Expectations are high for the women’s cross country team, as they were ranked third in the NAIA Coach’s Preseason Poll.
The Lady Eagles finished 12th in the NAIA championships last year. Despite having no seniors on the team, the Eagles are confident in their team and work ethic.
“I can’t control the rankings, but we can control the training and rests. There’s things within our control and if we come out ready to run hard than whatever happens happens. The team is focused and thinking big,” Coach Jonathan Zimmerman said.
The Eagles have five juniors on the team, including Katie Thede, Erika Perez, Kelsey Gasner, Danielle Calhoun, and Sarah Brooks. These five will be looked up to as they try and lead the team to bigger and better things in this upcoming season.
“We are a really close team with the same goals in mind, and I think that has contributed to why other teams now see us as the team to beat,” Thede said.
The Eagles will open their year September 12 at UC Irvine.
The Biola men’s cross country team also opens September 12 at UC Irvine. They have five returning seniors on the team and expect to make an impact on and off the field.
“We strongly want to press on to our younger teammates that our identities are not found in running or anywhere near it, but in being followers and lovers of Jesus Christ,” said senior runner Kyle McNulty.
The team’s focus is more than simply running, but becoming a united team.
“They have really bought into being a team,” Zimmerman said regarding his team. “It’s neat to see their maturity and leadership.”
With nine runners on the team, each runner looks to push another.
“I also would hope to help push the team to reach its full potential,” said freshman Spencer Lyle.
Despite growing as a team, expectations as a competitive school also remain high.
“When they race I expect they won’t be far apart,” Zimmerman said. “I anticipate the time between the top runner and the last runner won’t be very much.”
With the program being established, this year’s team looks to make a mark during the season as one of the elite running schools in their division.
