2009 Cross Country Season Preview

The 2009 Meredith cross country team is looking to improve on their fourth place finish at the 2008 USA South Athletic Conference Championships at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro, N.C. The 2008 Avenging Angels also finished 24th in the 2008 NCAA Division III Cross Country South/Southeast Regional Women's Championship in Seguin, Texas.

This year’s team consists of a balanced core of veteran runners and a freshman class to push them to the next level.

Returning to the squad this year are Senior Katie Helms, Junior Lauren McDonald and Sophomore Joyce McLeod, all of which took the number one spot at various times in the 2008 season. Sophomore veterans Samantha Ramsdell and Lauren Habermehl are expected to add to the team’s depth.

Making a big impact on the 2009 squad is a large incoming freshmen class. Freshmen Megan Beebe and Katelyn Thacker had a solid summer of training and are ready to step into the college ranks. Freshmen Chelsea Best, Karen Chung, Maggie Crifasi, Aleigha Page, and Megan Thompson were all high school letter winners and are excited to add to the strength of the Meredith Avenging Angels.

The 2009 edition of the Avenging Angels team will open their race schedule at home on September 1 at 5 p.m. as they host Peace College. Meredith hopes to continue the trend to be in the championship hunt of the USA South.