Northwestern University Athletics
The 2000 Women's Cross Country Outlook
7/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country & Track
July 31, 2000
First Meet: Saturday, Sept. 2 at UIC Home Opener (Sallow Lake Trail, Ill.)
There is a saying that the third time is the charm. With that in mind, head coach April Ecke is hoping that the turning of the millennial calendar -- which also marks the third year in the resurgence of the Northwestern women's cross country program -- will be charming for her harriers.
"We know what to expect now," she said. "We are no longer the new kids on the block. We have veteran experience and the talent to make things happen."
The goal will be to improve upon last year's seventh-place finish at the Big Ten Championships and make some heads turn at the NCAA District Championships.
For the third straight year, Ecke expects junior Jennifer Anderson to be among her elite group. Anderson scored in all eight meets last year, including two races where she was the top 'Cat. Ecke feels that, with a fresh start in 2000, Anderson could garner Big Ten and District honors.
"Jennifer went from being our top runner as a freshman to being second or third last year," said Ecke. "But she has matured and is fired up to be the runner she was as a freshman again."
Another runner who could emerge is senior Shannon McGowan, who scored in five of the six meets she raced in last year and proved a reliable runner.
Three sophomores that Ecke will rely on heavily in 2000 are Karen Rogers, Rachel Evjen and Nicole Kuznia. Every member of the trio scored in at least three meets last year, as Rogers and Evjen competed in every race while Kuznia ran in six. Evjen, in particular, came on strong in the second half of the 1999 season, picking up NCAA All-District honors. Rogers was Northwestern's top finisher at Big Tens and the second Wildcat across the finish line at the District meet. Kuznia, meanwhile, remains a highly-credentialed runner out of Minnesota and could be ready to step up in her second collegiate season.
"Rachel, Karen and Nicole are all talented runners," said April. "I expect them to score consistently for us and show leadership despite the fact that they are only sophomores."
Ecke has a host of runners who will attempt to join the Wildcat leaders and become consistent scorers in 2000. Senior Whitney Meagher ran in five races last year and could be a factor. Classmates Sarah Davis, Laurel Hafer, Carley Jurishica and Kim Miller join her.
Among the juniors, Maria Badaracco ran in every race in 1999 while Laura Evans ran in all but one. They will look to break into the scoring ranks in 2000. A healthy Clarissa Hitchon will compete for a spot in the lineup, along with Elizabeth Gibbons and Katie Webber.
The sophomore class boasts Maureen Farrell, who ran in the Big Ten meet among her six outings last year. Rebecca Lindenberg and Maureen Cullinan will also contribute.
"I think our top 7-8 will be very solid," said Ecke. "We had freshmen last year who played an important part in our success. With a year of training under their belts, they should be even stronger.
"At the same time, we may be in much the same position as last year," she warned. "Our veterans will have to work hard to hold their positions. That's a sign that we have some strong freshmen coming in this fall."
Indeed, a host of newcomers join the Wildcats in 2000, headlined by Emily Blakeslee and Nora Colligan. The duo ran for Rockford, Mich., the second-ranked cross country team in the nation last year. Blakeslee, in particular, brings an impressive resume including two Top 5 finishes in the Michigan state championships. Another impressive newcomer is Catie LaBracke, who won the Illinois Class A title two times in the 1,600 meters during outdoor track.
"In Emily, Nora and Catie, we have three outstanding runners," said Ecke. "Emily and Nora come from a top-notch program and they know what it means to win. That attitude will help them in their transition to the college level. And Catie's awards speak for themselves."
Other newcomers include one more freshman, Becky Lehotzky, along with a quartet of walk-ons -- juniors Sara Jurek, Kathy Travnicek and Lilly Zsolnay, and sophomore Kelsey Otis.
"I am extremely excited about the fall," said Ecke. "Our first year was transition, and last year was a time to prove we were legitimate. Now we are just another team, and our ultimate goal now is no different from any other program: we want to not only improve on our finish at Big Tens, but also run at the NCAA Championships.
"The experience and leadership on our team can allow us to realize that goal," she continued. "We have the ability to be very competitive, in the conference and in our district."
