Women's Cross-Country Preview
In 2005, the Campbellsville University Women's Cross-Country team fell just shy in their bid to qualify for the N.A.I.A. Championships. This year, they look to reverse that trend.
"We return everyone from last year's Mid-South Conference and N.A.I.A. Region XI runner-up team. We are obviously excited about the fact that we have embraced last seasons break-through year, and committed ourselves fully, starting this summer, to moving up one spot in the conference/regional meet. This team has all the ingredients to be the best squad that C.U. has ever had. Our women can't wait to get back to Campbellsville and begin the journey," said head coach Mark Rowe.
The Lady Tigers will be led by sophomore standout Miranda Meeks, 2nd in the Mid-South Conference/Region XI Championships a year ago.
"Miranda had a terrific year last year. For her to come in to our program fresh out of high school (Caldwell County) and have the year she had says great things about her dedication and desire to be the best that she can be. The key for her is not to reflect on past success, but to move on to bigger and better things. I have no doubt that she will do just that. She is a born leader," commented Coach Rowe.
The strength does not stop there for the Lady Tigers. Juniors Sara Branch, Brittany Leone, Juleah Green, Lauren Bales and sophomores Teryl Davis and Heidi Bloomquist will give the team added leadership at the front of the pack.
"We will have a very strong pack. Anyone one of these ladies can step up and be our 1, 2 or 3 runner on the team on any given Saturday morning. The main ingredient to winning championships is packing. A team may have one or two very good girls up front and be lacking on the final three scorers and not win the meet. That is not going to be a problem with this team at all," continued Rowe.
The lone seniors on this year's team are Stephanie Thompson and Erin Sapp. "Both of these young ladies have been the heart and soul of our program in terms of their attitude and commitment to this team for the last several seasons. I am confident they will go out and continue to be the role models and excellent runners that they have been since they arrived at C.U. The leadership of a team starts at the top and these two have all of the qualities that characterize wonderful leaders," said Rowe.
Be on the lookout for another great year for C.U. Lady Tiger Cross-Country in 2006.
Men's Cross-Country Preview
The Campbellsville University Men's Cross-Country team begins the 2006 campaign excited about a great mix of returning runners and newcomers to the program.
"We lost a great senior leader in T.J. Eubanks. In many instances, he had become the 'face' of the program for the last four seasons. It is hard to replace an individual such as T.J. both in the classroom and out on the cross-country course, but our incoming freshman will do great things both this year and in the future," said head coach Mark Rowe.
C.U. looks to rely on its freshman to contribute immediately in 2006. They consist of Kentucky natives Chase Haertel (Woodford County), Jonathan Hendrix (Bourbon County), Dale Smothers (Marion County), and Ohio native Corey Kipfer. Rowe said that each runner comes from a high school program where they were well coached and he is confident the transition from a 5k (3.1 mile) to a 8k (5 mile) race will not be a problem.
Returning for the 2006 seasons are sophomores Zack Hayden and Andre Braima. "Both Zack and Andre used last season to get used to the stresses of college, both in and out of the classroom, and came through very well for us at the end of the year. I would expect nothing but the same this year as both young men are stronger and better adapted to what it takes to succeed at this level," Rowe said.
The team's strength may lay in the hands of three juniors, all of whom came to C.U. in the same recruiting class in 2004. Jacob Smith, Jon Buchanan and Daniel Johnson will be counted on for leadership in the 2006 campaign.
"I have the utmost respect for our junior class," continued Rowe. "I have watched these three guys develop as their teammate in 2004, their assistant coach last year, and now their head coach this year. I know what kind of runners they are and I admire their work ethic and dedication to this team the last two seasons. They, in many ways because we have no seniors, will be our main source of strength this season on a daily basis. I need their leadership in practice and their experience on race day to come through for us big this year, and I fully anticipate this season being their best one to date. Jon and Jacob both struggled with injuries last year and became better individuals because of it. Daniel is one of those guys that has plugged away faithfully for two seasons and he will get the breakthrough year he deserves."
The main goal for the team this year is to return to a top three finish at the Region XI Championships after placing 4th last year.
"Of course, our ultimate goal is to finish the season, as one team not just a couple of individuals, at the N.A.I.A. Championships. I am aware, as always, that the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College and Union College (TN) all return very strong squads. If we can develop like we should and focus primarily on our progress and enjoyment of the journey to the post-season and not the destination of the post-season, I have no doubt this team will have a very tremendous year," Rowe concluded.