2009 Minnesota Women's Cross Country Media Guide by University of Minnesota Athletics

2009 golden gopher cross country

Quick Facts Founded: 1851 Location: Minneapolis, Minn. Enrollment: 50,803 (27,108 undergraduate) Nickname: Golden Gophers Colors: Maroon and Gold Affiliation: NCAA Division I Conference: Big Ten University President: Robert H. Bruininks Faculty Athletics Representatives: Linda Brady, Perry Leo Athletics Director: Joel Maturi Senior Woman Administrator: Regina Sullivan Home Course: University of Minnesota Les Bolstad/Golf Course Head Coach: Gary Wilson (25th season) Volunteer Assistant Head Coach: Sarah Hesser Strength Coach: Kelly Spriggs Athletic Trainer: Jeff Winslow Administrative Specialist: Cindi Linell Office Phone: (612) 625-6063 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13 / 8

Table of Contents 2009 Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2009 Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Head Coach Gary Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Volunteer Assistant Head Coach Sarah Hesser and Support Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Athlete Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-19 The University of Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-C University Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D Land of 10,000 Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E The Twin Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-G Twin Cities Sports Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H-I University Intercollegiate Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J-K Athletics Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-M Academic Counseling and Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N Student-Athlete Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O University President Robert H. Bruininks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Athletics Director Joel Maturi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 2008 Season in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 2008 Stats and Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Cross Country Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-44 NCAA Championships History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45-46 Golden Gopher Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47-50 Past Letterwinners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-53 Consider Minnesota: A Guide to Choosing a College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-55 Wilson’s Development Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

2009 Schedule Sept.

Sept.

Oct.

INTRASQUAD MEET (10 a.m.) OZ MEMORIAL RUN (10:30 a.m.) ROY GRIAK INVITATIONAL - Jack Johnson Gold Race (12:55 p.m.) at Wis-Eau Claire Invitational

Oct.

at Pre-NCAA Meet (Indiana State)

at Tori Neubauer Invitational (Wis.-LaCrosse)

Oct.

Nov.

South Dakota State Invitational

JACK’S RUN (10 a.m.) at Big Ten Championships (Michigan)

Nov.

at NCAA Midwest Region Championships (Missouri State)

ROCKY’S RUN (10 a.m.)

Nov.

at NCAA Championships (Indiana State)

The 2009 Minnesota women’s cross country media guide is published by the University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Communications Office. Additional copies may be purchased for $8 (shipping & handling included) by sending a check made payable to the University of Minnesota and mailing to: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications 244 Bierman Field Athletic Building 516 15th Ave. SE Minneapolis, Minn. 55455 For more information, please contact the Athletic Communications Office at: Phone: (612) 625-4090 Fax: (612) 625-0359 Email: gophers@umn.edu

Credits The 2009 Minnesota cross country media guide was written and compiled by Becky Bohm. Layout, design and cover design by Sara Berhow. Photography: Eric Miller, Chris Mitchell, Mark Howery, Brad Person, Alicia Jerome, Walt Middleton, Anissa Lightner, Patrick O’Leary, David Sherman, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Big Ten Network, Sarah Hesser. Printing: University of Minnesota Printing Services Special thanks to Bob Swoverland and the staff at University of Minnesota Printing Services. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

GOLDEN GOPHER ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT To serve as a window to the University, in an environment of integrity and equity, that enables student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits.

Athletic Communications Cross Country Contact: Becky Bohm Phone: 612-624-1023 / 612-247-5463 (cell) Email: bohmx002@umn.edu Office Fax: 612-625-0359

1 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

season preview

2009

SEASON PREVIEW experienced depth as he has ever directed. The Gophers return five of their 2008 NCAA lineup, all seniors in 2009, to lead the charge this season. This impressive group is headlined by senior All-Americans Megan Duwell and Jamie Cheever. A long list of all-region performers dots the roster after Duwell and Cheever. “I’m proud of their level of performance, the consistency of purpose, which our senior class has maintained throughout their careers,” said Wilson. “They are still hungry to improve. It is unusual to have this large of a senior class with this many accolades. They are a class act.” Duwell emerged as Minnesota’s top runner a year ago and went on to national honors with a 32nd-place NCAA showing, marking the school-best fifth straight season that a Gopher was awarded All-America honors. Duwell placed fourth in the Big Ten and Midwest Region meets and went on to capture the Conference title in the 10,000-meter run to cap off the track season. Cheever captured All-America honors as a sophomore in 2007 and hopes to return to that form in her final season with the Gophers. She is second on the Minnesota all-time performer list. Megan Duwell

We often hear sports teams talk about their season as a journey. If you’ve heard a coach say this, you’ve heard 100 repeat it, “it’s about the journey.” Well, this so-called journey for the Minnesota women’s cross country team has become a road well-traveled and one the Golden Gophers have every intention of following again this season. This road traversed by each Golden Gopher is one of success, on the cross country course, in the classroom and as citizens. On the grandest stage that collegiate athletics has to offer, the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Minnesota stands at the top of the class as one of just three schools (Stanford and Illinois the others) to post top-12 finishes in each of the last four NCAA Championships meets. The Gophers tied for 11th a year ago to extend the streak. “Coaches, especially if they have been in the business as long as I have, want consistency at a high level from their program,” said Gary Wilson, who enters his 25th season at Minnesota. “Our success at the NCAAs is a tribute to the young women on our team and what they have done.” En route to the national championships, Minnesota has enjoyed winning ways in both the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and the Big Ten Championships in each of the last two seasons. Preparing for those meets, the Gophers have ruled supreme in the last two crowning of their own prestigious Roy Griak Invitational as well. “The kids obviously want to win the three-peat,” added Wilson. “What we need to guard against is looking too far ahead of ourselves. If we do our jobs and focus on the process, we will be just fine.” As the dean of Big Ten coaches, Wilson, enters his silveranniversary season at Minnesota with as much talented and 2 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Four other seniors boast all-region acclaim during their cross country careers running for the Maroon and Gold in Heather Dorniden, Amy Laskowske, Elizabeth Yetzer and Mallory Van Ness.

With such a large and impactful senior class at the forefront, the Gophers will look to their freshman class to prepare for the future. The rookies have plenty of state champions among them so it will become a story of which of these youngsters are best able to adapt to collegiate competition. “We have the luxury of allowing our freshmen the opportunity to learn, to see the process, and to not have to come in and immediately perform,” added Wilson. “We are considering redshirting a good number of kids.” Countless miles of training and competition will prepare this Golden Gopher team for the rigors of another challenging cross country season. What veteran coach Gary Wilson and his volunteer head coach Sarah Hesser never forget is how to prepare their student-athletes for life as a college student and later member of the community. This team takes the label student-athlete very seriously. How commendable is it that the largest team in the nation also carried a 3.61 cumulative grade point average a year ago? And finally, these Gophers give back to the community. The women’s cross country/track teams were once again honored with a Community Service Award for their work in the community outside the realm of being a student-athlete. Being a member of the Golden Gopher women’s cross country family promises quite the journey. For those up for the challenge, this journey is one they never forget.

Dorniden’s Gopher track career, where as a nine-time AllAmerican she goes down as the most decorated track athlete in Minnesota women’s track history, is in the books. She has been a solid performer in cross country and has twice earned NCAA Midwest Region accord. Laskowske has also been honored twice among the allregion ranks in cross country, but took her resume to a new level last spring by capturing her first All-America honor in the 10,000-meter run. Yetzer ran to all-region accord in her freshman and sophomore campaigns. Not 100 percent as a junior in 2008 as she returned from a foot injury, Yetzer traveled as a team alternate to NCAA competitions. After a sensational 2009 outdoor track season, where she advanced to the NCAA Championships in the 1,500 meters, Yetzer is ready to make her final cross country season her best. Van Ness was one of the most improved Gopher runners a year ago and was the Gophers’ number-four runner in her NCAA regional and national meet debuts. Along the way, she celebrated her first career all-region honor. Minnesota will once again field the largest team in the nation numbering over 50 student-athletes. Competition for those top 12 roster spots will once again be a heated battle. Among the runners to watch are the team’s Freshman of the Year award winners from the past two seasons in Nikki Swenson (2007) and Stephanie Price (2008). Kelly Wilson, Claire Rindo and Katie Dyson are other upperclassmen with their sights set on making their mark in 2009.

Jamie Cheever

team roster

2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Row 1 (L-R): Megan Duwell, Kendall Cederstrom, Calla Nelson, Kelli B udd, Elizabeth Yetzer, Annie Talajkowski, Jessica Schmidt, Jaclyn Edmonds, Michelle Volz, Jenna Lewein, Jamie Cheever. Row 2: Kathryn Savatore, Katelan Dyson, Stephanie Price, Katelyn Moraczewski, Rachel Drake, Heather Brunn, Laura Koch, Mikaya Larson, Mallory Van Ness, Amy Laskowske. Row 3: Cassy Opitz, Laura Docherty, Kathryn Ritter, Claire Rindo, Maggie Bollig, Katie Hill, Melissa Varpress, Kayla Wagner, Megan Smith. Row 4: Bre Valle, Kaitlin Mincke, Marie Muscala, Becca Gusmer, Kayla Dahl, Paige Orcutt, Kelly Wilson, Jamie Dittmar, Danielle LeBreck, Taylor Light. Row 5: Gary Wilson (Head Coach), Tari Helmers, Emma Miller, Celia Hemmerich, Jamie Vandenberg, Amanda Meagher, Heather Dorniden, Nikki Swenson, Gabriele Anderson (Administrative Assistant), Sarah Hesser (Volunteer Assistant Head Coach).

Team

ROSTER NAME Maggie Bollig Heather Brunn Kelli Budd Kendall Cederstrom Jamie Cheever * Kayla Dahl Ashley Deisting Jamie Dittmar Laura Docherty Heather Doniden * Rachel Drake Chelsey Dunkle Megan Duwell * Katelan Dyson Jaclyn Edmonds Christina Engstrom Emily Fowler Becca Gusmer Tari Helmers * Celia Hemmerich Katie Hill Laura Koch Mikaya Larson Amy Laskowske Danielle LeBreck Jenna Lewein Taylor Light Amanda Meagher Emma Miller

YEAR Fr. RFr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. RFr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. RFr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr.

EXP HS RS HS HS 3V # SQ SQ SQ HS 3V # HS SQ 3V # SQ SQ SQ SQ RS SQ SQ HS RS RS 3V # SQ SQ SQ SQ SQ

HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL) Cross Plains, Wis. (Middleton) Rogers, Minn. (Rogers) Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Marian) Woodbur, Minn. (Woodbury) Minneapolis, Minn. (Southwest) Chippewa Falls, Wis. (McDonnell Central) Buffalo, Minn. (Buffalo) Wausau, Wis. (Wausau East) St. Paul, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall) Inver Grove Hts, Minn. (Rosemount) White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake) Brookings, S.D. (Brookings) West Bend, Wis. (West Bend West) Roseville, Minn. (Roseville Area) Eau Claire, Wis. (Eau Claire Memorial) West Bend, Wis. (West Bend West) Middleton, Wis. (Middleton) Green Bay, Wis. (Preble) Minot, N.D. (Minot) Sparta, Wis. (Sparta) Onalaska, Wis. (Onalaska) Waukesha, Wis. (Waukesha West) Edina, Minn. (Edina) Palatine, Ill. (Palatine) Cary, Ill. (Prarie Ridge) West Allis, Wis. (Nathan Hale) Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka) Readfield, Wis. (New London) Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie)

NAME Kaitlin Mincke Katie Moraczewski Marie Muscala Calla Nelson Cassy Opitz Paige Orcutt Stephanie Price Claire Rindo Kathryn Ritter Kathryn Salvatore Jessica Schmidt Alyson Siegrist Megan Smith Brittni Swanson Nikki Swenson * Annie Talajkowski Bre Valle Mallory Van Ness Jamie Vandenberg Missa Varpress Michelle Volz Kayla Wagner Kelly Wilson * Elizabeth Yetzer * Kayla Zander

YEAR Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. RFr. RFr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

