Consistency has been a trademark in the Mary Washington College cross country and track and field programs under head coach Stan Soper. The 1990-91
campaign proved no exception, as both the men's and women's cross country teams won regional titles en route to NCAA appearances. Three members of the
women's track team qualified for nationals as well, all of whom earned All-American honors.
The women's regional title in cross country was MWC's fifth in six seasons, and - behind All-America senior Kim Cosgriff - the Eagles finished 12th at the NCAA meet. Meanwhile, the men's team finally hurdled a series of second-place finishes to cop its first regional crown and a first trip to nationals, finishing 18th overall. For his efforts, Soper was named regional Coach of the Year. The women's team also won its first Mason-Dixon Conference title and a sixth state Division II-III crown in seven seasons, while the men won their second state title in three years.
Since 1985,no other Division III team in the South/Southeast Region has approached the success of the MWC women's cross country contingent The Eagles have won five of the past six regional titles to earn berths to nationals. The '91 squad aims for another regional crown, but will sport a much different lineup than the 1990 champions.
Three of last year's top performers -including All-American Kim Cosgriff - have graduated, but the Eagles return several veterans who will help MWC again contend for state, conference and regional honors. Juniors Harriet Greenlee (Salt Lake City, UT) and Lesley Krush (Mechanicsville, MD) should lead the top group, while sophomores Kim Manion (Millboro, VA) and Karen Dickinson (Lebanon, NH) will help to form a tightly packed group of runners. Freshmen to watch include Melissa Brown (Alexandria, VA), Etta Agan (Fredericksburg, VA), Jennifer Dyson (Richmond, VA) and Tara McAvoy (Centerreach, NY).