2004 Preview

Men's and Women's Cross Country looking to break out in 2004

 By Molly Burnell, Sports Information Assistant
September 3, 2004

 

   Head Cross Country coach Janey Meeks is looking to make her first year at Bluffton University a memorable one. The new team is expecting to expand on their 2003 season as the men finished fourth and the women finished fifth in the Heartland Conference. Meeks is excited to help the teams improve, “We are looking for the men to finish second in the conference this season and the women to finish third.”   This year’s squad will be counting on veteran runners and key first year members of the team to take the squad to the next level.

 

   With one senior and all key runners returning from last season, the men are looking to have a break out year.  Senior Andy Schiefer (Bucyrus/Wynford) will bring his knowledge and leadership to the team again this year to help the Beavers.    

 

   Junior Dan Rosebrock (Napoleon/Napoleon) and sophomore Dave Espinoza (Toledo/Whitmer) will be looking to lead the men this season.  Also returning for the Beavers will be junior Patrick Cooley (Ludlow Falls/Milton Union) and sophomores Jordan Bruner (Wauseon/Pettisville), and Johnny Ichrist (Toledo/Whitmer).

 

   Along with the returning runners the Beavers will be welcoming several first year team members, Tyler Fairchild (Toledo/Whitmer), Michael Koch (Liberty Center/Liberty Center), Jeremy Rowe (Plymouth/Plymouth), and Hillary Shilasio (Eldoret, Kenya) will look to contribute to the team this season. 

 

   The women’s team will be looking to their upperclassman for leadership and experience this season.  This year’s squad will be returning a lone senior Jennifer Niedermier (New Washington/Seneca East).  Niedermier will be brining a veteran perspective to the team in 2004.

 

   This Beavers will be looking towards their group of juniors to bring experience to the squad this year.  Lauren Borga (New Philadelphia/New Philadelphia), Jennifer Creamer (Westerville/Westerville South), Carrie Hudecek (Chesaning, Mich./Chesaning), Alicia Stanko (Findlay/Liberty Benton), and Stephanie Welch (Berne, Ind./South Adams) will all be returning in 2004 to help carry the team.

 

   Sophomores Lauren Bailey (Powell/Upper Arlington) and Lindsay Bryant (Liberty Center/Liberty Center) along with first year runner Sarah Humphrey (Upper Sandusky/Upper Sandusky) who will look to add success to the team this season.