:32 Open 3k, 16:21 5k, 33:48 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brigitte Mania (Sr., 2:04 800m, 4:22 1500m, 9:48 Open 3k)</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bethanie Brown (Fr., 4:50 1600m, 10:13 3200m, 16:41 NBON '13)- <i>Transferred to Iowa State</i> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrea Grove-McDonough, the coach that helped bring UCONN to relevance, is now in Ames, Iowa and another women with a hyphenated last name has come in to replace her. Amy Yoder-Begley, a 2008 Olympian in the 10000m, is now at the helm in Storrs. Begley is in good hands with having been given a great group of athletes that have made a ton of progress in bringing this program into one of the nation's best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things are always a bit different when a new coach comes in with a new philosophy and new style. It will be interesting to see how the Uconn girls respond to the new training programs and a different coach. Begley is a proven athlete and it always helps to know that your coach knows exactly what you're going through, if not more, and will be able to relate with her athletes on almost every level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allison Lasinicki was the most consistent no. 1 runner for the Huskies (not counting NCAAs) in 2012 and is the most proven cross country runner on the squad. Lasinicki has all the motivation in the world as she had a very disappointing NCAA race in Louisville last season and is definitely All-American talented. 4th in the Big East and 3rd at the Northeast Regional, is certainly indicative of someone who is good enough to make the top-40 and Lasinicki should find herself in that range by the end of the season in Terre Haute. Her 9th place NCAAs finish outdoors in the 10k is also a good sign of her progression. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lauren Sara and Brigitte Mania combine to make a good second group for the Huskies behind Lasinicki. The faster they can close the gap between themselves and the top two, will significantly increase their team's chances at NCAAs. Sara and Mania are polar opposites on the track, but can meet in the middle quite well for 6k. Sara is a beast on the track for 10k and Mania is a middle-distance power and they play crucial roles in the top five for Uconn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Losing the likes of Lindsay Crevoiserat (transfer to Oregon), Shauna McNiff and Julia Zrinyi (got a release) will hurt this squad, but the signing of big time prep runner Bethanie Brown will help lessen the blow. Brown is a very good track girl who is very under experienced in cross country. Her track PRs prove her ability to run long events on the track, it's just a matter now of translating that to the cross country course. She should at least be their no. 5 runner the moment she steps on campus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This team is quite an intriguing team. A new coach, some girls who have stepped up recently and a very good newcomer in Storrs, the Huskies will give Georgetown all they want and more at conference and are capable of big things at the Big Dance in Terre Haute. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-11187149270850071812013-08-21T10:25:00.001-06:002013-08-21T10:25:21.424-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #10- Stanford<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Chris Miltenberg (2nd Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Erik Olson (Jr., 8:04 Open 3k, 13:46 5k, 29:06 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joe Rosa (Jr., 8:05 Open 3k, 13:58 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tyler Stutzman (Sr., 3:40 1500m, 8:06 Open 3k, 14:02 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jim Rosa (Jr., 3:47 1500m, 8:04 Open 3k, 13:59 5k, 29:47 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Atchoo (Sr., 3:39 1500m, 8:00 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Krotzer (Sr., 3:48 1500m, 8:13 Open 3k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thomas Graham (So., 8:09 Open 3k, 14:09 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Berberick (Sr., 3:44 1500m, 55th NCAA XC '11)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean McGorty (Fr., 4:03 1600m, 8:45 2 Mile, 2nd FL Finals '12, 10th FL Finals '11 NBON 2 Mile Champ '13, 2nd NBIN 2 Mile '13)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Wharton (Fr., NXN Champion '12, 6th FL Finals '12, 8:56 3200m, 5th NBON 5k '13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrick Gibson (Fr., 4:11 1600m, 9:01 3200m, FL Finalist '12)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that his first year as the Stanford head coach is under his belt, Coach Chris Miltenberg has his first recruiting class of his own to work with along with some horses to lead the charge for this Cardinal team in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first glance, this team is full of studs that are capable of making the top seven on most teams in the NCAA. Almost every single one of the athletes listed above were the big time names in the high school scene coming off of their graduation. The key now is for Miltenberg to help these athletes continually progress and reach their potential to bring Stanford back to the podium. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no shortage of horses in the stable for the Cardinal coming into 2013. As things look right now Erik Olson is the best guy coming back for Stanford. Olson had a very good track season where he ran a huge 10k PR at the Stanford Invite and another big one for 5k at Payton Jordan. He also had a solid NCAA XC race and will be looking at an All-American finish in 2013 with the combination of his track and xc ability. