Minnesota-Morris is No. 1 Choice in Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
2015 UMAC Woman’s Cross Country Coaches’ Poll
1. 62 Points – University of Minnesota-Morris (6 First Place Votes)
2. 58 Points – College of St. Scholastica (2)
T-3. 44 Points – Bethany Lutheran College
T-3. 44 Points – University of Wisconsin-Superior (1)
5. 38 Points – Martin Luther College
6. 27 Points – University of Northwestern
7. 21 Points – North Central University
T-8. 15 Points – Crown College
T-8. 15 Points – Northland College
ST. PAUL – Defending UMAC champs, the University of Minnesota-Morris, were the number one choice in this year’s women’s cross country preseason poll. The Cougars received six first place votes and a total of 62 points, while the College of St. Scholastica came in not far behind earning 58 points and two first place votes. The third place slot was shared by Bethany Lutheran College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior both netting 44 total points. The Yellowjackets also received one first place vote.
1. University of Minnesota-Morris
2014 UMAC Finish: 1st
Runners Returning: 4
Runners Lost: 1
Last season the Cougars won the UMAC Championship when they had five of the top seven runners in the UMAC Championships. The team would go on to take ninth at the NCAA Regional Meet.
Morris does lose Amanda Peters, who won the UMAC Championships, but do return Rachel Wingenbach, Laura Borkenhagen, Nicole Deziel, and Hannah Goemann. With all that talent back the hope is for the Cougars to capture another UMAC Championship.
2. College of St. Scholastica
2014 UMAC Finish: 2nd
Runners Returning: 14
Runners Lost: 10
For the first time since 2000, the St. Scholastica women’s cross country team did not hoist the UMAC Championship trophy, placing second to the University of Minnesota Morris in 2014.
Entering 2015, the Saints lose one of their top runners in Liz Braml and three of their top seven runners from a season ago. All-conference performers Andrea Mogren and Jordan Johnson return. Mogren was third at the UMAC Championships last season. Sophomores Casey Hovland and Heidi Carlson are also back. Head Coach Steve Pfingsten is expecting big things from Hovland this season.
Look out for newcomers Alora Rands and Grace Koskela to make an impact this season.
T-3. Bethany Lutheran College
2014 UMAC Finish: 3rd
Runners Returning: 4
Runners Lost: 1
The Vikings placed third in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament a year ago and look to improve upon their performance in 2015. The team will be led by first year head coach Michael Dunn, who is eager to continue the program’s success. With the return of several athletes that have experienced success in the past, and talented newcomers, the Vikings are excited about the 2015 season.
The 2015 team will be led by juniors Megan Sauer and Lauren Farquhar who both have earned All-UMAC honors in their first two seasons at Bethany. Kirsten Elyea and Katie Caflisch will be back for their sophomore campaigns in hopes to improve upon their strong finishes in 2014.
New to the lineup this year will be freshman Morgan Sauer, Katie Farquhar, and Megan Morehouse. These three athletes will look to make an immediate impact on the team this year and beyond.
T-3. University of Wisconsin-Superior
2014 UMAC Finish: N/A
Runners Returning: 9
Runners Lost: 2
The 2015 Yellowjacket women’s cross country team stands to be something that the program hasn’t experienced in some time – a veteran team. Over the past few years the Yellowjackets have been a young team, competing in one of the toughest conferences and toughest regions in the nation. During that time a young group of runners has gained valuable competitive experience, and the group has matured into what should be a strong competitor in a new conference and a new region.
Only two runners from last year’s team will not return in 2015, meaning nine runners with significant collegiate experience return. Heading the charge for the Yellowjackets is a pair of seniors. Jackie Erickson improved her times as the weeks went on a year ago, posting new personal records several times. Another senior leading the way is Kate Weyenberg; who has been among the top runners for the Yellowjackets since joining the team in 2012. The diminutive Sophia Bornowski, who had a strong freshman season, particularly in the campaign’s latter stages, also returns and is looking to make greater strides in her second year.
In addition to the returners, Yellowjacket Head Coach Glen Drexler has also added a group of talented newcomers, making the Yellowjackets a team to watch in UMAC in 2015.
5. Martin Luther College
2014 UMAC Finish: 4th
Runners Returning: 4
Runners Lost: 3
The Martin Luther College women’s cross country team must replace three of its top runners from last season, but hopes to improve on last season’s fourth place finish at the UMAC Championships.
The Knights lost veterans Emilee Koltz, Amara Biebert and Julie Kent from last year’s roster, but they return several talented and experienced runners to lead the 2015 team. Rachel Winter was the team’s second-best finisher at the conference meet, finishing 15
th, and returns for her sophomore season. She will be joined by returners Alanna Habben, Sarah Hackbarth, Sarah Schulte and Tessa Heiling.
MLC also has several first-year runners hoping to make an impact in 2015, led by Abby Lash, Janet Putz and Sydney Cody.
6. University of Northwestern
2014 UMAC Finish: 7th
Runners Returning: 8
Runners Lost: 4
With a lineup of 12 women, Northwestern looks to improve upon its seventh place finish from last year's UMAC championship. The Eagles return their top runner Alyssa Arends but are not returning Danica White, a standout rookie last season.
UNW welcomes back Sara Brook, Lisa Greenslade, Hannah Melton, Megan Reece, Dominique Ward, and Kristen Westblade. Newcomers Breanna Himmerich and Vanessa Whyte are also predicted to make an impact on the team.
7. North Central University
2014 UMAC Finish: 5th
Runners Returning: 2
Runners Lost: 3
North Central will be in full rebuilding mode as a team while also boasting a potential all-conference athlete at the front of their pack. Just one senior will combine with a group of freshman and sophomores looking to build for the future at North Central.
Senior Annalise Schroeder has a pair of All-UMAC awards from her freshman and sophomore season and will look to become a three time all-league athlete in her final year in a gold jersey. Sophomore Hannah Foster will come into the fall looking to progress from her first year as a Ram where she ran her fastest races for 5k and 6k at the end of last season. Freshman Brianna Griffin will come into the Rams fold looking to build on a solid high school career and be a future leader at the front of the Rams pack.
T-8. Crown College
2014 UMAC Finish: 6th
Runners Returning: 3
Runners Lost: 2
Two of last year’s top five runners will not be running in the fall for Crown College. With the loss, the remaining runners will need to step up to fill the gaps that have been made. Elizabeth Kern is the top returning runner for Crown and with the help of the other two returning top five runners, Beth Zoromski and Hannah Olson, will be pushing for good things from this year’s squad.
Three freshmen hope to make a contribution this fall. Alyssa Coleman, Olivia Erickson and Hannah Myers will be new to the squad but will push the returning members for spots on the team.
T-8. Northland College
2014 UMAC Finish: 8th
Runners Returning: 3
Runners Lost: 2
Northland College Women's Cross Country is preparing for a sensational season. First year head coach Peter Macky is focusing on rebuilding and expanding the team, which will be led by core returners Kim Oldenborg, Marina Hein, and Katie Nolan.
The Lumber Jills will lay the groundwork for the future with the addition of freshmen Ida Harden, Hannah Hoff, Haley Keen, and Isabel Meyer.
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