EXP HS HS SQ SQ HS SQ SQ RS RS SQ HS SQ RS SQ 2V # HS HS 2V # HS HS HS HS SQ 3V # SQ

HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL) Farmington, Minn. (Farmington) White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake) Minneapolis, Minn. (Benilde St. Margaret’s) Roseville, Minn. (Roseville Area) Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie) Sioux Falls, S.D. (O’Gorman) Mankato, Minn. (Loyola Catholic) Berlin, Wis. (Berlin) Mukwonago, Wis. (Mukwonago) Roseville, Minn. (Roseville Area) DePere, Wis. (West DePere) Wesley, Iowa (Summit Academy) Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie) Hartford, Wis. (Hartford Union) Dawson, Minn. (Lac qui Perle) Whitefish Bay, Wis. (Whitefish Bay) Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka) Shoreview, Minn. (Mounds View) Niagara, Wis. (Niagara) Montevideo, Minn. (Montevideo) Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North) Baldwin, Wis. (Baldwin-Woodville) Ortonville, Mich. (Brandon) Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North) Waunakee, Wis. (Waunakee)

Head Coach: Gary Wilson (25th Season) Volunteer Assistant Head Coach: Sarah Hesser Key: V - Varsity Letters Earned; SQ - Squad Member; RS - Redshirt; HS - High School, TR - Transfer, * Captains, # - 2008 Letterwinner

3 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

coaching staff

Gary Wilson

head coach • 25th season

Gary Wilson has guided the Golden Gophers to back-to-back Big Ten titles and directed Minnesota into an elite group of just three schools (Illinois/Stanford) to finish in the top 12 of the NCAAs the past four years. The 2009 season marks Gary Wilson’s 25th season as the head coach of the Minnesota women’s cross country team. It’s hard to fathom everything Wilson has seen during his two and a half decades with the Golden Gophers. One thing is certain, however, the Minnesota program has enjoyed more success in the past four seasons than ever before – a fitting tribute of Wilson’s coaching career. Wilson, the dean of the Big Ten Conference cross country coaches, guided the Gophers to a best-ever ninth-place finish in the 2005 NCAA Championships to usher in a streak of four consecutive top-12 NCAA finishes, a current streak that only Stanford and Illinois can match. The Gophers have also climbed to the top of the victory stand in each of the last two Big Ten Championships. The Gophers proved they had the power and determination to repeat in 2008. Minnesota won the Griak Invitational and another dramatic Big Ten title before capturing their second consecutive NCAA Midwest Region crown. The Gophers were ranked No. 4 in the nation, the highest ever, during the season, and went on to place 11th at the NCAA Championships. Megan Duwell earned All-America honors giving the Gophers a fourth-straight year with a national awardwinner. Once again six Gophers were accorded All-Midwest Region honors and academically the momentum of this program continued with an impressive 3.54 cumulative team grade point average, the best of Gopher Athletics! The 2007 season was one to remember. Jamie Cheever, who would later earn All-America honors, might have kicked it off with her record-setting back-to-back medalist performances in the first two meets of the season. A win at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational added plenty of momentum. By the time the Big Ten Championships rolled around, the Gophers were firing on all cylinders and captured an emotional first running away with the program’s first Big Ten title. The Gophers stormed into the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and captured that title as well, as six athletes ran to all-region honors. The Gophers celebrated a No. 5 national ranking, the highest in program history to that point, heading into the NCAA Championships before the season culminated with a 12th-place

4 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

showing in the national meet. Wilson was honored by his peers after both the 2007 and 2008 seasons with U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year and Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year accolades. The 2006 Gophers celebrated two All-Americans in Ladia Albertson-Junkans and Emily Brown, the first two-time honorees in over 20 years for the Minnesota program. En route to the NCAA Championships, Minnesota placed second at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and garnered six all-region awards, the most in school history. The Gophers also earned a No. 6 national ranking during the season. Overall in Wilson’s 24 years at Minnesota, the fiery, yet humorous coach has guided the Golden Gopher women’s cross country team to NCAA Championships appearances 11 times (1989, 1991, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008). The harriers have been ranked in the top 25 of the national cross country poll in 18 of the past 22 seasons. Minnesota has hoisted the Big Ten team trophy in 2007 and 2008, but also has a history of upper-echelon finishes in 18 of the past 22 seasons. During the spring, Wilson turns his attention to coaching the distance runners as an assistant coach for the women’s track & field team. After 21 years as the head coach, Wilson stepped into an assistant role in 2007 and helped direct the Gophers to the first of three consecutive Big Ten indoor titles. The Gopher distance runners also excelled at the 2007 Drake Relays, winning all three distance relays (4x800m, 4.x1,600m and the distance medley relay), a feat only accomplished three times in the storied history of the event. The 4x800m relay won Drake titles in 2008 and 2009 as well. As head coach, he has guided the Golden Gophers to scoring performances at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 14 of his 21 seasons. Minnesota’s highest national finish was a pair of 18th-place finishes in 1990 and 1991. In 2006, Wilson’s final as the head coach, Minnesota finished 19th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and scored a record number of team points (14, mark has since been broken).

coaching staff The 2006 track season was one of important firsts for the Golden Gopher program. Minnesota first celebrated its first national champion, when freshman Heather Dorniden won the 800 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships. The outdoor season was an impressive display of one success after another. The Gophers rolled to their first Big Ten title with five athletes capturing conference titles along the way. Wilson was honored as the Big Ten Outdoor Coach of the Year. After the Gophers’ 19th-place showing at the NCAA meet and a third-place finish at the Midwest Region Championships, Wilson was further honored by his peers with the Midwest Region and Midwest District Coach of the Year awards. Perhaps the most fitting way for Wilson to complete the 2005-06 season was by the University of Minnesota honoring him with the President’s Award for Outstanding Service. The 1989 Minnesota squad was Wilson’s first to earn its way to the NCAA Cross Country Championships, marking the first appearance for the Gophers since 1983. Wilson’s achievements were recognized by fellow coaches when he was named 1989 Region IV Coach of the Year after guiding the Gophers to a secondplace finish at the regional championship. Despite losing three of their top runners from that squad, the 1990 Gophers came within an eyelash of qualifying again for the NCAA meet. In 1991, Wilson led the Gophers back to the national championships, and their 17th-place finish was the team’s highest since 1983, a finish his team duplicated 1999. Another program highlight was five consecutive NCAA Championships appearances from 1997 to 2001. In a coaching career that spans nearly 40 years, Wilson was honored with one of the most prestigious awards a collegiate track coach can receive, he was inducted into the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005. Another of Wilson’s shining accomplishments at Minnesota was his part in establishing the annual Roy Griak Invitational, the Gophers’ annual cross country event that has grown into one of the largest single-day cross country meets in the nation. Minnesota won the team title at the prestigious Griak event in 2000. Not all of Wilson’s accomplishments with cross country and track & field occur on the race course. Wilson served as the president of the Women’s Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches Association in 1994 and 1995. He served as the Region IV representative on the national committee from 1987-91. Other accomplishments in his distinguished career include coaching the U.S. junior team that participated at the 1993 World Cross Country Championships in Amorebieta, Spain, and the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Sydney, Australia, in August, 1996. Wilson was lured to Minnesota after building a Division III powerhouse at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse (1977-85), where he coached the women’s team to three consecutive national track and field championships and one national cross country title. UWL finished in the top five at cross country nationals in six of Wilson’s eight years with the program. Wilson also coached the Wisconsin-LaCrosse men’s track and field team for seven years, guiding both the men’s and women’s teams in 1982 and 1983. In all, his teams at UWL won 21 conference titles. Wilson was inducted in the UWL Hall of Fame in 1997. Wilson is considered to be one of the foremost authorities in the United States on distance training. Not only has he produced many national-class runners, he is also a teacher of coaches. Wilson served as the national curriculum coordinator for endurance events in the USATF Coaching Education Program from 1984-93. He also teaches a number of schools and clinics at the Olympic Training Center every year and is often sought after to speak at camps and clinics throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. A native of Lyndonville, N.Y., Wilson competed in cross country and track and field while an undergraduate at Cortland State, N.Y., serving as a captain for all three teams as a senior. Gary and his wife, Suzy, have three grown children: Ben, Laura and Adam. The Wilson family resides in Stillwater.

WILSON AT A GLANCE EDUCATION • B.S. Physical Education, SUNY-Cortland, 1968 • M.S. Physical Education, SUNY-Cortland, 1974

COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Coached Minnesota to the 1989, 1991, 1997, 1998. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championship meets • Coached the 1991, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Minnesota cross country teams to top-20 NCAA finishes, including a best-ever ninth-place finish in 2005 • Led Gophers to the 2007 and 2008 Big Ten titles, the first crowns in school history • Served as the head coach o the Gopher women’s track program from 1985 to 2006 • Coached Minnesota to top-25 finishes at NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996 and 2006 • 2006 Big Ten outdoor track and field champions • Coached Minnesota to top-25 finish at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in 1999 adn 2006 • 1983, 1984 NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track and Field champions • 1982, 1983, 1984 NCAA Division III Women’s Cross Country second place • Coached 53 women and 25 men track and field All-Americans and 15 women cross country All-Americans • USATF Level II Instructor for endurance events • USATF Level I Instructor in the Caribbean

COACHING HONORS • 2007and 2008 USTFCCCA Midwest Region Cross Country Coach of the Year • 2007 and 2008 Big Ten Cross Country Coach of the Year • 2008 USTFCCCA Midwest Region Assistant Indoor Track Coach of the Year • 2006 Big Ten Outdoor Track Coach of the Year • 2006 NCAA Midwest Region and Midwest District Track Coach of the Year • 2006 University of Minnesota President’s Award for Outstanding Service • Inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame, 2005 • Inducted into the Wisconsin-LaCrosse Hall of Fame, 1997 • 1996 U.S. World Junior Track & Field Coach, Sydney, Australia • 1993 U.S. World Junior Cross Country Head Coach, Amorebeita, Spain • President of the Women’s Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches Association, 1994-95 • First vice president of the Women’s Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches Association, 1991-93 • NCAA District IV representative to the national cross country committee, 1987-91 • NCAA Region IV Coach of the Year, 1989 • Runners World All-Star Coach, 1984

Coach Wilson with the winners of the 2008 Intrasquad Meet

The Wilson family: Jay, Laura, Adam, Julia, Ben, Suzy, and Gary.

5 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

coaching & support staff

Sarah Hesser

Gabriele Anderson

volunteer assistant head coach

volunteer student administrative assistant

Sarah Hesser is in her fifth season on the Minnesota women’s cross country coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach, and her second with the title of volunteer assistant head coach. Hesser, a former Golden Gopher student-athlete on both the cross country and track teams, graduated Suma Cum Laude in May of 2006, with a major in child psychology. She continued her education at Minnesota earning a master's program in applied kinesiology: sport management. Hesser, a Minneapolis native, was a three-time letterwinner in cross country and served as team captain as a junior and senior. She was honored as the Minnesota recipient of the 2005 Big Ten Conference Sportsmanship Award. Hesser was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and awarded the Gophers’ Coaches Award in her junior season. Hesser lettered once as a member of the track team and was a captain her senior season. Hesser owns a Level 1 Track and Field / Cross Country Coaching Certificate.

Gabriele Anderson is in her first season as a volunteer administrative assistant on the Golden Gopher women’s cross country coaching staff. Anderson completed her cross country eligibility last fall and is finishing work on a pair of bachelor’s degrees in political science and English. A three-time All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree in cross country, Anderson was the number-two runner on the 2007 and 2008 Minnesota squads that won Big Ten team titles and finished in the top 12 at the NCAA Championships. She was also a scoring contributor to three team Big Ten track championships.

