Virginia Cross Country Squads Ranked Nationally In Preseason Poll
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Sept. 11, 2007
Charlottesville – The Virginia women’s cross country team is ranked 11th in the preseason poll, as announced by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches’ Association. The men are ranked 28th by the same organization.
“We are pleased that both teams have been recognized nationally,” said Jason Dunn, Virginia’s head cross country coach. “With the women returning three All-Americans and adding the U.S. Junior National Champion in the steeplechase, there is a strong foundation already. The men also return four of the five scorers from the team that finished 14th last year, and Ryan Foster returns as well, so we are looking for good things from the men as well.”
All-Americans Emily Harrison, Kara Scanlin and Katie Read return for the Cavaliers after helping Virginia finish 14th last year at Terre Haute. Stephanie Garcia, the 2007 U.S. Junior National Champion in the steeplechase, redshirted in 2006 and will race for Virginia in 2007. In addition, Lauretta Dezubay, Janine Ricci, Jen Dolson and Sara Casscells all have NCAA experience and provide incredible depth for the Hoos, who won their opening meet of the season, the Lou Onesty Invitational. The women are the top-ranked team in the Southeast Region.
The men’s side welcomes back All-American Jan Foerster and three of the other top-five finishers from the 14th place team in 2006. Andy Biladeau, the current ACC Cross Country Performer of the Week, won the Lou Onesty Invitational on Sept. 8. Taylor Smith has both ACC and NCAA experience, and ACC Champion Ryan Foster returns after redshirting in 2006. The men also welcome a talented class of newcomers, including a pair of Footlocker finalists in Emil Heineking and Ryan Collins.
“It is great that the program is being noticed in the preseason,” said Randy Bungard, the Director of the Track and Field/Cross Country program at Virginia. “We want to be thought of regularly in a discussion on the national scene, and this recognition is a nice start to the season.”
The Cavaliers will next compete in the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sept. 29.