With a younger team than Colby has seen in several years, the 2000 Cross Country season could be a rebuilding year with several new faces amongst the top 7. Six of the top 8 return from a very productive 99 season. The Lady Mules will be regrouping and hoping to set their goals high, by making a run for a top four team finish at the NCAA Regionals.

During the 99 season Colby won the State Championship, placed 5th at the NESCAC Championship and placed a very close 5th at the NE Div. III Championship. The lady Harriers will be setting their goals at repeating for the State Championship and attempting to capture a top 4 team position at the NE Div. III Championship, which will earn them a trip to the NCAA Nationals. The competition will be fierce, with several strong teams vying for the top four positiions including Williams, Middlebury, Amherst, Brandeis and Tufts.

The nucleus of the team returns with senior tri captain Tiffany Frazer (Russell, Ma.) junior and 99 NCAA individual qualifier, Maria Mensching (Newburyport, Ma.), Katie Macdonald (Danvers, MA.), Rachel Meiklejohn (Windsor, Ct.), Gayle Pageau (Northboro, MA.), and Sarah Piampiano (Cumberland, ME.) all coming off strong 99 seasons. Senior tri-captain, Kate Isley, who was abroad last fall returns and will challenge for a top 7 position. Also tri captain Mindy Pinto will add depth and leadership to the group. Two sophomores, Megan Hoar (Yarmouthport, Ma.) and Maya Burton (Auburndale, Ma.) will also add depth to a relatively young team. The Colby harriers will be looking for contributions from a group of first year students as well, including Nicollette Bolton, (Lacona, NY), Desiree Davis (Clifton Park, NY), Sarah Getchell (Cumberland, Me.) and Mary Phelps (Piedmont, Ca.) and Christina Sisson, (Oakbrook, IL.). With a host of additional first year and returning students, Colby will have to regroup and depend on a relatively young team to rise to the challenges of a very competitive cross country season. Colbyıs success will depend on how close their top 7 runners can stay together. With returning and new talent, the opportunity for a great season is in the hands of 12 or more talented individuals. The journey should be an interesting one.

To receive more information on Colby Women's Cross Country, please contact Coach Deb Aitken by e-mail or by phone: 207-872-3363.

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