Medical Staff

Support Staff

BECKY BOHM

KEVIN CRITER

MERRILL FISCHBEIN

CINDI LINELL

DR. ELIZABETH ARENDT

JEFF WINSLOW

Athletic Communications

Equipment Manager

Director of Officials

Administrative Specialist

Medical Director

Athletic Trainer

JACK MORAN

DAVID PERCIVAL

JESSE ROSEN

KELLY SPRIGGS

DR. ROB JOHNSON

DR. FERNANDO PENA

Timing and Finish Coordinator

Booster Club Chair

Volunteer Consultant

Strength & Conditioning

Team Physician

ERIN SWANSON

LEFTY WRIGHT

COLE PETERSON

KAREN ROTH

Academic Counselor

Meet Director

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer

6 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

athlete biographies

Jamie Cheever fifth-year senior all-american Minneapolis, Minn. Southwest High School

Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2006 and 2008 NCAA track All-American • a 2007 NCAA cross country All-American • a veteran of three NCAA Cross Country Championships • a five-time NCAA Championships competitor in track, four indoor, one outdoor • member of six Big Ten championship teams; four in track and two in cross country • two-time all-region performer in cross country • co-MVP for 2007 cross country team • owns the second-fastest 6K cross country time (20:23) in school history • the first Gopher to win back-to-back cross country race titles • school record holder in the indoor 3,000 meters (9:20.23), as well as the indoor distance medley, outdoor 4x800m and 4x1,600m relays • ranks among the top five in Gopher history in five other events: 800m indoor (second, 2:06.34), 800 outdoor (fifth, 2:07.46), mile (second, 4:39.54), 1,500m outdoor (ninth, 4:24.76) and the 3,000m steeplechase (second, 10:11.33) • played soccer for the Gophers for one season (2005) • 2008 Academic All-District First Team • 2009 cross country team captain. 2008 • Junior Season: Competed in seven meets • a member of the Gophers’ NCAA team that finished in a tie for 11th • the team’s sixth runner, 164th overall, in a time of 21:41.5 • the Gophers’ seventh runner, 26th overall at NCAA Midwest Region meet (21:42.15) • helped Gophers to Big Ten title as the fifth team finisher, 18th overall at Conference Championships (21:31.2) • placed fifth in the Griak Invitational • earned team’s Tough as Nails Award • an Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned third varsity letter. 2007 • Sophomore Season: All-American • shared team MVP honors with Ladia Albertson-Junkans • earned her first AllAmerica citation in cross country with a 33rd-place finish (20:58.3) at the NCAA Championships • the Gophers’ numberone runner at the NCAA meet leading team to a 12th-place showing • captured AllMidwest Region accord with an eighthplace finish with a time of 20:23, the second fastest 6K time in school history • the Gophers’ top runner in six of seven meets • team’s fourth finisher, 17th overall (21:00.58), at the Big Ten Championships • placed eighth (21:35.2) at the Griak Invitational • opened the season with back-to-back medalist honors, a Minnesota first, at the Oz Memorial Run and the South Dakota State Invitational • ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District • named to USTFCCCA All-Academic Team • Academic All-Big Ten • earned second varsity letter.

2006 • Redshirt Freshman Season: AllMidwest Region honoree • recipient of the team’s Rookie of the Year Award • hampered by the flu yet still finished as the Gophers’ number-five runner (22:31.4) at the NCAA Championships and helped team to an 11th-place finish • garnered all-region accord with a 10th-place (21:09.92) showing overall, third on team, at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships • finished third on team, 24th overall (21.31) at the Big Ten Championships • ran the third fastest time by a Gopher freshman (21:04.2) at the Pre-NCAA Meet • finished 18th (21:51) in her first Griak Invitational • Academic All-Big Ten • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Has completed her track eligibility • two-time All-American • a 2008 All-American in the steeplechase • leadoff runner on the distance medley relay that garnered All-America honors in 2006 with a third-place finish in school-record time (11:07.27) • three-time All-Big Ten Second Team performer • five-time Drake Relays champion in relay events • Academic All-Big Ten • member of USTFCCCA All-Academic Team • four-time varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2005 graduate of Southwest High School • placed seventh at the 2002 and 2004 state championships earning all-state honors • twoyear letterwinner on the cross country team • finished runner-up in the Class AA 1,600-meter run at the 2005 Minnesota State High School Championships • fouryear letterwinner on the track team • also played soccer at Southwest as a freshman and sophomore • helped team claim a conference title as a freshman • earned two letters in Nordic skiing • finished third at the state 5K freestyle championship • two-time MVP of the skiing team • also earned a letter on the hockey team • member of the National Honor Society • recipient of the Presidential Academic Achievement Award from 2002-04. Personal: Born February 28, 1987 • a double major in sociology and family social sciences • recipient of the Rocky Racette Endowed Scholarship • daughter of Mike and Tammi Cheever • her father competed in track and cross country at Yale • her mother competed in cross country and track at South Dakota State.

CHEEVER’S TOP TIMES Year Time Meet / Date 2006 21:04.2 Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/14 2007 20:23 NCAA Midwest Champ., 11/10 2008 21:29.0 Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/18 7 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies

Megan Duwell fifth-year senior all-american West Bend, Wis. West Bend High School

Golden Gopher Career Highlights: A 2008 NCAA cross country All-American • earned 2007 and 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region honors in cross country • 2008 All-Big Ten First Team in cross country • contributed to back-to-back Big Ten cross country team titles (2007, 2008) • 2008 Gopher cross country co-MVP • ranks fourth in Gopher cross country history over a 6K course (20:29.7) • 2009 Big Ten 10,000 meters champion • school record holder in outdoor 5,000m (16:10.06) • a team captain in 2008 and 2009. 2008 • Junior Season: All-American • Gopher co-MVP (with Gabriele Anderson) • top runner on Gopher squad that tied for 11th • finished 32nd overall at the NCAA Championships with a time of 20:36.5 • earned All-Midwest Region honors with fourth-place finish (20:45.25) • led Minnesota to Big Ten title with a fourth-place finish in a career-best time of 20:29.7, the fourth-best 6K time in Gopher history • team’s number-one runner all season • runner-up at the Griak Invitational • captured medalist honors at Oz Memorial • a member of the All-USTFCCCA Academic Team • Academic All-Big Ten honoree • team captain • earned third varsity letter.

All-Big Ten • varsity letterwinner. 2005 • Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • 2009 Big Ten 10,000m champion • missed 2009 NCAA meets with a foot injury • posted regional qualifiers in 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m in 2009 • school record holder in 5,000 meters (16:10.06) • Academic All-Big Ten • two-time varsity letterwinner. High School A 2005 graduate of West Bend West High School • high school coach was Brian Heimark • helped team to three top-10 state finishes in cross country from 2002-04 • Wisconsin Little Ten Conference medalist as a senior • four-time letterwinner in cross country, track and basketball • won Wisconsin Division I state titles in the 800m as a sophomore and junior, third as a freshman and senior • runner-up in 1,600m at state in 2003 and 2004 • two-time honorable mention selection as a point guard on the basketball team • class valedictorian. Personal: Born Aug. 13, 1986 • a double major in marketing and operations management • daughter of John and Lynn Duwell • has two sisters, a twin Katie (who runs at St. Olaf) and an older sister Lindsay.

2007 • Sophomore Season: A 2007 All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • the team’s number-six finisher (21:52.3), 142nd overall, at the NCAA Championships helping Gophers to a 12th-place showing • placed 24th overall (21:03), sixth on the team, at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships • ran a career-best time of 21:00.58, the 11th fastest 6K in school history, at the Big Ten Championships • the team’s number-eight finisher, 30th overall, at the Conference meet • the Gophers’ number-five finisher in the Oz Memorial Run and Pre-NCAA Meet • placed 46th (22:31.8) at the Griak Invitational • Academic All-Big Ten • earned the team’s Tough as Nails Award • earned second varsity letter. 2006 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Shared the team’s Most Improved Runner Award with Claire Bootsma • competed in six meets • placed 56th overall, eighth on the team, at the Big Ten Championships (22:49) • ran season-best time of 22:27.4 at Pre-NCAA Meet Open Race • the Gophers’ numberseven finisher at the Oz Memorial • Academic

DUWELL’S TOP TIMES Year 2006 2007 2008

8 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Time 22:27.4 21:00.58 20:29.7

Meet / Date Pre-NCAA Open, 10/14 Big Ten Champ., 10/28 Big Ten Champ., 11/2

athlete biographies Maggie

Kendall

Ashley

Freshman Cross Plains, Wis. Middleton H.S.

Redshirt Freshman Woodbury, Minn. Woodbury H.S.

Sophomore Buffalo, Minn. Buffalo H.S.

BOLLIG

High School: A 2009 graduate of Middleton High School • high school coach was Joe Spolar • four-time all-state honoree in cross country • placed fourth in Wisconsin Division I meet as both a junior and senior • helped team to 2006 state title • Big 8 Conference champion as a junior • earned seven all-state citations in track • ran a leg of the state champion 4x3,2000m relay in 2007 • a member of National Honor Society. Personal: Born Nov. 6, 1990 • undecided on a major • the daughter of Kurt and Brenda Bollig • has a younger sister, Danielle • enjoys travelling and skiing.

Heather

BRUNN Redshirt Freshman Rogers, Minn. Rogers H.S.

2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of Rogers High School • high school coach was Steve Leuer • a five-time all-state performer • placed third in the Minnesota Class AA State Championships in the 800 meters, fourth as a junior and seventh as a sophomore • also earned an all-state accolade in the high jump (2007) and 4x800m relay (2005) • a four-year letterwinner in soccer, basketball and track • earned four all-conference awards in track and two in soccer • played on two state basketball tournament teams, helping Rogers to a third-place finish in 2008 • graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, fifth among her graduating class of 265 students • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born June 6, 1990 • math major • daughter of Randy and Patty Brunn, has older sister Katelyn and younger brother Joe.

Kelli

BUDD Freshman Omaha, Neb. Marian H.S.

CEDERSTROM

High School: A 2008 graduate of Woodbury High School • high school coaches were Bill Ebertz and Jason Andersen • did not compete in cross country • played soccer • helped Woodbury to thirdplace state finish • all-conference in the mile run with high schoolbest time of 5:16 • graduated with high honors. Personal: Born Dec. 12, 1989 • speech therapy / communication and disorders major • daughter of Dan and Sue Cederstrom • has younger siblings Taryn, Hannah and Ben • has played soccer since she was 4-years old • has participated in three mission trips • enjoys snowboarding and wakeboarding.

Kayla

DAHL

DEISTING

2008 • Freshman Season: Did not compete. On the Track: Will be a sophomore in 2010 • competed in the 600 and 800 meters. High School: A 2007 graduate of Buffalo High School • high school coaches were Jill Hanson and David Knutsen • a five-year letterwinner in cross country • four-time Mississippi 8 Conference honorable mention selection • three-time conference champion in the 800 meters • earned state championships berth in the 800m in 2004 • earned five letters in track and two in basketball • Presidential Award recipient. Personal: Born Sept. 12, 1988 • undecided on a major • daughter of Randy and Nancy Deisting • has a younger brother Michael • enjoys four-wheeling • snowmobiling and boating.

Sophomore Chippewa Falls, Wis. McDonell Central H.S.

2008 • Freshman Season: Ran in four meets • ran season-best time of 24:26.29 at UW-Eau Claire Invitational. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of McDonnell Central Catholic High School • high school coaches were Marty Bushland and Steve Roesler • a three-time all-state honoree, once in cross country, twice in track • placed seventh in the Wisconsin Division 3 State cross country meet as a sophomore in 2005 • placed 12th as a senior and 17th as a junior • state placewinner as a junior (third) and freshman (fourth) in the 3,200 meters • 2007 Cloverbelt Conference cross country medalist • conference 3,200 meters champ as a junior • earned four varsity letters in cross country, two in track and cross country skiing • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born May 14, 1990 • clothing design and retail merchandising major • daughter of Daniel and Debra Dahl • has one older sister Brittany • enjoys figure skating, biking, scrapbooking and sewing. Dahl’s Top Times Event Time 2008 24:26.29

Meet / Date UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

Jamie Dittmar

High School: A 2009 graduate of Marian High School • high school coaches were Roger Might, Greg Golka and Dan Nelsen • the Nebraska state winner of the Gatorade Athlete of the Year in cross country (2008) and track (2009) • led Marian to three state cross country titles • the Nebraska Class A cross country champion (14:57.7) as a senior • went on to place 11th at Foot Locker Midwest Region Championships and 65th at Foot Locker National Championships • state runner-up in 2006 and 2007, fourth as a freshman in 2005 • 2009 state champion in the 3,200 meters (11:19.64), runner-up as both 2007 and 2008 • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born May 1, 1991 • undecided on a major • daughter of Steve and Lori Budd • has older sisters Erin and Molli and younger brother Joseph • enjoys dance and watching The Office.

