Cross country goes 'cross state to compete in Stanford Invite

By Chris Gouveia

When asked about last year’s cross country team, coach Shannon Lieder paused for a while then said simply, “This year’s team is much stronger.”

Lieder isn’t looking to make excuses for a team that has finished near the bottom of the WAC the last three years, she is only focused on moving forward. This year’s Bulldogs have one goal in mind-- a birth in the NCAA regionals.

If they want to get there, they’ll be carried on the swift feet of returning star, senior Kara June. June is coming off an impressive season in which she was the only member of the Bulldogs squad to qualify for the NCAA regionals.

According to Lieder, June has finally dedicated herself to excelling at cross-country and has become the Bulldogs fastest and most consistent athlete.

“ The first couple years, I don’t think she totally bought into the concept of running and training for the 6k run, but I believe that’s changed.”

With June’s abilities and her new focus on being one of the best, Lieder said she expects her to contend with the best in the conference.

“ I wouldn’t put being a top five runner in the WAC beyond her.”

But, June’s definitely not alone. Also leading the pack are freshman Danielle Ramirez and sophomore Andrea Buckner.

Along with an improved cast of runners, Lieder said she has been focusing more on form and hill running this year, and so far it has paid off. The Bulldogs placed seven of the top nine in the Stanislaus Invitational earlier this month.

This weekend they’ll travel to Stanford for what Lieder called one of the best meets in the country.

“ More than 40 of the nation’s best are expected to partake in the event, it’ll be a great competition.”

It will be a nice tune-up for a team looking to put past woes behind and make their mark on the conference.

“ The top half of the WAC goes to regionals, that’s definitely where we want to be,” June said.