Whitworth University heads into the 2009 cross country season with high expectations and high ratings. The Pirates, who hope to build on the success of 2008, return the top five runners from both the men’s and women’s teams a year ago. That experience, combined with the quality depth added by new runners, led to high preseason regional and national rankings for the programs. The Whitworth men are ranked first in the NCAA Division III West Region, and 22nd in the nation, according to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Meanwhile the Pirate women are ranked second in the west and 25th in the country. Click here for the USATFCCCA rankings page.
Neither team has ever been ranked as high in NCAA Division III polls to begin a season. “We appreciate the recognition that last season’s success has brought us,” said Whitworth head coach Toby Schwarz (12th year). “But we know that preseason polls don’t mean anything and we will have to work harder than ever to continue to improve.” The Whitworth men are defending Northwest Conference and NCAA West Region champions. Nick Gallagher (Jr., Bedford, Iowa), Dusty Caseria (Sr., Bellingham, Wash.) and Aaron Jenkins (So., Pocatello, Idaho) were all top-ten finishers at both the NWC and regional championship meets last season. Gallagher is the defending West Regional champion. Emmanuel Bofa (Jr., Puyallup, Wash.) and Collin Stewart (Sr., Carbondale, Colo.) both earned All-Region honors last season by finishing among the top 35 runners. In all the Pirates return nine runners from 2008 and add four new team members in 2009.
The Whitworth women finished tied for second at last season’s NWC Championships and tied for fourth at the regional meet. Like the men, Whitworth returns its top five runners from last season’s NWC meet. Kathryn Williams (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jo E Mayer (Sr., Spokane, Wash.) both earned Second Team All-NWC finishes (top 14). Tonya Turner (So., Spokane, Wash.) and Dana Misterek (So., Gig Harbor, Wash.) just missed Second Team honors, while Kaitlin Hildebrand (Sr., Gig Harbor, Wash.) finished just outside the top-20 individually. Whitworth returns a total of eight runners from last fall and adds four new competitors for a total of 12 runners on the women’s side of the roster. Whitworth will open the season on September 5th at the Whitman Invitational in Walla Walla. The Pirate women, especially, will get a stiff test from the host school. Whitman’s women are rated #1 in the preseason West Region poll. Go to Athletics Home Page > Cross Country > Sports Releases > |