9 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies Jamie

Heather

Sophomore Wausau, Wis. Wausau East H.S.

Senior Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Rosemount H.S.

DITTMAR

2008 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Competed in five meets using cross country as training for track • ran a season-best time of 23:59.5 at Tori Neubauer Invitational. 2007 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • a 2009 NCAA Midwest Region competitor in the 800 meters • two-time varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2007 graduate of Wausau East High School • high school coach was Tim Olson • two-time Wisconsin Division I champion in the 800 meters (2006, 2007) • won 2006 title with a careerbest time of 2:11.35 • a member of the state champion 4x800m relay and runner-up 4x400m relay in 2007 • state runner-up in the 400 meters (58.05) as a freshman • six-time all-state honoree • earned four varsity letters in track, three in cross country • competed at USA Junior Olympics • a National Honor Society member. Personal: Born June 7, 1989 • journalism major • daughter of Duane Dittmar and Jan Bootz-Dittmar • has an older sister Jenna. Dittmar’s Top Times Year Time 2008 23:59.5

Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/16

Laura

DOCHERTY Freshman St. Paul, Minn. Cretin-Derham Hall H.S.

High School: A 2009 graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School • high school coach was XX • a two-time all-state runner • placed 12th in the 2007 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships, 25th in 2008 • the 2008 Roy Griak Invitational Girls Gold Race runner-up. Personal: Born Aug. 19, 1991 • undecided on a major • daughter of Jim and Bev Docherty • both parents ran cross country/track at Iowa • has siblings Jenne, Danny and Kevin • Jennie (Iowa) and Danny (Loyola) are collegiate runners • enjoys drawing and music.

DORNIDEN

Golden Gopher Career Highlights: The first national champion in school history, winning the 2006 800-meter NCAA indoor title • the highest decorated Gopher women’s track athlete • a nine-time AllAmerican, eight times in 800m and once in distance medley relay • a veteran of three NCAA Cross Country Championships • a member of six Big Ten champion teams (track - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009; and cross country - 2007, 2008) • the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Midwest Region 800m champion • 2006 NCAA outdoor 800m runner-up • the 2009 indoor and 2007 indoor and outdoor third-place NCAA finisher in 800m • the 2006 Midwest Region and Midwest District Track Athlete of the Year • four-time Big Ten individual event champion: 2006 indoor 800m, 2008 outdoor 800m, 2009 indoor 600m and mile • 2009 Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships • 2006 indoor and outdoor Big Ten Freshman of the Year • holds school records in nine events: 800 meters indoor (2:04.30) and outdoor (2:01.05), 400 meters indoor (54.71), 600 meters indoor (1:27.78), the mile indoor (4:38.80), the 4x400-meter relay indoor (3:40.77), indoor (11:07.27) and outdoor (11:08.16) distance medley relays, the outdoor 4x800m relay (8:27.42) and the outdoor 4x1,600m relay (19:06.11) • 2006 and 2007 Gopher team MVP • 2007, 2008 and 2009 All-NCAA Midwest Region in cross country • owns a cumulative 3.9 GPA • 2008 and 2009 Top-Five Award honoree for top cumulative GPAs in Athletic Department • 2008 Minnesota Female Athlete of the Year • 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Second Team • a 2009 President’s Student Leadership and Service Award winner • 2009 University of Minnesota Alumni Association Student Leadership Award winner • NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient • has one season of cross country eligibility remaining • 2008 and 2009 cross country and 2009 track team captain • will graduate in December of 2009. 2008 • Junior Season: A 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region performer • the Gophers’ number-five runner, 135th overall (21:28.8), helping team to a tie for 11th at NCAA Championships • earned all-region accord with a 19th-place finish (21:31.15) • the team’s seventh finisher (21:52.9), 32nd overall, at Big Ten Championships • team’s number-four runner, ninth overall, at Griak Invitational • ran in seven meets • shared team’s Coaches’ Award with Julie Schwengler • team captain • Academic All-Big Ten • All-USTFCCCA Academic Team • earned third varsity letter. 2007 • Sophomore Season: A 2007 All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree, her first career cross country postseason accolade • voted the Gophers’ Most Improved Runner • the team’s number-seven finisher, 146th overall (22:15.2), at the NCAA Championships helping Gophers’ to a 12th-place showing • placed 21st overall (20:59), fourth on team, at the Midwest Region Championships • the team’s fifth finisher, 17th overall, with a career-best time of 20:42.55 in contributing to the Gophers’ Big Ten team title • placed 30th (22:08.1) at the Griak Invitational • competed in seven meets • Academic All-Big Ten • earned second varsity letter. 2006 • Redshirt Freshman Season: The Gophers’ number-seven runner during the championships portion of the season • placed 150th overall (21:31.4) at the NCAA Championships helping team to an 11th-place showing • finished one spot out of all-region honors, placing 26th at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships with a season-best time of 21:51.77 • time ranks 19th in school history • placed 34th (22:08) at the Big Ten Championships • finished 71st (22:52) in first Griak Invitational • Academic All-Big Ten • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Has completed her track eligibility • a nine-time AllAmerican • 2006 NCAA indoor 800 meters national champion • the 2006 Midwest Region and Midwest District Track Athlete of the Year • four-time Big Ten champion, including 600m and mile at 2009 indoor meet • 2009 Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships •

10 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Heather Dorniden indoor and outdoor track 2006 Big Ten Freshman of the Year • holds school records in eight track events: 800 meters indoor (2:04.30) and outdoor (2:01.05), 400 meters indoor (54.71), 600 meters indoor (1:27.78), the 4x400-meter relay indoor (3:40.77), indoor (11:07.27) and outdoor (11:08.16) distance medley relays, the outdoor 4x800m relay (8:27.42) and the outdoor 4x1,600m relay (19:06.11) • 2006, 2007 and 2009 Gopher team MVP • four-time varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2005 graduate of Rosemount High School. • high school coaches were Chris Harder and Mary Eigner • claimed Minnesota Class AA state title in the 800 meters in 2005 and the 400 meters in 2004 • added third-place finishes at state in both events • five-time all-state performer in her career • won Lake Conference 400-meter title as a sophomore, junior and senior • captured conference 800-meter title her last two years • qualified for USATF Junior Nationals • lettered three times in cross country, four in track • competed at state cross country meet three times, placing 15th as a junior • also four-time gymnastics letterwinner • all-state honorable mention on the vault • earned all-state in band • first-chair flutist • class salutatorian. Personal: Born Jan. 19, 1987 • kinesiology major • daughter of Frank and Connie Dorniden • enjoys playing the flute. Dorniden’s Top Times Year Time 2006 21:51.77 2007 20:42.55 2008 21:28.8

Meet / Date NCAA Midwest Region, 11/11 Big Ten Champ., 10/28 NCAA Champ., 11/24

athlete biographies Rachel

Katelan

Jaclyn

Freshman White Bear Lake, Minn. White Bear Lake H.S.

Sophomore Roseville, Minn. Roseville Area H.S.

Junior Eau Claire, Wis. Eau Claire Memorial H.S.

DRAKE

High School: A 2009 graduate of White Bear Lake High School • high school coach was Patti Percival • a two-time all-state runner • placed 13th as a junior (2007) and 15th as a senior (2008) at the Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships. Personal: Born June 11, 1991 • intends to major in biology • daughter of Craig and Gloria Drake • has an older brother Ryan • enjoys snowboarding and sailing.

Chelsey

DUNKLE Sophomore Brookings, S.D. Brookings H.S.

2008 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • scored a Gophers’ number-six runner at UMD Pine Hills Invitational • clocked top time of 24:59.6 at Tori Neubauer Invite. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of Brookings High School • high school was John Iverson • a two-time all-state performer in cross country • competed in the 3,200 meters in three South Dakota Class AA state track championships • team MVP in both cross country and track • a six-year letterwinner in swimming, four letters in both cross country and track • a member of the National Honor Society.

DYSON

EDMONDS

2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five events • the Gophers’ number-five runner at Tori Neubaer Invitational with a season-best time of 22:49.2.

2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five meets • the Gophers’ number-seven runner at the Tori Neubauer Invitational with a seasonbest time of 23:08.1.

2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in two races • ran a time of 27:02.6 in her first Roy Griak Invitational.

2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • the Gophers’ number-five finisher at the Tori Neubauer Invitational with a season-best time of 23:22.93.

On the Track: Will be a sophomore in 2010 • competed in the 3,000m and 5,000m. High School: A 2007 graduate of Roseville Area High School • high school coach was Fred Kueffer • earned all-state honors with a fifth-place finish (14:41.1) in the 2005 Minnesota Class AA Championships • team placed second • All-Suburban East Conference honoree as a sophomore, junior and senior • two-time all-state on the track • placed fifth in the 3,200 meters (10:58) and seventh in the 1,600 meters (5:06) in 2006 • placed 10th in the 3,200m as a sophomore • earned 11 varsity letters in high school career: three in cross country and four in both track and Nordic skiing • all-state skier in 2006 • ski team placed fourth in state in 2005, second in 2006 and third in 2007 • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born Jan. 18, 1989 • English and education major • daughter of Randall and Marybeth Dyson • mother competed at Wisconsin (1975-79) • has younger sisters Rebecca and Emily • plays the flute and piano • enjoys reading. Dyson’s Top Times Year Time 2007 27:02.6 2008 22:49.2

Meet / Date Griak Invitational, 9/29 Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

On the Track: Will be a sophomore in 2010 • competed in the the 3,000m and 5,000m. High School: A 2007 graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School • high school coaches were Mark Johnson and Dennis McGraw • placed 48th in the 2006 Wisconsin Division 1 Championships • competed in the 2006 Roy Griak Invitational (40th) • All-Big River Conference honoree • earned three varsity letters, one in cross country and two in track • Academic All-State awardwinner. Personal: Born Nov. 11, 1988 • biochemistry major • daughter of Alan and Mary Edmonds • has older brother Jon and younger sister Mikela • enjoys snowboarding, traveling and kayaking. Edmonds’ Top Times Year Time 2007 23:22.93 2008 23:08.1

Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 Tori Neubauer, 10/18

Christina

ENGSTROM Senior West Bend, Wis. West Bend West H.S.

Personal: Born March 28, 1990 • intends to major in business • daughter of Peter and Amy Dunkle • has younger siblings: Sam, Ellie and Allison • enjoys travelling.

2008 • Junior Season: Competed in five races • ran a season-best time of 23:45.96 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational.

Dunkle’s Top Times Event Time 2008 24:59.6

2007 • Sophomore Season: Ran in four meets • the team’s number-six finisher at the Pine Hills Invitational, running a season-best time of 25:07.5.

Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

2006 • Freshman Season: Did not compete. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • competed in the mile, 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters. High School: A 2006 graduate of West Bend West High School • high school coach was Brian Heimark • helped team to top-10 state finishes in track from 2003-04 • participated in two state cross country meets and four state track meets • All-Wisconsin Little Ten Conference honoree • earned three varsity letters in cross country, four in track. Personal: Born Dec. 25, 1987 • a marketing major • daughter of John and Joan Engstrom. Celia Hemmerich

Engstrom’s Top Times Year Time 2007 25:07.5 2008 23:45.96

Meet / Date Pine Hills Inv., 10/6 UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/

11 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies Emily

Tari

Sophomore Middleton, Wis. Middleton H.S.

Junior Minot, N.D. Minot H.S.

FOWLER

HELMERS

Hemmerich’s Top Times 2006 24:57.69 2007 25:40.72 2008 24:45.2

Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/14 Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 UMD Pine Hills Inv. 10/11

Katie

HILL 2008 • Freshman Season: Ran in six meets • clocked a seasonbest time of 23:53.64 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of Middleton High School • high school coaches were Joe Spolar and Isaac Mezera • helped Middleton to three top-five finishes in cross country, including the 2006 Wisconsin Division 1 championship • all-state as a junior • placed 66th as a sophomore, 21st as a junior and 40th as a senior at state cross country meet • earned four varsity letters in cross country, three in track • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born June 19, 1990 • intends to major in chemistry • daughter of Randy and Kathleen Fowler • has two sisters, Justine and Mercedes. Fowler’s Top Times Year Time 2008 23:53.64

Meet / Date UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

Becca

GUSMER Redshirt Freshman Green Bay, Wis. Preble H.S.

