Cross country looks to be in the title hunt

They can run, but they cannot hide.

The 1996 Yale cross country squads look to be solid contenders in this fall's Ivy crown hunt. This is no different from years past. This year, however, it will take a total team effort because there is no consistent superstar on whom they can rely.

The men's team

The men lost six seniors to graduation, but are looking to return a stellar squad of talented underclassmen. The Bulldogs finished sixth in the league two years ago and placed fifth last year. Hopefully, the Blue can continue their upward climb in the standings this year and contend for the league title. "This year's team is a lot more low-key and relaxed. We're just going to try to run to our potential and not worry about too much," Charles Riely, ES '98, said.

They are led by two terrific seniors, captain Patrick McMurray, SY '97, and Chris Gansen, ES '97, who is the top returner. Another team strength is the talented junior class. Returning scorers include Chris Karas, SM '98, and Eli Huge, MC '98. Other returning varsity runners are Riely and Matt Harris, MC '98. A pleasant surprise in the early season has been the running of Rich Seltenrich, BR '98.

Working in favor of the Elis, who lack a real workhorse, is the lack of a clear favorite in the Ivy League. In addition, the Blue can boast a very deep and hard-working squad. The Bulldog team philosophy is one of high expectations but also realism. "We know we don't have any superstars or phenoms, but we have lots of good guys. If we have five guys step up every week, I think we can surprise a lot of people this year," Riely said.

The women hope to return to their powerhouse glory days of the mid-80s, and it appears as if they have the firepower to do it. Optimism abounds because the squad is coming off of an ECAC University Division championship in 1995. Yale's top runner, Cynthia Miller, DC '98, is back once again to lead the harriers into competition.

Miller was a finalist in the mile in both of her first two years at the indoor Heptagonal Championships and also managed a 15th-place finish at the Heptagonals in cross country last year.

Captain Kristen White, BK '97, is coming off of a strong spring track and field season and was a consistent top three finisher along with Leah Boucher, BR '97.

Junior Liz Swift, BR '98, returns this season from injury and brings with her high school all-state accolades. Ariana Kelly, MC '99, brings with her the title of New England Prep School runner-up as a senior in high school.

The squad looks for Geena-Mary Sankoorikal, ES '99, to break out this year and become a top five finisher. In addition, power-house sophomores Jamie Felix, PC '98, Susie Pepper, MC '99, and Deirdre Brill, TC '99, will also be key contributors to the team's success.

"We have a lot of girls coming out this year, and hope to avoid the injuries which plagued us at the end of last year. If we can stay healthy and strong as well as maintain our core running group, we should have a good team," Felix said.

Among the final pieces of the puzzle for the Blue appears to be the strong Class of 2000. Leading the way for the frosh are Colorado 3,200 meter champ Kathleen Eddy, JE '00, Kansan Molly Imber, SY '00, Amy Williams, DC '00, of Pennsylvania, and another New England Prep School standout, Susan Zahran, PC '00.

"With Cynthia Miller returning and a solid core of women behind her, the team looks good. We like to call ourselves the `Blue Goo' becuase we run together in a group. If we stick together, we should be just fine," Felix said about the squad's teamwork.

Their hard work ethic, mixed with a positive attitude, makes for a winning-recipe. The Elis should surprise a few teams in the Ivy League this season on their way to a successful finish.