Youth highlights '08 cross country
Posted by Administrator on Sep 10 2008
Sports >>

By Jonathan Cannon
Guest Writer

The University of Nebraska at Kearney cross country team is gearing up for its upcoming season.

Both the men's and women's teams have been practicing since Aug. 20, and they are hoping to improve from last year.

Megan McClure, a junior from Lincoln who is captain of the women's team, really wants to one of the top returning runners this season after losing five top runners from last year's team due to school and eligibility. The women currently have a 12-woman roster, eight being true freshmen.

After placing third in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference last year, the women definitely feel they are a competitive team and can keep up with the competition in the RMAC despite the young team.

McClure said she knows what she can bring to the team leadership wise to keep up in the RMAC: "Being there to support them, pushing them always, no matter what the season's outcome, and to help the freshmen adjust from high school to college."

Chris Hennessy, a fifth-year senior from North Platte, is captain of the men's team. The men's team is also young with only two seniors on the team.

After placing ninth last year in the RMAC, the goal of the season for the men is to place two places higher in the RMAC and make it to the regional meet.

Hennessy also has a leadership plan: "Letting the men know that we're in a competitive conference, and if you do well at conference you will do well at the regional meet."

Hennessy also said that it is important for the men to understand that cross country is a longer season, and it is important to maintain a good focus during workouts which will transfer over into races.

Time trials begin Sept. 12 at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, while the first official meet is Sept. 20 at the Woody Greeno Invite in Lincoln.