Golden Gopher Career Highlights: A team captain in 2009. 2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five events • the Gophers’ number-two runner at the UMD Pine Hills Invitational with a seasonbest time of 23:48.3. 2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • clocked her season-best time of 24:25.65 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational • the team’s number-seven finisher at the Pine Hills Invitational. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • competed in the 800 meters. High School: A 2007 graduate of Minot High School • high school coach was Glee Mayer, Cindy McKay and Carla Wahlund • a member of the 2006 North Dakota Division A cross country champions • finished 27th at state as a senior • WDA Senior Athlete of the Year in cross country and track • 2005 North Dakota state champion in the 800 meters and the anchor of 2007 state tritest 3,200-meter relay • placed third in 800m as a junior and senior. Personal: Born Oct. 20, 1988 • biology, society and environment major • daughter of Gerry Helmers and Vicky Helmers • has an older sister, Jessica. Helmers’ Top Times Year Time 2007 24:25.65 2008 23:48.3

Freshman Onalaska, Wis. Onalaska H.S.

High School: A 2009 graduate of Onalaska High School • high school coaches were Dawn Shepardson and Nick Larson • competed in two years in cross country one in track • competed in Wisconsin Division I Cross Country Championships placing 36th in 2007 and 29th as a senior in 2008 • team was 2008 state runnerup • helped Onalaska to 18th consecutive Mississippi Valley Conference cross country title (2008) • two-time state track champion in 2009, her only season competing on the track • won 800 meters (2:14.29) and ran third leg of champion 4x800-meter relay • played three years of soccer • three-time soccer letterwinner and a all-conference selection at forward positition • scholar athlete. Personal: Born Nov. 19, 1990 • given name is Katelynn • undecided on a major • daughter of Rodney and Diane Hill • twin sister Jami will run cross country/track at Michigan • has a younger sister Dani • enjoys waterskiing and performing in show choir.

Laura Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 UMD Pine Hills Inv., 10/11

KOCH Redshirt Sophomore Waukesha, Wis. Waukesha West H.S.

Celia 2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season.

HEMMERICH

On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season.

Senior Sparta, Wis. Sparta H.S.

High School: A 2008 graduate of Preble High School • high school coaches were Dave Loritz and Mike Friss • placed eighth in the Wisconsin Division 1 state track meet in the 3,200 meters and ninth in the 1,600 meters as a senior • also placed sixth as a member of the 4x800-meter relay • two-time all-conference honoree in cross country and track • earned four varsity letters in cross country, two in track and soccer • a high school teammate of Gopher sophomore Anne-Marie Boyd • graduated with a 4.0 GPA • a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Personal: Born Aug. 24, 1990 • nursing major • daughter of Ted and Carrie Guismer • has two brothers, Daniel and Matthew • enjoys competing in triathlons, snowboarding and skiing.

2008 • Junior Season: Competed in five events • the Gophers’ number-five runner at the UMD Pine Hills Invitational with a season-best time of 24:45.3. 2007 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five races • notched her season-best time of 25:40.72 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. 2006 • Freshman Season: Competed in six meets • clocked her best time of 24:57.69 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2009 • competes in race distances from the mile to the 5,000 meters indoor and 3,000m steeplechase outdoor. High School: A 2006 graduate of Sparta High School • high school coach was Melinda Benson • two-time Mississippi Valley Conference honoree in cross country, once in track • four-year letterwinner in both cross country and track • graduated fourth in her class • National Honor Society member. Personal: Born Aug. 18, 1987 • a double major in biology, society and environment, and ecology, evolution and behavior • daughter of Dr. Mark Hemmerich and Dr. Jill Stebbins • has a twin sister, Sarah, who attends Wisconsin • other sisters are Caitlin and Natalie • has played the cello since she was 5 years old • enjoys skiing, swimming, traveling and singing the National Anthem at Gopher sporting events.

12 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

2008 • Sophomore Season: Redshirted the 2008 season. 2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in five meets • the Gophers’ number-two finisher at the Tori Neubauer Invitational with a season-best time of 22:56.56. On the Track: Will be a sophomore in 2010 • competed in the mile, 1,500m and 3,000m. High School: A 2007 graduate of Waukesha West High School • high school coach was Chris Ramsey • led West to two Wisconsin Division 1 titles in cross country (2004, 2005) and three track crowns (2004, 2005, 2006) • cross country runner-up in 2006 • a three-time all-state honoree in cross country • placed seventh as a sophomore, 11th as a junior and ninth as a senior • Classic 8 Conference medalist as a junior • an 11-time all-state performer on the track • placed seventh as a senior in the 800 meters (2:17.86) • two-time all-state in the 1,600 meters • two-time state champion and eight-time all-state honoree in the relays • won a 4x800-meter relay title as a sophomore and a 4x400-meter relay crown as a junior • also competed in cross country skiing • allstate skier as a senior • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born June 11, 1989 • nursing major • daughter of David and Sue Koch • active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Koch’s Top Times Year Time 2007 22:56.56

Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13

athlete biographies Mikaya

On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • a 2009 All-American in the 10,000m, Big Ten 10,000m runner-up • ranks second in school history in event (33:42.52) • two-time varsity letterwinner.

Jenna

Redshirt Freshman Edina, Minn. Edina H.S.

High School: A 2006 graduate of Palatine, High School • high school coach was Steve Currins • three-time all-state honoree in cross country • Illinois Class AA runner-up as a junior • fourth as a sophomore and sixth as a senior • team was second in 2003 and third in 2005 • 2004 Mid-Suburban League medalist • three-time state champion in the 3,200 meters • five-time conference champion • National Honor Society member.

Junior West Allis, Wis. Nathan Hale H.S.

LARSON

2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of Edina High School • high school coaches were Kathleen Morgan and Lynn Sosnowsk • two-time allstate honoree in track • Minnesota Class AA runner-up in the 800 meters as a sophomore in 2006, third in 2007 • top time in 800 meters was 2:15.55 • three-time All-Classic Lake Conference honoree • earned four varsity letters in track, one in soccer • Edina’s 2007-08 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Personal: Born Sept. 27, 1987 • global studies major • daughter of Paul and Lori Laskowske • has two younger brothers, Tom and Andrew • enjoys skiing, hiking and biking. Laskowske’s Top Times 2006 21:37.2 2007 22:10.9 2008 21:10.32

Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/14 Pre-NCAA Open, 10/13 NCAA Champ., 11/24

LASKOWSKE

2006 • Freshman Season: All-Midwest Region • the number-six runner during the championships portion of the season • placed 157th (22:33.4), helping Gophers to an 11th-place showing at the NCAA Championships • earned all-region honors with a 20th-place finish (21:47.37) at the NCAA Midwest Region al • finished 33rd (22:04) at her first Big Ten Championships • posted season-best time of 21:37.2 at the Pre-NCAA Meet, at the time the 14th best 6K time on the Gophers’ all-time performer list • the Gophers’ numberfive runner at the Griak Invitational (22:48) • won team’s Blue Collar Award • letterwinner.

On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • competed in the 1,500m, 3,000m, 5,000m and steeplechase.

Lewein’s Top Times 2007 24:46.94 2008 23:20.4

Senior Palatine, Ill. Palatine H.S.

2007 • Sophomore Season: Competed in five meets • the Gophers’ number-seven finisher at the Oz Memorial Run • clocked seasonbest time of 22:10.9 at the Pre-NCAA Meet’s Open Race • Academic All-Big Ten • earned second varsity letter.

2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • ran her seasonbest time, 24:46.94, at the Tori Neubauer Invitational.

Personal: Born Dec. 13, 1988 • undecided on a major • daughter of Jay and Paula Lewein • has a younger sister, Anna • owns several regional, national and world titles in the martial arts sport of escrima, which is the sport of Filipino stick fighting.

Amy

2008 • Junior Season: All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • Gophers’ number-three runner in NCAA, NCAA Midwest Region and Big Ten Championships • finished 94th overall at NCAAs with a career-best time of 21:10.2 in helping team to 11th-place tie • earned all-region honors with a 13th-place finish (21:26.55) • collected All-Big Ten Second Team accord with 14th-place showing (21:22.8) • finished 13th in the Griak Invitational • ran in seven meets • a member of the USTFCCCA All-Academic team • Academic All-Big Ten • awarded the team’s Comeback Runner of the Year • earned third varsity letter.

2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in six meets • the Gophers’ top finisher at the UMD Pine Hills Inv. • clocked season-best time of 23:20.4 at Tori Neubauer Invitational.

High School: A 2007 graduate of Nathan Hale High School • high school coaches were Terry Labinski and Jessica Cattarozzle • a fourtime cross country state meet participant • placed 32nd as a junior (15:36) and 77th as a senior • four-time Greater Metro AllConference honoree • 2006 conference champion in the indoor 3,200-meter run • earned four letters in cross country, two in track • graduated with over a 4.0 GPA.

Personal: Born April 20, 1990 • double major in chemistry and ceramics • daughter of Tom and Videhi Larson •¨father ran track for the Gophers in 1978-79 • has younger siblings Narah and Jaden • enjoys baking, reading and drawing.

Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2009 All-American in the 10,000 meters • two-time NCAA Cross Country Championships competitor • 2009 All-Big Ten Second Team as 10,000-meter runner-up • 2006 and 2008 All-Midwest Region honoree in cross country • All-Big Ten Second Team in cross country in 2008 • Minnesota record holder in the indoor 5,000 meters (16:20.12) • ranks second in Gopher history in the 10,000 meters (33:42.52) and fifth in the outdoor 5,000 meters (16:25.94).

LEWEIN

Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

Taylor

LIGHT Sophomore Minnetonka, Minn. Minnetonka H.S. Amy Laskowske

Danielle L EBRECK

2008 • Freshman Season: Competed in five races • ran her season-best time of 23:32.3 at Tori Neubauer Invitational

Sophomore Gary, Ill. Prairie Ridge H.S.

On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season.

2008 • Freshman Season: Competed in five races • ran her top time of the season (24:33.22) at UW-Eau Claire Invitational. On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of Prairie Ridge High School • high school coach was Kelly MacDonald • placed 75th at the 2004 Illinois Class AA cross country meet • a four-year state meet competitor in the 1,600 meters, three times in the 4x800-meter relay and once in the 800 meters • four-time Fox Valley Conference track titlist • earned four varsity letters in cross country and track • a member of the Spanish National Honors Society.

High School: A 2008 graduate of Minnetonka High School • high school coach was Jane Reimer-Morgan • earned all-state honors as a senior, finishing 14th in the Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • team placed third • all-state in track as a member of the runner-up 4x800-meter relay • earned four varsity letters in track, two in cross country • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born Oct. 20, 1989 • economics major • daughter of Bill and Julie Light • father played football for the Gophers (1969-71) serving as team captain in 1971 • has three older sisters: Brittney, Chelsea and Caitlin • enjoys water skiing, sailing and triathlons. Light’s Top Times 2008 23:32.3

Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

Personal: Born Oct. 16, 1989 • intends to major in journalism • daughter of Steve and Jackie LeBreck • has younger siblings Rochelle and Joe • enjoys reading, playing guitar and scuba diving. LeBreck’s Top Times 2008 24:33.22

UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

13 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies Amanda

Kaitlin

Marie

Sophomore Readfield, Wis. New London H.S.

Freshman Farmington, Minn. Farmington H.S.

Sophomore Minneapolis, Minn. Benilde St. Margaret’s H.S.

MEAGHER

2008 • Freshman Season: Ran in six meets • clocked a seasonbest time of 23:26.25 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of New London High School • high school coach was Patrick Jarvis • a three-time Wisconsin Division I state track meet participant, once in the 1,600 meters and twice in the 3,200 meters • competed in two Wisconsin state cross country meets • the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Bay Conference cross country individual champion • won two conference titles in the 3,200 meters • earned four varsity letters in both cross country and track • a member of the National Honor Society.

