Following back-to-back Mid-American Conference championships, expectations are high for the women's cross country team. (The conference) is what we work for all season and
obviously winning back-to-back we want to do it again
said junior Kari Summers. I don't think that it's anywhere out of reach for us.The Bobcats were picked to finish second in the MAC, mainly because of their three returning all-MAC selections, which include Summers, junior Annie Beecham and senior Julia Weisenborn. The freshmen add depth and talent to the squad and are expected to make an immediate impact. Despite this, the women are not looking to impress anybody early in the season.We had a good women's class come in
but we're dealing with some injuries
said coach Clay Calkins. I would classify it as a slow start.Four freshmen are injured, including Hannah Charbel, who was projected to be one of the Bobcats' top runners.But the upperclassmen know that the MAC is not decided at the beginning of the season.We are definitely going to shine at the end
said Beecham.The men's cross country team looks to improve on their fourth place finish in the MAC even though they were ranked sixth in the preseason polls. The team is very optimistic because their freshmen class has exceeded expectations.We've been pleasantly surprised by the freshmen class
said senior Shamus Eaton. The whole group came in really prepared and is ready to contribute more than we thought they would.Tyler Cantley and Dan Quarfoot are two of the freshman that should help. Quarfoot decided about a month before the season to run for Ohio.(Quarfoot) will actually be in our top five
said Calkins.Eaton and juniors Todd Holbrook and Ridge Robinson are the top three returning runners for the men. The lack of experience, however, does not seem to bother the Bobcats.We think that
in the conference
we can do as good if not better than last year
