2003 WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY OUTLOOK
PHILADELPHIA (08/25/03) -- It's not hard to see why women's cross country coach Kevin Quinn can barely contain his enthusiasm when talking about this year's team. He returns a true leader that ended last spring's track season by setting a school record, a sophomore who earned All-Atlantic 10 and All-East honors last fall, and six of his top seven runners.
“I think this year's team is going to develop into a very strong squad. We have a good nucleus of upperclassman and very positive leadership from our captain,” Quinn said. “I think we're going to surprise some people.”
Senior Amy Manwaring will serve as the team's captain and is ready to build on an excellent junior season. At last spring's Atlantic 10 Track and Field Championships, Manwaring established a school record in the 10,000m and qualified for the ECAC Championships. Early indications point to Manwaring only improving on her 19th place showing at last year's A-10 Cross Country Championships.
“Amy came back in great shape and is an excellent influence on our underclassmen,” Quinn said.
The first SJU freshman to earn All-East recognition in the program's storied history, sophomore Ann Regan hopes to bounce back from an injury suffered during the outdoor track season. The Hawks' top runner in all but two races in 2002, Regan's ninth place finish at A-10s was good enough for all-conference honors.
According to Quinn, Regan has worked extremely hard in rehab. A five-time A-10 Rookie of the Week in 2002, the Springfield, Pa. native should be among the conference's top harriers come November.
Junior Colleen Flanagan is primed for a breakout season after a sophomore campaign where she was consistently the Hawks' number two runner. Missing out on all-conference honors by just two seconds, Flanagan will be a key cog in the team's hunt for its third Atlantic 10 Championship.
“Colleen is a very experienced runner and enjoyed a good cross country season last year,” Quinn said. “I think this year will be a coming out for her.”
Junior Erin O'Donnell has worked herself into the top five with a strong track season and dedicated summer of training. After setting the school record in the steeplechase at last spring's Atlantic 10 Championships, Quinn expects the Haddonfield, N.J. native to continue her progress this fall.
Senior Karen Weber is back for her final season and hopes to improve on a 26th place finish at last year's conference championships. Her summer regimen included a steady diet of running and according to Quinn, “she will take her rightful place on the squad.”
The Hawks also have a core of upperclassman, although more suited to the oval, that could help the team this fall. Juniors Mary Crossin and Kelly Victory were members of the school record setting 4x800 relay last year, and Victory placed second in the conference in the indoor 800m. Juniors Jackie Twomey, and Megan Gallagher; sophomores Marcy DeLorenzo, Thuy Nguyen, Gina Giordano, and Anne Marshall; and redshirt freshman Gen Story will provide depth.
Saint Joseph's will host the Atlantic 10 Championships in November at Belmont Plateau. Despite many Hawk runners being familiar with the course, Quinn, however, is cautious to give SJU a decided advantage, especially with city rival and two-time defending A-10 champ La Salle also calling the Plateau home.
The schedule is again competitive, especially with trips planned for the Fordham, William and Mary, Penn State and Notre Dame Invitations. Quinn hopes his squad will be battled tested for the November stretch run to bring home the team's first Atlantic 10 Championship since 2000.
If Quinn's preseason excitement is any indication, the Hawks will certainly be in the hunt.
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