MINCKE

High School: A 2009 graduate of Farmington High School • coaches Tom Hart and Joe McCarthy • three-time all-state honoree • placed sixth in the 800 meters (2:18.00) at Minnesota Class AA Championships • a member of all-state 4x800-meter relays in 2008 and 2009 • best of of 2:16.87 in 800 meters • four-time track letterwinner • all-conference middle blocker in volleyball as a senior • Academic all-state. Personal: Born July 12, 1991 • intends to major in graphic design • daughter of Kevin and Deb Mincke • has an older sister Jordan and younger sister Mariah • enjoys playing piano, photography and going to Minnesota Twins games.

Katelyn

Personal: Born Dec. 8, 1989 • veterinary medicine major• daughter of Dr. Paul and Darlene Meagher • has older brother Dan and younger sister Marissa • enjoys art and cross country skiing. Meagher’s Top Times 2008 23:26.25

MORACZEWSKI Freshman White Bear Lake, Minn. White Bear Lake H.S.

UW-Eau Claire Inv. 10/3

Emma

MILLER Senior Menomonie, Wis. Menomonie H.S. / St. Thomas

2008 • Junior Season: Ran in six races • ran season-best time of 23:29.14 at UW-Eau Claire Invitational.

High School: A 2009 graduate of White Bear Lake High School • high school coach was Patti Percival • four-time all-state honoree in cross country • placed fourth as a junior (2007) and fifth as a senior (2008) in Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • 2008 Suburban East Conference champion • three-time all-state performer in track, twice in 1,600 meters and once in 3,200 meters • earned six letters in cross country, and five in track and Nordic skiing. Personal: Born Jan. 28, 1991 • undecided on a major • daughter of Matt and Laura Moraczewski, both who competed at St. Thomas • has an older brother Andy • enjoys playing soccer and the piano.

2007 • Sophomore Season: Competed in six meets • the Gophers’ number-seven finisher at the Tori Neubauer Invitational with a season-best time of 23:51.74.

On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of Benilde St. Margaret’s High School • high school coaches were Corey Swann and John Porisch • a fouryear letterwinner in track and once in soccer • did not compete in cross country • a Minnesota Class A Track & Field Championships competitor in the 1,600 meters as a sophomore • helped soccer team to a fourth-place state finish in 2007 • earned All-North Suburban Conference honors as a forward. Personal: Born Aug. 23, 1990 • kinesiology major • daughter of Thomas and Susan Muscala • has siblings, Anthony and Lauren • enjoys biking and swimming. Muscala’s Top Times Year Time 2008 24:06.3

Meet / Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

Calla

NELSON Redshirt Sophomore Roseville, Minn. Roseville Area H.S.

2008 • Sophomore Season: Redshirted the season. 2007 • Freshman Season: Ran in four races • notched a seasonbest time of 26:09.38 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational.

High School: A 2006 graduate of Roseville Area High School • high school coaches were Mary Schifsky and Ed Murray • a three-time Minnesota Class AA cross country meet participant • placed 95th as a senior and 54th as a junior, helping team to a pair of runnerup finishes in 2004 and 2005 • earned all-state honors as a member of the 4x800-meter relay in 2005 • four-time letterwinner in cross country and track • a member of the National Honor Society.

At St. Thomas: A member of the 2006 St. Thomas cross country team that placed 18th at the NCAA Division III Championships and captured the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. High School: A 2006 graduate of Menomonie Senior High School • high school coaches were Adam Topper and Craig Olson • earned three cross country varsity letters, four in track • team captain • a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Born April 30, 1988 • double major in public relations and law, criminology and deviance • daughter of Neil and Heidi Nelson • has siblings Lars and Blythe • enjoys traveling • earned Gold and Silver Awards with the Girl Scouts.

Personal: Born Nov. 18, 1987 • a math major • daughter of William and Margaret Miller • father ran cross country/track at the U. S. Air Force Academy • has two older sisters, Rachel and Grace • enjoys riding horses and playing the violin.

Nelson’s Top Times Year Time 2007 26:09.38

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

Tari Helmers

14 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

2008 • Freshman Season: Ran in four meets • the Gophers’ number-three runner at UMD Pine Hills Inv. • ran top season-best time of 24:06.3 at Tori Neubauer Invitational.

On the Track: Will be sophomore in 2010 • did not compete in 2009.

On the Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • competed at distances from mile to 5,000 meters..

Miller’s Top Times Year Time 2007 23:51.74 2008 23:29.14

MUSCALA

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13

athlete biographies Cassy

Stephanie

Claire

Freshman Eden Prairie, Minn. Eden Prairie H.S.

Sophomore Mankato, Minn. Loyola Catholic H.S.

Redshirt Freshman Berlin, Wis. Berlin H.S.

OPITZ

PRICE

RINDO

High School: A 2009 graduate of Eden Prairie High School • high school coach was Jeff Lindlief • the 2008 Minnesota Class AA state cross country champion, individual and team • runners-up in 2007 • three-time state track titlist as well • won 2009 crown in 1,600m (4:59.53), and titles in 3,200 meters in 2008 and as a member of the 4x800-meter relay in 2007 •

2008 • Freshman Season: Ran in five races • named the Gophers’ Freshman of the Year • the team’s number-four finisher at the Tori Neubauer Invitational with a season-best time of 22:24.5.

Personal: Born Feb. 6, 1991 • given name is Cassendra • intends to major in kinesiology • daughter of Kevin and Ann Opitz • has a twin brother Tyler.

High School: A 2008 graduate of Loyola Catholic High School • high school coach was Dale Compton • placed 35th in the 2007 Minnesota Class A Cross Country Championships • state meet competitor in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters • earned all-state honors as a freshman in the 4x800-meter relay with sister Sarah on the relay as well • totaled 16 varsity letters in high school: track (6), soccer (5), basketball (3) and cross country (2) • graduated at the top of her class • a member of the National Honor Society.

High School: A 2008 graduate of Berlin High School • high school coaches were Matt Willett and Cal Kromm • five-time all-state honoree in cross country and track • 2007 Wisconsin Division 2 cross country runner-up (14:35.8, 4K) • placed 40th in 2006 as a junior • Eastern Valley Conference cross country medalist as a junior and senior • placed second at state in 1,600 meters both as a senior (5:02.28) and junior • third in the 3,200 meters both seasons as well with her top time of 10:48.11 at state in 2008 • five-time conference champion • earned four letters in both cross country and track • a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Born July 30, 1989 • nursing major • daughter of Art and Sharon Price • the fifth of eight children with siblings: Cassandra, Derek, Sarah, Rodney, Rachal, Shane and Sheldon.

Personal: Born Jan. 24, 1990 • intends to major in kinesiology • daughter of Ron Rindo and Ellen Meyer • has a twin brother, Tyler, and siblings: Della, Riley and Noah • enjoys sewing.

Paige

ORCUTT Sophomore Sioux Falls, S.D. O’Gorman H.S.

2008 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • clocked a season-best time of 23:09.0 at Tori Neubauer Invitational.

On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010 outdoor season • competed indoor in mile at Big Ten indoor meet.

Price’s Top Times Year Time 2008 22:24.5

On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season.

Kathryn

RITTER Redshirt Freshman Mukwonago, Wis. Mukwonago H.S.

On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of O’Gorman High School • high school coaches were Doug Lindner and Aaron Strand • a 17-time all-state honoree • competed in the South Dakota Class AA state cross country and track meets from seventh grade • best finish in cross country championships was fifth in 2005 • placed 18th as a seventh grader, then no lower than ninth through high school • competed at six straight state track meets in the 1,600 meters and the 3,200 meters • made three state appearances in the 4x800meter relay, including runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2008 • a member of the National Honor Society • Presidential Award for Academic Excellence recipient.

2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be redshirt freshman in 2010 • redshirted the 2009 season. High School: A 2008 graduate of Mukwonago High School • high school coaches were Mike Furlong and Craig Huelsman • three-time all-state performer on the track • ran the anchor leg for the 2008 Wisconsin Division 1 champion 4x800-meter relay • placed third in 800 meters at state in 2007 with a school-record time of 2:14.25 • finished eighth as a senior • three-time Classic 8 Conference champion in the 800 meters • all-conference selection in cross country as a junior and senior • lettered four times in track, twice in both cross country and tennis • a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Born June 23, 1990 • history major • daughter of Mark and Evie Orcutt • the youngest of four children • other siblings Brooke, Ben and Gretchen all played collegiate soccer • playing Scrabble, taking naps and baking Mama Orcutt style. Orcutt’s Top Times Year Time 2008 23:09.0

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season.

Personal: Born March 5, 1990 • intends to major in pharmaceutical studies • daughter of Wolfgang and Carolyn Ritter • has a older sister, Megan, and a younger brother, Steven • enjoys baking and playing the piano.

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

Stephanie Price

15 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies Kathryn

Alyson

Megan

Junior Roseville, Minn. Roseville Area H.S.

Senior Wesley, Iowa West Hancock H.S./Butler CC

Redshirt Sophomore Eden Prairie, Minn. Eden Prairie H.S.

SALVATORE

SIEGRIST

2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in one meet • recorded a time in 27:27 in the Memorial Oz Run.

2008 • Junior Season: Ran in five races • clocked a season-best time of 23:35.30 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational.

2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in six races • the Gophers’ number-eight finisher at the Pine Hills Invitational • ran her season-best time of 24:46.08 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational.

2007 • Sophomore Season: Redshirted the season.

On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • competed in the mile and 1,500 meters. High School: A 2007 graduate of Roseville Area High School • high school coach was Mary Schifsky • a three-time Minnesota Class AA cross country meet participant • placed 32nd as a senior (15:12.6) • helped team to state runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2005 with a 41st-place finish as a sophomore and a 36th-place showing as a junior • a six-time cross country letterwinner, three in track • earned five varsity letters in Nordic skiing • earned all-state honors and led team to state runner-up finish in 2007 • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born May 29, 1988 • biology major • daughter of Dick and Betsy Salvatore • has siblings Jessica, Toni and Matt • enjoys competing in triathlons, scuba diving and playing guitar. Salvatore’s Top Times Year Time 2007 24:46.08 2008 27:27

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 Memorial Oz, 9/13

On the Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • competes in mile and 1,500 meters. At Butler CC: Earned NJCAA All-America honors in 2006 with a 10th-place finish • a five-time All-American in track in 2006 • redshirted the 2007 track season. High School: Home schooled • competed for West Hancock High School • coaches were Paul Nelson and Chuck Buseman • a sixtime track all-state honoree • two-time state runner-up in the 800 meters • a member of the 2004 state champion 4x400-meter relay • placed second at the USATF Nationals in the 800m (2:14.23) in 2001 • earned four varsity letters in cross country and track. Personal: Born Jan. 16, 1987 • nutrition major • daughter of David and Lisa Siegrist • the second oldest of seven children with siblings: Andrew, Ashley, Aaron, Aric, Anthony and Austin • plays the violin and piano • enjoys gardening and swimming. Siegrist’s Top Times Year Time 2008 23:35.00

Meet/Date UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

SMITH

2008 • Sophomore Season: Redshirted the season. 2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in six meets • the Gophers’ number-six finisher at the All-America 5K • posted her season-best time of 24:16.60 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. On the Track: Will be sophomore in 2010 • competes in the 600m and 800m. High School: A 2007 graduate of Eden Prairie High School • high school coach was Jeff Lindlief • two-time Minnesota Class AA cross country meet participant • placed 34th (15:14.5) leading team to a third-place finish in 2006 • 2007 state champion in the 800 meters (2:11.87) and the 4x800-meter relay • a eight-time track all-state honoree • a 2007 high school All-American placing sixth in the 4mile relay at Nike Outdoor Nationals • Junior Nationals qualifier in the 800m • earned four varsity letters in track, three in cross country and alpine skiing • Athena Award Winner. Personal: Born Feb. 15, 1989 • kinesiology major • daughter of Robert (Chip) and Shelley Smith • has a younger brother, Matthew • enjoys skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Smith’s Top Times Year Time 2007 24:16.60

Jessica

SCHMIDT Freshman DePere, Wis. West DePere H.S.

High School: A 2009 graduate of West DePere High School • high school coaches were Dexter McNabb and Nicole Flook • a three-time all-state honoree in cross country and track • placed fifth as a senior at the Wisconsin Division 2 Cross Country Championships, 27th as a junior • 2008 Bay Conference cross country champion • all-state in 1,600 meters and 4x400m relay as a junior • earned four varsity letters in cross country, three in track. Personal: Born May 9, 1991 • intends to major in business and finance • daughter of Andy and Kathy Schmidt • has a younger brother David • enjoys reading and traveling.

