Sept. 18, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - It may seem like some of the fall seasons are already half over, but for the Northwestern women's cross country team the 2003 campaign has only just begun.
The Wildcats will run their headliners for the first time Friday afternoon at the Spartan Invitational, which is being hosted by 13th-ranked Michigan State. The women's race is slated for 2 p.m. on the Forest Akers East Golf Course in East Lansing, Mich.
Northwestern head coach Amy Tush has a simple goal for her charges.
"We want to win," she said. "There are a number of solid programs that will be competing at this meet, but I want us to go out with the mentality that we can beat all of them. Our practices have been going well and I feel comfortable about this group heading into our first meet."
The Wildcats are slated as one of four Big Ten teams to participate in this race -- not a surprise, considering this is the course they will all run again on November 2 at the Big Ten Championships.
"Truthfully, that is the whole reason we are making this trip," said Tush. "We would like to improve our standing at the Big Tens from past years, and so every little advantage we can get we will take. this is a good chance to preview the course and race well there to boost the confidence. To be honest, I'm surprised more Big Ten teams aren't coming."
This will be the first meet for Emily Blakeslee and Diana Hossfeld since last year's NCAA Championships, and while Tush expects those two to lead the 'Cats she expects several others to challenge for a spot in the scoring column.
"Diana and Emily are always going to be there in our top five, their track record has proven that," said Tush. "However, there are several other women who are running well at practice and will help us. Nora Colligan was an alternate at NCAAs last year for us, and I think the hunger to be part of that has boosted her; she is running with a lot of confidence right now.
"Another senior, Nicole Kalogeropoulos, came to me after last year and said she is ready to be great, and her efforts in practice indicate she still feels that way. We also have several underclassmen who are performing well. I am excited for the season."
NU Runners for Saturday
Emily Blakeslee
Nora Colligan
Kalysta Harmon
Diana Hossfeld
Nicole Kalogeropoulos
Catie LaBracke
Lindsay McAlister
Lesley Meade
Mallory O'Niel
Katie Romaine
Rachel Rud
Casey Shea