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rosa's are seemingly enigmatic. They have had ups and downs during their first few seasons in the Stanford uniform. Jim had a great Wisco Invite and West Regional (19th and 6th, respectively--struggled at Pac-12s) and Joe had good races at Wisco, Pac-12s and the West Regional (21st, 6th, and 4th), but for both of them the wheels really came off at NCAAs. The Rosa's are the <i>key</i> to a strong season for Stanford. It seems as if the team goes as the Rosa's go. If they can be even more consistent than they have been in the past, they are also potential All-Americans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tyler Stutzman, Michael Atchoo, and Kenny Krotzer are all capable of having break-out years. Atchoo and Stutzman were awesome on the track, especially Atchoo, and if they can get the base beneath them, they could make the jump to 8k and 10k a little better. Atchoo has not been nearly as good as Stutzman has been in cross, but he could have a similar year as O'Hare did in 2012 (in terms of going from a mediocre xc guy to leading the team). All three of these guys are nice fits in any top seven that will be keeping the 1-5 spread as close as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Berberick could potentially be Stanford's ace in the hole. After a redshirt year in 2012, he should be fit (if he's healthy) and is no joke on the xc course. his 55th place finish at NCAAs in 2012 was outstanding and that kind of ability does not just fly away. If his fitness is where it should be, he is another guy to add to the list of someone that could be All-American. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes Stanford even scarier, is their <i>unreal </i>good recruiting class. Sean McGorty was one of the best prep runners in the country last season and is an immediate impact kind of guy. He should find himself in the top five off of the bat. His high level experience in high school will prepare him nicely for the long NCAA season. McGorty is one of the few freshman that could actually crack the top-40 at NCAAs, which is very hard to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other freshman coming with McGorty are no slouches either. Jack Keelan has big time credentials (see above), Patrick Gibson was one of the best guys in Washington, and Sam Wharton was the NXN Champion in 2012 and is another very capable cross guy that could also make an immediate impact in the top seven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no lack of options for Miltenberg and he is one lucky guy to be working with this caliber of talent. What will be critical for Coach Miltenberg is to keep them training through some of the earlier invitationals to prepare them even better for NCAAs. Stanford has a history of struggling at Nationals, but if there is ever a Stanford squad that is capable of breaking that curse, this is the team to do it. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-66963467589327850972013-08-21T10:25:00.000-06:002013-08-21T10:25:04.118-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Women's #10- Arizona<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Arizona</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: James Li (12th Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 6th</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elvin Kibet (Sr., 9:12 Open 3k, 15:57 5k, 33:02 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicci Corbin (Jr., 4:20 1500m, 16:04 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda Russell (Sr., 9:47 Open 3k, 16:43 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Bulder (Jr., 16:49 5k, 35:19 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clea Formaz (Jr., </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9:53 Open 3k, 10:12 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Erin Menefee (Sr., 9:43 Open 3k, 10:41 3k Steeple)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla Ferron (Fr., 4:52 1600m, 11:07 3200m, FL Finalist '12, 64th NXN '11)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arizona is heading into the 2013 season with a lot of question marks, but two no-brainer potential All-Americans. Coach Li is a world-renowned coach for the work he has done with Bernard Lagat, Boaz and Lawi Lalang, Stephen Sambu, etc. If there is a coach that is capable of getting the group of athletes that he has ready to roll for 2013, he can do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wildcats will be leaning heavily on their two big guns, Elvin Kibet and Nicci Corbin. Those two girls are big-time talents and must lead Arizona in order to have a chance to be top-10. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elvin Kibet is the real deal. Her 5k and 10k PRs are top-notch and she is crucial to any success Arizona will have this season. Kibet was 16th at NCAAs in 2012 and is capable of scoring points somewhere in the 5-10 range. That kind of a low-stick does wonders for your overall team score. With a redshirt track season under her belt, Kibet should be fit, with a huge base, ready for a huge peak at NCAAs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicci Corbin is the other elite level athlete that is a vital piece to the puzzle for Coach Li's squad. Corbin has good range from 1500m to 5k which helps her nicely for 6k xc races. Corbin was awesome in the middle of the cross country season in 2012, but struggled a little bit at NCAAs. Corbin is a potential All-American, and for Arizona to be top-10, which they are capable of, she needs to find her self in the top-40 in Terre Haute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is that Arizona has some good core contributors that, if they step up this season, can keep the spread tight and hopefully help push Kibet and Corbin. Amanda Russell is the most likely no. 3 runner for the Wildcats and has had some success in cross country in the past. Russell looked good in the West Regional (which is brutally good), but similarly to Corbin, the wheels fell off at NCAAs. Russell has good track PRs and the fact that she knows she must rise to the occasion will help keep her motivated throughout the off-season and heading into the 2013 cross country year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Bulder, Clea Formaz and Erin Menefee are solid pack runners that will be in the mix for the rest of the spots in the top seven. Coach Li desperately needs one of these girls to find another gear within themselves and step up to be the no. 4-6 runners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lone recruit that the Wildcats brought in that will help out immediately is Kayla Ferron. With solid track PRs and quality high school cross country experience, she is just what Coach Li needed to fill the space that the seniors that graduated left. Ferron could be looking at being the no. 4 runner this year and if she can do so, will really help push the girls up front (no one wants to get beat by a freshman). