The University of Mary Washington women's cross country team opens the 2013 season ranked fourth in the South/Southeast Regional poll by the USTFCCCA. The men's team ranks eighth in the region in the same release.
The defending CAC champion Eagle women welcome back not one but two CAC Runners of the Year in Liz Green (2011 champion) and Tara Landy (2012), as well as reigning CAC Rookie of the Year Lauren Braney. Several freshmen will push for top-five finishes as well, providing head coach Stan Soper, in his 30th year at UMW, with quality as well as depth in the lineup.
The UMW men enter the season with high expectations, with all-region runners Jeff Branson and Corey Lyons, plus Julian Menk. Gone are three standouts from last season due to graduation, but several freshmen should contribute immediately to the Eagles' top group. UMW will look to regain top honors in the conference after placing second a season ago.