When you finish second in the Mid-American Conference one season, your goal for the next season becomes very simple. Make it to that top spot.
That will be the 2003 Ball State women's cross country team's goal for the season. Head Coach Sue Parks said, "We have a real motivated group to chase that goal."
The team has a roster of just ten runners this season after starting the summer with 15. "The ten out are serious, in shape and motivated," said Parks.
The team will have a difficult task replacing Stacey Ritz and Katie Nowak, the top two runners from last season who graduated. Ritz, who had a lot of injury problems throughout last season was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA, but decided this summer that she did not want to return to the team. She lead the team last year at the NCAA Championships placing 77th. Head Coach Parks said, "You never like to lose a runner like that. She's an All-American."
Of the ten runners, there are three solid returning runners that will be an instrumental part of the team from the beginning. Crystal Meeks and Jill Scully were both All-MAC last season. Those two along with Sarah Huddleston proved themselves last year by being among the Cardinals top five scorers at the NCAA Championships.
Runners that could fill the remaining top spots are Linda Stebbins, Aubrey Gaffer and Nicole Hartford, all who gained experience last season. Two freshman that may step up and be instrumental to the team as well are Amanda Ponsot and Rose Lehe.
After a summer of practicing, the team will compete in its first meet tomorrow at the Butler Open. The meet will be a good way for the team to see what kind of shape they're in and give them a chance to further plan their training and focus in on their goals.
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