2009 Team Captains Front row: Elizabeth Yetzer, Megan Duwell, Tari Helmers Back row: Jamie Cheever, Kelly Wilson, Nikki Swenson, Heather Dorniden

16 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13

athlete biographies Brittni

Nikki

Annie

Junior Hartford, Wis. Hartford Union H.S.

Junior Dawson, Minn. Dawson-Boyd H.S.

Freshman Whitefish Bay, Wis. Whitefish Bay H.S.

SWANSON

2008 • Redshirt Sophomore Season: Ran in five races • ran a season-best time of 23:55.35 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational. 2007 • Sophomore Season: Redshirted the season. 2006 • Freshman Season: Competed in six meets • posted a season-best time of 24:13.06 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. On the Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • competed in 600 meters at 2008 and 2009 Big Ten Indoor Championships • also competes in 800m • two-varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2006 graduate of Hartford Union High School • high school coaches were Rachel DeRosa, Kristen Hems and Sarah Oliver • three-time state meet qualifier • four-time All-Wisconsin Little Ten Conference honoree • lettered four times in cross country and track • a member of three Wisconsin Division 1 state champion relays • won consecutive 4x400m relays titles in 2003 and 2004 • seven-time conference champion • state runner-up in the 800 meters as a sophomore • ran 400 meters twice at state meet • National Honor Society member. Personal: Born Oct. 1, 1987 • biology major • daughter of Thomas and Patti Swanson • enjoys painting, horseback riding and concerts. Swanson’s Top Times Year Time 2006 24:13.06 2008 23:55.35

Meet/Date Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/14 UW-Eau Claire Inv., 10/3

SWENSON

Golden Gopher Career Highlights: A 2009 Gopher cross country team captain • a 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track Championships competitor in the 800 meters • ran on Gopher cross country 2007 and 2008 Big Ten champion lineups • member of two Big Ten indoor track team champion teams as well (2008, 2009) • 2008 and 2009 indoor All-Big Ten Second Team honoree • ranked fourth in school history in the 800 meters outdoor (2:07.19), sixth in the 800 meters indoor (2:08.91) and sixth in the mile (4:44.88). 2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five events • Gophers’ alternate for NCAA Championships • the team’s number-eight runner at Big Ten Championships, 61st overall, in a time of 22:33.6 • ran a season-best time of 21:45.6 to place seventh in Pre-NCAA Open Race • Gophers’ seventh runner on Griak title team • earned second varsity letter. 2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in five races • voted the team’s Freshman of the Year • traveled to the NCAA Championships as an alternate • a member of the Gophers’ Big Ten champion lineup • the team’s ninth finisher, 44th overall, at the Big Ten meet with a season-best time of 21:28.91 • time ranks 12th in school history • placed fourth (21:29.0) in the Open Race of the Pre-NCAA Meet • finished 54th (22:40.5) in her first collegiate Griak Invitational • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • 2008 and 2009 All-Big Ten Second Team as the anchor of runner-up distance medley relay • placed third in Big Ten in indoor and outdoor 800 meters in 2009 • two-time varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2007 graduate of Dawson-Boyd High School • competed on the Lac Qui Parle Valley-Dawson Boyd team • high school coaches were John Shurb, John Kvaal and Sheri Hanson • a twotime Minnesota Class A cross country champion, capturing medalist honors as a freshman in 2003 and as a senior (14:23.6) in 2006 • state runner-up in 2004 and 2005 • seven-time state track champion, three coming in the 1,600 meters • a triple titlist as a senior winning the 400 meters (57.01), the 1,600 meters (4:58) and the 3,200 meters (11:00) • won the 2006 state crown in the 800meter run (2:12.08) and runner-up accord in the 1,600-meter run (4:53.67) • was a double winner in 2005, winning the 400 meters and 1,600 meters in leading her team to a first-place finish with just two athletes competing • added a second-place finish in the 3,200 meters that season • won the first of her two 1,600 meters titles and placed second in the 3,200 meters as a freshman • earned six letters in both cross country and track • played point guard on the basketball team, earning three all-conference honors and scoring 963 career points • an honor student • graduated third in her class with a 3.96 grade point average.

TALAJKOWSKI

High School: A 2009 graduate of Whitefish Bay High School • high school coaches are Mike Miller and Candice Costa • four-time allstate performer in cross country • finished 10th as a senior helping team to Wisconsin Division 1 state title • placed eighth as a junior as team was runner-up • advanced to state track meet as a sophomore and junior in the 2-mile run • four-time letterwinner in both cross country and track. Personal: Born Dec. 21, 1990 • undecided on a major • daughter of Tom and Cheri Talajkowski • father played collegiate golf at Wisconsin • has siblings Molly and Noah • enjoys outdoor activities and art.

Bre

VALLE Freshman Minnetonka, Minn. Minnetonka H.S.

High School: A 2009 graduate of Minnetonka High School • high school coach was Jane Reimer-Morgan • two-time all-state in cross country • placed 24th in 2008 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • three-time all-state track honoree • anchored state champion 4x800-meter relay as a senior • relay was state runner-up in 2008 • ran best of 2:16 in 800 meters. Personal: Born April 19, 1990 • given name is Melissa • intends to major in psychology • parents are David and Angel Valle • guardians are Keith and Mary Pickering • has siblings: Camron, Kenndie, Rikki, Scotty, Jasmin, Trent, Jennifer and Jimmy.

Personal: Born April 3, 1989 • kinesiology major • daughter of Mike and Julie Swenson • mother ran track at Moorhead State • has younger siblings: Kelly and Ryan • enjoys being outdoor and spending time with family and friends. Swenson’s Top Times Year Time 2007 21:28.91 2008 21:42.6

Meet/Date Big Ten Champ., 10/28 Pre-NCAA Open, 10/18

Nikki Swenson Christina Engstrom

17 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athlete biographies Mallory

Michele

Senior Shoreview, Minn. Mounds View H.S. / Missouri

Freshman Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville Notrh H.S.

VAN NESS

VOLZ

High School: A 2009 graduate of Lakeville North High School • high school coach is Bob Ertl • competed in six Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • ran on North’s 2003 state cross country champion team as a seventh-grader • top individual state finish was fourth in 2005 • four-time all-state in cross country and five times in track • state titlist in the 1,600m (4:58.00) as a sophomore • earned a total of 17 times, six in cross country, six in track and five in both Nordic skiing • Athena Award winner • a member of the National Honor Society.

Golden Gopher Career Highlights: A 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region performer • ran on two Big Ten champion lineups (2007, 2008) • veteran of NCAA Cross Country competition. 2008 • Junior Season: All-NCAA Midwest Region • the numberfour finisher on Gophers’ 11th-place NCAA squad • placed 116th overall (21:19.4) in her first NCAA race • earned all-region honors with 14th-place showing (21:26.85) • team’s number-four runner (21:27.5), 17th overall, at Big Ten Championships • clocked season-best time of 21:16.5 at Pre-NCAA meet • ran in seven events • shared team’s Most Improved Runner Award with Kelly Wilson • USTFCCCA All-Academic Team • Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned second varsity letter. 2007 • Sophomore Season: Competed in five meets • an alternate on the Gophers’ NCAA squad • a member of the Big Ten champion lineup • the Gophers’ number-seven finisher, 27th overall, at the Big Ten Championship • ran a career-best time of 20:57.85 at Big Ten meet, the 10th-fastest time in school history • placed 14th (21:54.7) in the Open Race at the Pre-NCAA Meet • finished 45th (22:31.7) in the first Griak Invitational • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • competed in the 5,000 meters at the 2009 Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Championships. At Missouri: Ran in three races for the Tigers in the 2005 season, including the Big 12 Championships in which she finished 36th • placed sixth a the Bradley Classic with season-best 6k time of 22:09 • redshirted the 2006 season. High School: A 2005 graduate of Mounds View High School • high school coaches were Tess Koepcke and Jacki Danforth • finished third at the Minnesota state track meet in the two-mile run (10:51) • earned all-state cross country honors in her first and only year of competition as a senior • a conference and section cross country champion • earned all-state honors in the mile in 2004 and 2005 • a member of the conference champion 4x800-meter relay in 2005 • helped the Mustangs to two conference championships (2004 and 2005), a section championship (2005) and a second-place state finish in 2005 • the Student-Athlete of the Year at Mounds View High School • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born Oct. 14, 1986 • an architecture major • daughter of Brian and Deborah Van Ness • father is a U professor in the department of genetics and cell biology • enjoys the outdoors, art, soccer and figure skating. Van Ness’ Top Times Year Time 2007 20:57.85 2008 21:16.5

Meet/Date Big Ten Champ., 10/28\Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/18

Personal: Born Feb. 27, 1991 • intends to major in biomedical engineering • daughter of Jerry and Jane Volz • mother ran cross country/track for Coach Gary Wilson at Wisconsin-LaCrosse • older brother Matt runs on Gopher men’s team • enjoys film, ping pong, cards and hockey. Mallory Van Ness

Jamie

Kayla

Freshman Niagara, Wis. Niagara H.S.

Freshman Baldwin, Wis. Baldwin-Woodville H.S.

VANDENBERG

High School: A 2009 graduate of Niagara High School • high school coach was Dan Nett • did not compete in cross country • five-time Wisconsin Division 3 state track champion • captured 800-meter crown as junior and senior • 400 meters champion in 2006, ‘07 and ‘08, runner-up in 2009 • top time of 56.15 in 400m, 2:13.29 in 800m • two-time all-conference in volleyball and basketball • allstate in basketball as a senior • 1,000-point career scorer • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born July 13, 1991 • intends to major in pre-med or kinesiology • daughter of Gary and Mary Vandenberg • the youngest of four children with siblings: Robin, Hollie and Darren • enjoys snowboarding and art.

Melissa

VARPRESS Freshman Montevideo, Minn. Montevideo H.S.

High School: A 2009 graduate of Montevideo High School • high school coach was Sue Heikes • 2008 and 2009 Minnesota Division 1 state champion in the 800 meters • four-time all-state track honoree • state runner-up in 1,600m as a senior (5:10.38) • ran high school best of 2:14.42 in 800 meters • state runner-up in 800m in 2007 • did not compete in cross country • five-time letterwinner in track and swimming • also participated in band, choir and speech • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born July 20, 1990 • intends to major in kinesiology or nutrition • daughter of Lee and Sue Varpress • has brothers Jaseson and Joe and sister Mollie • enjoys cooking, reading and spending time at the lake.

18 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

WAGNER

High School: A 2009 graduate of Baldwin-Woodville High School • high school coaches were Jennifer Cimino and Darren Peterson • all-state in cross country as a junior and senior • 2008 Wisconsin Division 2 cross country runner-up • finished seventh in 2007 • the 2008 Roy Griak Invitational Girls Maroon Race champion • fourtime all-state in track • state runner-up in the 3,200 meters as both a junior and senior • has bests of 5:00 in 1,600m and 10:38 in 3,200m • also lettered in band, choir and forensics • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born Nov. 29, 1990 • intends to major in elementary education • daughter of Michael and Linda Wagner • has one brother, Zach • plays the saxophone • enjoys reading, acting, playing, camping and Minnesota Twins baseball.

athlete biographies Kelly

Elizabeth

Senior Ortonville, Mich. Brandon H.S.

Senior Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville North H.S.

