Aug. 23, 2006

By Eric Buck, NAIA Sports Information

It's déjà vu for the Simon Fraser University (B.C.) women's cross country team, as they will begin their 2006 campaign in the same manner 2005 closed, in the number one position.  The Clan may have lost last year's individual champion Julia Howard to graduation, but they do return a strong core of runners to carry on the tradition. Returning to the course will be two 2005 NAIA All-Americans Kristen Kolstad and Meredith MacGregor.

While the top spot may have been unanimous, the next three places weren't as clear cut, as four points was all that separated second, third and forth in the poll.  The second position in the 2006 preseason rating is held by last year's fourth-place finisher Cedarville University (Ohio).  Returning a multitude of talent, the Yellow Jackets will look to Samantha Maat for leadership.

Third-ranked University of British Columbia remains constant after finishing in third last season.  The Thunderbirds return a large group that will provide a solid core of experience for the upcoming season.

In the fourth spot is Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.).  Although ranked at No. 2 at the end of last year, the Tigers mustered a seventh-place finish at nationals.  Relying on returning All-Americans Bethany McCoy and Carmin Green, the Tigers are poised to make this season end with a championship.

Despite losing the #1, #2 and #5 runners, Concordia University (Calif.) rounds out the top five.  Strong recruits combined with the remaining veterans should prove to be a winning combination for the Eagles.

Movers and Shakers
What a difference a year makes! Park University (Mo.) and Roberts Wesleyan College (N.Y.) both went from being unranked at the end of 2005, to being in the Top15 to start out the 2006 season. Park added some much needed depth and injury problems prevented Roberts Wesleyan from having a better season in 2005. If they stay healthy, they could turn some heads in 2006.

Off The Charts
Doane College (Neb.), MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.), and Lindenwood University (Mo.) all dropped out of the Top 25. Time will tell if each can gain enough respect to earn more votes.

Wild Cards
Jamestown College (N.D.) and Siena Heights University (Mich.) both snuck into the top 25 after good showings in 2005, but the question is, will they have enough to stay there, or possibly even climb to the top 15?

Click here to view the preseason rating.