2008 Woodie Awards
Women's cross country ready to run
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Sports
Elizabeth Johnson
Contributing writer
Under the direction of Head Coach Dereck Chavis and Assistant and Long Distance Running Coach Chris England, Murray State's 13 runners have endured a summer of tedious physical preparation in the form of organized training.
This summer training was initiated with the hopes that it would help the team improve from last year's season.
Mentally, England said his runners are more than prepared.
"After being ranked seventh in the 2007 pre-season OVC poll and then prevailing to win fourth place has been a great source of motivation for the team," Coach England said. "They know that they hold potential which is a key to moving up in the standings before this season's championship."
The Racers want to increase their mental and physical strength under the leadership of last year's No. 1 runner, junior Taylor Crawford and lone senior Alaina Zanin.
Sophomore Katelyn Jones is also returning with sights set on improving last year's championship finish.
England said he is also excited about the strong supporting cast of incoming freshman runners.
England said the team hopes to improve from last year, but most of all, they are keeping their eyes on the goal of winning the OVC championship title.
The 2008 preseason OVC poll placed the Racers to finish second at the end of the season, below last year's champions, Eastern Kentucky University.
With utmost confidence, England said he believes this pre-season pick will increase the confidence and overall progression of the team.
"Being picked second in the pre-season poll shows improvement over last year and the team is gaining respect from other conference schools," England said. "A conference victory in the championship is definitely attainable."
The Racers have more to look forward to in the upcoming months as they face a schedule comprised of bigger and better opponents in comparison to that of previous years.
Contributing writer
Under the direction of Head Coach Dereck Chavis and Assistant and Long Distance Running Coach Chris England, Murray State's 13 runners have endured a summer of tedious physical preparation in the form of organized training.
This summer training was initiated with the hopes that it would help the team improve from last year's season.
Mentally, England said his runners are more than prepared.
"After being ranked seventh in the 2007 pre-season OVC poll and then prevailing to win fourth place has been a great source of motivation for the team," Coach England said. "They know that they hold potential which is a key to moving up in the standings before this season's championship."
The Racers want to increase their mental and physical strength under the leadership of last year's No. 1 runner, junior Taylor Crawford and lone senior Alaina Zanin.
Sophomore Katelyn Jones is also returning with sights set on improving last year's championship finish.
England said he is also excited about the strong supporting cast of incoming freshman runners.
England said the team hopes to improve from last year, but most of all, they are keeping their eyes on the goal of winning the OVC championship title.
The 2008 preseason OVC poll placed the Racers to finish second at the end of the season, below last year's champions, Eastern Kentucky University.
With utmost confidence, England said he believes this pre-season pick will increase the confidence and overall progression of the team.
"Being picked second in the pre-season poll shows improvement over last year and the team is gaining respect from other conference schools," England said. "A conference victory in the championship is definitely attainable."
The Racers have more to look forward to in the upcoming months as they face a schedule comprised of bigger and better opponents in comparison to that of previous years.
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