Courtesy: Zolton Cohen
Cross Country Opens Season at Valparaiso
The Broncos were recently picked sixth in the Mid-American Conference coaches poll, right where they finished at last season's MAC Championship.
Western Michigan returns a few of its top runners from last season including Rachel Whitley, Aisha Hodge, Teresa Marin and Cara Cremeans.
"One thing I told them at camp the other day was that I'd be really excited for this year," said head coach Kelly Lycan, who begins his 13th season at the helm. "The last two season's we have lost our two big dogs and this opens up everything for someone to step up and be our number one runner."
Whitley finished just one spot shy of being named All-MAC at last year's MAC Championship. Hodge saw steady improvement as did Marin.
"A lot of people had great improvements last year," said Lycan, who also credits second-year assistant coach Dani Prince. "I think almost everyone recorded a personal-record last season."
"Aisha should have a lot of confidence after a great track season," added Lycan. "Rachel also knows she can run at a high level."
Freshmen Rachel Figurski and Tiffany Rauch also add depth to the squad.
The Broncos lone home meet, the annual George Dales Invitational, takes place next Friday at Pine View Golf Club in Three Rivers, Mich.
