Teams #9-10 on the NCAA cross country pre-season rankings for women:
Emma Coburn & Shalaya Kipp (Source: Yardbarker.com)
10. Colorado
The Buffalos were touted as a potential top five team a year ago as Jenny Barringer eyed an individual title. Unfortunately Barringer had her infamous collapse and the team struggled to a 20th place finish. This season, coach Mark Wetmore brings back a strong squad that includes many who had excellent track campaigns. Sophomore Allie McLaughlin was the top freshman in the NCAA in 2009 coming in 5th at nationals. She didn’t compete outdoors, but has always been a strong cross country runner going back to high school and should be looking for another top 10. Emma Coburn continued to progress in the steeplechase this spring as she lowered her PR to 9:51.86 and placed second at NCAA’s. Following closely in the steeple is Shalaya Kipp, who broke 10 minutes twice and claimed fifth place at nationals in that event. Rounding out the scoring squad for CU are senior Laura Thweatt, junior Katie *******, and sophomore Laura Tremblay.
9. Stanford
Alex Dunne (Source: Yardbarker.com)
After a few “down” years for a program that won multiple national titles in the early 2000’s, coach Jason Dunn brings a team with great potential back in 2010, but will need a number of key players to stay healthy. Alex Gits showed tremendous talent her fresman year of track in 2008, running 33:19.12 for 10k and finishing third at NCAA’s in that event. Since then, she’s struggled with a number injuries that have set her back. Sophomore Alex Dunne was one of Stanford’s top runners throughout last season but has also suffered injuries that cost her her indoor and outdoor seasons. Junior Stephanie Marcy (8th at NCAA 10k) and sophomore Kathy Kroeger (5th at NCAA 5k) both became track All-Ameicans and look to carry their success to cross country. The biggest recruit that the Cardinal landed is Jessica Tonn from Paradise Valley, Arizona. Tonn was a multiple-time Foot Locker qualifier in high school and should be in contention for a spot on the scoring squad along with junior Georgia Griffin.
Original Story:
http://spikeduppsychedup.com/2010/08/...
