Cross Country

Author: Evan Daniel

After an intensive, quality preseason and with one meet already completed, both the men's and women's cross country teams are well on their way to an exciting season. The teams find strength in "consistent strong training on hilly terrain and dedication to the miles as well as strong leadership from the captains," said coach Nicole Wilkerson.

The talented core of the women's team continues to improve, a group that is now complemented by a strong incoming class. The team is led by tri-captains Alexandra Krieg '09, Charlotte Bemis '09, and Hallie Fox '09. Last year Krieg, having finished 3rd at Nationals, continued to improve during the track season, setting new school records in the 5k and 10k and earning All-American honors in both. Many other returners have recovered from injuries and are eager for a healthy team.

"The men's team has been very competitive right from the get-go," said tri-captain Bruce Hallett '10, who leads alongside Rainey Johnson '09 and Peter Murphy '09. The men's team benefits from the great cameraderie within the team members and looks forward to the contributions of many new talented first years.

"It is a long season and in September the team works hard in both quantity and quality of work," said Wilkerson. The men's and women's cross country teams will work steadily, peaking at the big meets towards the end of the season. Although the NESCAC meet will be held in Maine this year on November 1, the teams will be seeing all of their rivals on Oct. 7 at the Open New England meet. Come support the team at home when Middlebury hosts a dual meet with Williams next weekend and again for the Middlebury Invitational on Sept. 20.