Lady Eagles Open Cross Country Season at Tulane Invitational
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss women's cross country team officially opens the 2002 season at the Tulane Invitational, Sept. 6.

The Lady Eagles return four of the top seven runners from last year's team. New cross country coach Deb Osteen makes her coaching debut with perhaps the strongest Southern Miss team in recent years. Heading the list of returnees are seniors Janet Rono and Jessica Crump. Also returning are junors Keri White and Tomeka Shaffer, along with sophomores Karen Tankersley and Erica Scharfenstein. Rono was named all-conference and all-South region last season, finishing in the top five in both races.

"We are looking for Janet and Jessica to have great seasons," Osteen said. "They are looking pretty good in practice right now, but we won't know much until we actually get out there and run. Keri and Karen also had solid seasons last year. We want to continue to improve from meet to meet, getting ready for the conference meet."

Southern Miss will host the 2002 Conference USA Cross Country Championship, Nov. 2.