Central Michigan University Athletics
Women's Cross Country Opens Season Friday
8/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
MOUNT PLEASANT – Avoiding a sophomore slump is what members of the Central Michigan University women’s cross country team will need to do if the team is to be successful in 2006.
A handful of sophomores are expected to be big contributors again this season after solid rookie campaigns.
CMU hits the starting line this Friday, Sept. 1, when the Chippewas host the season-opening Jeff Drenth Memorial at University Park, just south of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The men’s 5K race is set for 4 p.m. while the women will run at 4:30 p.m.
Also scheduled to compete in the non-scored meet are Michigan State and Ferris State.
“This is an opportunity for us to race in a low-key meet that is not scored,” head coach Karen Lutzke said. “We won’t have to worry about team scoring so we can go out against good competition and just see where we are. We’ve only had one real hard workout, so we’ve got to work on jelling. ”
The Chippewas reported for camp on Sunday, Aug. 20 and retreated to Sleeping Bear Dunes for some training and team bonding.
“We ran some good trails and hills, and were able to train without any outside distractions,” Lutzke said. “I’m pleased with how our team has matured individually as athletes over the past year. Our freshmen got a chance at the outdoor MAC Track Championships to see that they can compete at a high level.”
Lutzke points to three sophomores who have looked strong in early workouts, along with junior Elizabeth Carpenter (Whitehall, Mich.). The sophomore trio includes Jackie Rivard (Ubly, Mich.), Amanda Rudert (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) and Michelle Diverio (Battle Creek, Mich.). Rivard was CMU’s top finisher in every meet last season.
Six of the nine Chippewas who competed in last year’s MAC Championships return this season, including seniors Ashley Anderson (Rochester Hills, Mich.) and Liz Burdick (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) and sophomore Sara Prout (Shepherd, Mich.).
CMU was tabbed 10th in the MAC preseason coaches poll as Toledo was named the favorite.
After the Drenth Memorial, CMU will head to the Mel Brodt Invitational on Sept. 16 at Bowling Green. The meet will give the team a preview of the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships course.
A handful of sophomores are expected to be big contributors again this season after solid rookie campaigns.
CMU hits the starting line this Friday, Sept. 1, when the Chippewas host the season-opening Jeff Drenth Memorial at University Park, just south of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The men’s 5K race is set for 4 p.m. while the women will run at 4:30 p.m.
Also scheduled to compete in the non-scored meet are Michigan State and Ferris State.
“This is an opportunity for us to race in a low-key meet that is not scored,” head coach Karen Lutzke said. “We won’t have to worry about team scoring so we can go out against good competition and just see where we are. We’ve only had one real hard workout, so we’ve got to work on jelling. ”
The Chippewas reported for camp on Sunday, Aug. 20 and retreated to Sleeping Bear Dunes for some training and team bonding.
“We ran some good trails and hills, and were able to train without any outside distractions,” Lutzke said. “I’m pleased with how our team has matured individually as athletes over the past year. Our freshmen got a chance at the outdoor MAC Track Championships to see that they can compete at a high level.”
Lutzke points to three sophomores who have looked strong in early workouts, along with junior Elizabeth Carpenter (Whitehall, Mich.). The sophomore trio includes Jackie Rivard (Ubly, Mich.), Amanda Rudert (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) and Michelle Diverio (Battle Creek, Mich.). Rivard was CMU’s top finisher in every meet last season.
Six of the nine Chippewas who competed in last year’s MAC Championships return this season, including seniors Ashley Anderson (Rochester Hills, Mich.) and Liz Burdick (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) and sophomore Sara Prout (Shepherd, Mich.).
CMU was tabbed 10th in the MAC preseason coaches poll as Toledo was named the favorite.
After the Drenth Memorial, CMU will head to the Mel Brodt Invitational on Sept. 16 at Bowling Green. The meet will give the team a preview of the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships course.
Amy Folan Podcast: Welcoming the MacKinnons
Thursday, January 16
MAC Championships Interview: Emily Paupore
Saturday, November 02
2023 MAC Women's XC Championships - Emily Paupore
Saturday, October 28
2023 MAC Cross Country Championships - Jenny Swieton
Saturday, October 28