STUDENT LIFE ARCHIVESWhen success comes so often, it is hard to appreciate it for what it is. This is the case for the men’s and women’s cross country teams of Washington University.
Nationally ranked and part of the prestigious University Athletics Association (UAA), both the men’s and women’s teams are prepared for NCAA dominance. This Saturday, Sept. 2, another year of Varsity Cross Country will kick off with the WU Early Bird Meet. The University’s athletic department is also excited to host this year’s UAA Championships, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Forest Park.
Under fifth-year coach Jeff Stiles, both teams look to recapture the success of the past season. Last year, the women’s team not only won UAA and Mid-Western Region titles but also achieved a ranking of third overall at the NCAA championships. The men’s team finished second at the conference meet and sent two participants to the NCAA individual championships.
With talented runners coming back and gifted harriers coming in, Stiles is looking forward to an exciting season.
“We have the potential to have the best teams we have ever had. The women’s team has the potential to be better than last year’s and the men can be a top ten team,” said Stiles.
Sophomore Zach Kimberling is also looking forward to the season.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm for this upcoming season because we are returning five of our top seven [runners] and a host of other guys ready to make the conference and regional teams. In addition, the freshmen class is very good and several have a shot at being top seven.”
Kimberling also noted the success of last season, especially considering that the squad’s top runner, Greg Reindl, was out with a stress fracture.
The optimism is quite high on the women’s side as well.
“I have to say that this is the most excited I have ever been about an upcoming season. Our summer training was the best it has ever been as a team, and that makes everyone even more motivated for this cross country season,” said junior Tyler Mulkin.
As for how this year’s team compares to last year’s squad, Mulkin noted that the team “lost a lot of talented runners due to graduation and other factors,” but believes that the team has the pieces in place to make up the difference. “We have a big freshmen class this season with a lot of potential and we also didn’t have Tricia Frisella last year, who had an awesome track season last semester [before transfering to Wash. U.]. I think we are just as good, if not better than last year, but it’s hard to say this early in the season.”
Mulkin was one of the top performers of last year’s cross country season and was awarded the All-American honors in women’s cross country for her standout sophomore campaign. Mulkin attributes most of her success to her team and its support.
“Probably the biggest contribution to my success at Nationals was the team. When we raced in Ohio, our whole team was there, and that means a lot to have 50 plus athletes that you practiced with all season there to cheer you on the whole way,” said Mulkin.
Senior Beth Herndon also shares Mulkin’s enthusiasm and believes that both upperclassmen and freshmen will make this a successful season.
“We know we have a very strong team, and after two years of placing third at nationals, we’re ready to do better,” said Herndon.
While excited for the upcoming season, Herndon is cautious to declare that her team will take the UAA crown just yet.
“Four of our top five runners from the national meet return, plus we’ve gained Tricia Frisella, who transferred last spring and was a national qualifier in the 5k in track,” said Herndon. “The key to our success is going to be supporting our strength up front with depth.”