2001 Women's
Cross
Country Outlook
The
University of Southern Indiana’s Lady Eagle Cross Country team will have a
completely new look in 2001, and it is not just the new royal blue uniforms
either.
The team returns just one runner from last year’s top seven. Jenny Farmer (Princeton, Indiana), a national qualifier last season in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, will redshirt the fall season.
Despite
the daunting task of replacing his entire front line, Head Coach Mike
Hillyard is cautiously optimistic.
“The
team will have a nice blend of freshman enthusiasm and veteran experience, but
we will not be a strong team in September and early October,” said Hillyard.
“However, the talent is there if they remain healthy and focused.
This group of young ladies can be a conference contender when October
20 rolls around, but we have to focus on the conference meet.”
Leading
the list of newcomers is Casey
Schneider (New Salisbury, Indiana),
a three-time All-State selection at North Harrison High School. “Casey has
already run very fast times for the 5k distance, said Hillyard. “She will
have no problem adjusting to the longer collegiate distances and is without a
doubt the top freshman recruit in the GLVC.”
Freshman
Andrea Rouse (Clarksville, Indiana)
and Cassie Bartelt (Huntingburg,
Indiana) also will be key figures for the Eagles this fall. Hillyard said,
“Andrea finished 15th at the AAU National Cross Country
Championships last fall, and has run under 19 minutes for 5k. She has a lot of
room for improvement, and could challenge for All-GLVC honors this fall.”
Tricia
Tinius (Floyds
Knobs, Indiana), a transfer from Lindsey
Wilson College, was a four-sport standout at Floyd Central High School. Tinius
was an individual qualifier for the NAIA Cross Country national meet last
fall. “Tricia is a great athlete, and she is as competitive as they come and
will challenge for the number one spot on the team,” said Hillyard.
Returning
junior Erin Oxendine, (Oakland
City, Indiana) was sidelined by injuries in 2000 and will challenge for a
top-seven spot. “Erin’s work ethic will really set a precedent for our new
kids to follow. We will look to her for leadership and guidance,” commented
Hillyard.
Seniors
Jennifer McIntyre (Haubstadt,
Indiana) and Anne Maier (Griffin,
Indiana) are returning after a one-year hiatus from collegiate competition.
As a freshman, McIntyre earned All-GLVC honors in both cross country
and track, and qualified for the NCAA II National Outdoor Track Championships
in the 10k. She has a personal best of 37:17, which ranks her second on
USI’s all-time list.
Sidelined for over a year,
McIntyre is healthy and eager to return to competition. Hillyard stated,
“Jennifer is an excellent cross country runner with national meet experience
and will be the backbone of this team.”
