Since 1985, no other Division III team in the South/Southeast Region has achieved the success of the MWC women's cross country team, but this year's contingent has something to prove. The 1988 team finished second at Regionals, and for the first time since 1984 failed to qualify for the NCAA National Championships.

 

The 1989 squad will feature a mixture of veterans and freshmen, according to head coach Stan Soper, and should once again contend for conference and regional titles. Before the start of the fall semester, Soper reflected on last year's campaign, which was somewhat marred with injuries and illnesses to top performers. According to Soper, the team was unable to peak to its potential, which may have cost MWC a fourth straight trip to nationals. "Last season was a frustrating one for the team," said Soper, "but I am hopeful that we can take that experience and make it work for us this year as a positive. Certainly, we had some runners that ran exceptionally well last fall. This year, I hope we can develop into a strong, consistent team."

 

The Eagles will count on leadership from juniors Audrey Cole (Pasadena, MD) and Kim Cosgriff (Christiansburg,VA). Cole was MWC's top distance runner in '88, placing 52nd at the NCAANational Championships, while Cosgriff - the team's top runner in '87 -looks to recover from an illness-plagued sophomore season. Also returning for Mary Washington will be four-year veteran Brooke Fillmore (Sr./Charlottesville, VA), Wendy Durst (Jr./King George, VA), Carrie Livingston (So./Burke, VA), Paula Gilbert (So./Fairfax, VA), Cheryl Dyer (Jr./Poquoson, VA),Tracey Smith (Jr./Manchester, MD) and Dawn Harmon (Jr./Sterling, VA). A talented group of freshmen - led by Kathy Watson (Chantilly, VA), Rebecca Perry (Seekonk, MA), Leslie Krush (Mechanicsville, MD), Harriet Greenlee (Salt Lake City, UT) and Shelly King (Vienna, VA) - should bolster the top group and provide excellent depth.

 

"I believe we have an excellent squad again this year, but our schedule is much stronger than last season, so we'll have to be ready," said Soper. Capturing the collective sentiment of the team, Soper added: "We fell short last year in reaching some of our team goals, but that should make us more determined this season."