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arizona has a brutal path to get to the NCAA meet having to get out of the Pac-12s and the West Regional to get there. The points must come early in the season to solidify their spot in Terre Haute. The good news is that they have some girls up front that will score low points and can keep them in the hunt of a top-10 team. If Russell, Ferron, and others do not respond like they should, Arizona will struggle to be top-10. On the other hand, if they can roll up front and step up, the Wildcats are once again another top program in the NCAA. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724054533527749781.post-1928892352348350402013-08-20T13:25:00.000-06:002013-08-20T13:25:05.197-06:00NCAA XC Top 31 Countdown: Men's #11- Princeton<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Editor's note: For the next month, The Wood Report will be counting down projected team finishes in this year's NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, IN.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Princeton</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head Coach: Jason Vigilante (2nd Season)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 National Finish- 11th</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Bendtsen (Sr., 8:07 Open 3k, 13:57 5k, 29:32 10k) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alejandro Arroyo-Yamin (Sr., 8:12 Open 3k, 14:02 5k, 29:27 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tyler Udland (Sr., 8:12 Open 3k, 14:05 5k, 29:39 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eddie Owens (Jr., 8:53 3k Steeple)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jonathan Vitez (Sr., 8:10 Open 3k, 14:09 5k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Pons (Jr., 8:12 Open 3k, 14:14 5k)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William Paulson (Fr., 3:46 1500m, 8:24 Open 3k, 2nd Ireland U20 XC Champs '13)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Year in and year out, Jason Vigilante gets his guys rolling at a high level and racing well when it matters. He has an uncanny ability to motivate and plan the right training programs that prepare his athletes to perform at nationals. Last season's 11th place finish at NCAAs is proof of this. 11th is the best Princeton has ever finished at Nats and is looking to be just as good in 2013 as they were last year in Lousiville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The leaders of the Tigers are Chris Bendtsen and Alejandro Arroyo-Yamin. These athletes are absolute monsters in cross country and are pure cross guys (granted the had pretty good track seasons, to boot). Their 1-2 finish at HEPS in 2012 was outstanding and should be looking at a similar-type finish this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Bendtsen is returning for his senior season after the best year of his career. A near All-American finish in cross country and honorable mention honors on the track outdoors, sets him up for a potential All-American finish in 2013 in cross country. Bendtsen improved his 5k PR by 21 seconds on the track and as the leader of this team (once again) he will be counted on to push the pace up front with Arroyo-Yamin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alejandro Arroyo-Yamin proved himself as a leader on this team last season as well, finishing 58th at NCAA in cross, 5th at the Mid-Atlantic Regional, and 10th at Notre Dame. As he rolls along with Bendtsen in 2013, they make a very good 1-2 punch and are both capable of top-40 finishes at NCAAs in cross. His less-than-stellar track season this spring is the motivation he needs to really bring it this upcoming season and to be the leader Vigilante needs him to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tyler Udland is a very good no. 3 runner for the Tigers and is just as capable as the previous athletes mentioned to lead this squad and will be looking to keep the gap as close as possible between him and Arroyo-Yamin and Bendsen. Udland had a similarly mediocre track season and will be looking to redeem himself at on the xc course. Udland is a very nice athlete to have in your top five and will be pushing in up-front in the Tigers pack in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Pons, Jonathan Vitez and Eddie Owens are viable options for scorers in Princeton's top five and have quality elite-level racing experience. These guys will be counted on to keep the spread from 1-5 as tight as possible. In fact, the spread for the Tigers should be very good this year and could be as close as :20 seconds in most of their races. By just looking at the track PRs of these athletes, they are all within similar ranges and could be scary good considering how close their spread will be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wildcard for Princeton is big-time recruit from the U.K. William Paulson. A proven track and cross country athlete, Paulson is the perfect guy for Vig's system and should produce immediately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An 11th place ranking in the pre-season matches the way Princeton ended their season in 2012. To be honest, this seems a bit asinine by looking at how many guys return from their best season in school history last year. There are so many teams with top-notch athletes and recruits coming returning and coming for 2013. The Tigers are definitely capable of top-10, but will need to not be content to equal what they did last season. The NCAA is as deep as it has ever been this year and Princeton is among one of the most solid squads in the country, considering who they have returning from 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Princeton has a legitimate shot to win the Mid-Atlantic and HEPS (again) titles in 2013 and that kind of momentum just might push them over the edge and into the top-10 in Terre Haute. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14634762605283561039noreply@blogger.com0