WILSON

Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2009 team captain. 2008 • Junior Season: Competed in five meets • shared Gophers’ Most Improved Runner Award with Mallory Van Ness • 2007 • Sophomore Season: Ran in five meets • clocked a seasonbest time of 23:53.97 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. 2006 • Freshman Season: Competed in one race • posted a time of 25:39.92 at the Oz Memorial. On The Track: Will be a senior in 2010 • competed in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters. High School: A 2006 graduate of Brandon High School • high school coach was Rod Yeacker • four-time Michigan Division II state meet participant • All-Flint Metro League as both a junior and senior • earned three varsity letters in track, two in cross country • advanced to 2005 state meet in 3,200 meters and 4x800m relay • Metro League and 3,200m champion as a junior, regional champ as a senior • graduated with a 3.96 grade point average. Personal: Born Feb. 10, 1988 • nutrition major • daughter of David and Mary Wilson • has one younger brother, Kristopher • enjoys cooking. Wilson’s Top Times Year Time 2006 25:39.92 2007 23:53.97 2008 22:19.7

Meet/Date Oz Memorial, 9/9 Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/13 Tori Neubauer Inv. 10/18

YETZER

Meet/Date Pre-NCAA, 10/14 Big Ten Champ., 10/28 Pre-NCAA Open, 10/18

Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2009 NCAA Track Championships competitor in the 1,500 meters • a two-time All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree in cross country (2006, 2007) • a two-time NCAA Cross Country Championships competitor and member of 2007 and 2008 Big Ten cross country team champion lineups • ranked sixth on the Gophers’ cross country all-time performers list • ranks fifth in school history in the mile (4:44.37) and third in the 1,500 meters (4:18.11) • cross country and track team captain. 2008 • Junior Season: Competed in five meets • alternate for NCAA Championships • ran on Big Ten champion squad • team’s ninth finisher (23:34.8), 80 overall, at Conference meet • ran season-best time of 21:43.9 at Pre-NCAA Open Race, placing ninth • team captain • Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned third varsity letter. 2007 • Sophomore Season: All-Midwest Region • recipient of the team’s Coaches Award • the Gophers’ number two or three finisher in all seven meets • finished 105th overall, second on the team (21:34.5), in helping Gophers to a 12th-place showing at the NCAA Championships • placed 13th overall, second on the Gophers (20:46) at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships • clocked a career-best time of 20:36.14 to finish 15th at the Big Ten Championships, one spot away from an all-conference accolade • finished 21st at the Griak Invitational (21:59.8) • finished third overall in the season's first two meets, the Oz Memorial and the South Dakota State Invitational • honored on the USTFCCCA AllAcademic Team • Academic All-Big Ten • earned second varsity letter. 2006 • Freshman Season: All-Midwest Region • earned the team’s Freshman of the Year Award • the Gophers’ number-three runner in four meets, including the NCAA Championships • finished 108th overall (22:11.8) at the NCAA meet to help Gophers to an 11th-place showing • placed 18th overall (21:36.02), fifth on the team, to capture all-region accord • finished 28th (21:56) in her first Big Ten Championships • ran the second-fastest time ever by a Gopher freshman (20:58.8) at the Pre-NCAA Meet • competed in seven meets • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • redshirted the 2008 season • NCAA Championships competitor in outdoor 1,500m in 2009 • team captain • two-time letterwinner. High School: A 2006 graduate of Lakeville North High School • high school coach was Bob Ertl • two-time Minnesota Class AA cross country champion • captured title her senior season (2005) in a record time of 13:59.3 • led Lakeville North to team titles in 2003 and 2005 • competed in her first state meet as a seventh-grader, placing fourth, then fifth as an eighth-grader, third as a freshman and runner-up as a sophomore • placed seventh in the 2004 National Foot Locker Championships, 14th in 2005 • five-time state titlist on the track • won 1,600 meters three times, 3,200 meters twice • holds state records at both distances (4:46 / 10:16) • team won consecutive state titles from 2003-05, runner-up in 2006 • won the 2-mile run at the 2005 Nike Outdoor Nationals, runner-up in 2006 • also a two-time all-state honoree in Nordic skiing.

Kelly Wilson

Yetzer’s Top Times Year Time 2006 20:58.8 2007 20:36.14 2008 21:43.9

Personal: Born May 1, 1988 • elementary education major • daughter of Greg and Mary Yetzer • the youngest of four children with siblings Jake, Rebekah and Annie • Rebekah (2006, 2007) and Annie (2004) competed for Minnesota mother ran collegiately at Wisconsin then transferred to Minnesota and lettered in 1981 • enjoys cooking biking and hiking.

Elizabeth Yetzer

Kayla

ZANDER Senior Waunakee, Wis. Waunakee H.S.

2008 • Junior Season: Ran in four meets • clocked a season-best time of 25:45.2 at the Tori Neubauer Invitational. 2007 • Sophomore Season: Competed in six races • posted a season-best time of 25:50.8 at the Griak Invitational. 2006 • Freshman Season: Ran in five events • the Gophers’ number-four runner at the Blugold Open clocking a season-best time of 24:14.99. On The Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • competes in the 800 meters, mile.and 1,500 meters. High School: A 2006 graduate of Waunakee High School • high school coach was Tom Slater • two-time all-state honoree • 2004 Badger North Conference medalist • four-time all-conference in cross country and track • participated in two Wisconsin Division 1 state track meets • placed sixth as a member of the 4x800m relay as a senior, seventh as a junior • National Honor Society member. Personal: Born June 7, 1988 • architecture major • daughter of Charlie and Susan Zander • has one younger sister, Sarah. Zander’s Top Times 2006 24:14.99 2007 25:50.8 2008 25:45.2

Blugold Open, 9/29 Griak Inv., 9/29 Tori Neubauer Inv., 10/18

19 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

athletics administration

Joel Maturi athletics director

In his eight years as director of athletics at the University of Minnesota, Joel Maturi has engineered a complete transformation of Golden Gopher athletics. Since being named the first director of athletics of Minnesota’s merged men’s and women’s departments on July 12, 2002, Maturi has combined an uncompromising vision of the future and his unique brand of leadership with a tireless dedication to guide Gopher athletics on a clear course toward becoming a model NCAA Division I athletics department. A native of Chisholm, Minn., Maturi’s tenure at Minnesota has been marked by significant positive change in virtually every aspect of the department. And from his focused efforts has emerged a level of broad-based achievement that year after year places Gopher athletics among the nation’s most successful overall programs. Looking back, it’s easy to discern the building blocks of Minnesota’s success under Maturi. Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets and refocused fund-raising efforts have yielded increased opportunities and unprecedented growth. The development of a first-class academic support program continues to see Gopher student-athletes earn their degrees at ever improving rates. A renewed emphasis on NCAA compliance has ushered in a new era of integrity. And a distinctive ability to foster cooperation as a key and trusted member of University Robert Bruininks’ leadership team has resulted in unprecedented levels of cross-campus collaboration. To say that Minnesota’s athletics department was at a tipping point when Maturi arrived is to perhaps understate the challenges facing the program. Gopher athletics was projected to run a $31 million deficit over the next four years and in order to help cope planned to eliminate three sports. Building a state-of-theart stadium to bring football back to campus was considered a pipe dream. Undaunted, Maturi swiftly set in motion a plan to restore the financial integrity of Gopher athletics. Balanced budgets followed and all three sports were retained. Most significantly, however, the dream of returning Gopher football to its rightful place campus is now a reality as Minnesota opened the doors to the 50,000-seat TCF Bank Stadium – the Big Ten’s first new on-campus football stadium built since 1960. Upgrades to virtually every Minnesota athletics facility have also taken place under Maturi, including a $600,000 renovation of the playing surface of historic Williams Arena this past summer, and funds are currently being raised to support the construction of a new stadium for Gopher baseball. In addition to leading the way to meet the Gophers’ needs for world-class facilities, Maturi’s tenure has been marked by continual athletic and academic success by Minnesota’s 25-sport department. Gopher athletic programs have accumulated four national championships, 30 Big Ten or WCHA regular season titles and five conference postseason crowns. Minnesota has also placed in the top 30 of the Learfield Directors’ Cup final standing each year of his term, including a 14th-place finish in 2008-09 that ranks as the third-best finish in school history that saw Gopher teams claim six conference titles, advance 20 teams to postseason competition, produce 40 first team All-Big Ten honorees and 41 All-Americans, 257 academic all-conference selections (second-most in the Big Ten) and 12 CoSIDA academic all-district award winners. Minnesota was also among just a handful of programs to see its football team earn a bowl berth (Insight Bowl) and have both its men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as its baseball program qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Gopher women’s hockey, meanwhile, made its sixth appearance in the Frozen Four. Maturi, 64, increased his leadership role within the Big Ten and NCAA during the past few years by being named to several prominent committees, most notably the NCAA Division I Management Council. He has served as the Management Council’s liaison to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the past year. Maturi is has also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee, and will chair this committee during the 2007-08 season. Prior to his arrival, Maturi was the Director of Athletics at Miami University (Ohio). At Miami, Maturi was responsible for the management and leadership of 19 sports programs, all support staffs and nearly 600 student-athletes. His first season at Miami was an extremely successful one. The synchronized skating team won a national championship, the men’s basketball team reached the NCAA Sweet 16, the volleyball team earned its first NCAA Tournament win, the men’s cross country team advanced to the NCAA meet and the football team won 10 games against an impressive schedule. That year, six teams won Mid-American Conference titles while five coaches garnered Coach of the Year honors. During his tenure at Miami, Maturi spearheaded fund-raising efforts for two important and necessary projects. In his final year, the Walter L. Gross Jr. Family Student-Athlete Development Center was opened and a new baseball field, McKie Field at Hayden Park, was dedicated. Maturi also made an impact on the campus and the community in Oxford, Ohio. He was a recipient of a Campus Impact Award, received an award from the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities for his efforts to help those in need, the Miami Alumni Association’s A.K. Morris Award for his service to the Association and the Myrtis Powell Building Community Award. In addition, he chaired the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) executive council in 2001-02, and also served as the chair of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee for Region 4 and was the liaison for the men’s basketball coaches in the MAC. Prior to his time at Miami, Maturi served as the Director of Athletics at the University of Denver from 1996-98. At Denver, Maturi led the school’s move from Division II to Division I and oversaw the search for Division I conference affiliation. Maturi also assisted in the planning and development of a $50 million Sports and Wellness Center and a $2.1 million tennis complex. Maturi is no stranger to the Big Ten. From 1987-96, he worked at the University of Wisconsin. While there, he assisted in taking the financially challenged and struggling athletics program to profitability and success. From 1992-96, he was the Associate Director of Athletics with direct responsibility for all aspects of the football, ice hockey, wrestling, softball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s rowing, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams, as well as the office of academic affairs. He also chaired the Department’s “Support” Program, a wellness program for student-athletes and staff. Maturi was named the Wisconsin Sports Person of the Year in 1993. Before entering the college ranks, Maturi spent 19 years as a high school coach and administrator at Madison Edgewood High School. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track and field, leading his teams to 10 state tournaments. Maturi was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Maturi received a B.A. in government from the University of Notre Dame in 1967. He also served on the support staff of Ara Parseghian’s first national championship team. He earned a master’s degree and certification for educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1985. Maturi and his wife, Lois, have three grown children, Mark, Katie and Anne.

20 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Robert Bruininks university president

Robert H. Bruininks was appointed the 15th president of the University of Minnesota on November 8, 2002. He has served the University for 40 years, formerly as a professor, dean, and executive vice president and provost. Transforming the U For the past four years, Bruininks has overseen a transformative strategic positioning effort at the University that has raised the bar considerably for the University's academic profile, its service to students and the community, and its stewardship of resources. Already, the results of this intensive effort are visible. In the recent years, the University has undertaken initiatives including: • the adoption of aggressive new four-year graduation goals for each campus • the development of student learning and development outcomes that clearly outline what all University students should know and be able to do at graduation, regardless of academic program • the implementation of tuition reforms enabling many students to save significantly on the total cost of education • the revision of the faculty tenure and promotion code to better recognize and reward outstanding scholarship in all its forms "The University has undertaken significant reform in the context of an increasingly competitive global market for resources, talent, and ideas," Bruininks said. "Our vision is to improve lives through the advancement of knowledge, and our strategic goal is aspirational, audacious, and, I believe, achievable: to become one of the top three public research universities in the world, with a deep and abiding cultural commitment to excellence in everything we do, across all our campuses, research and outreach centers, and offices statewide." Innovations in the University's student experience, such as expanded undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, a campus-wide Honors Program for the Twin Cities campus, and an increased emphasis on enhancing teaching and learning, have helped to fuel high student satisfaction rates, increased applications and enrollment, and significantly improved graduation rates. With more than 65,000 students enrolled system-wide—including more than 50,000 on the Twin Cities campus alone—the University of Minnesota is one of the nation's largest. Affordability for students here and at the University's four coordinate campuses remains a primary concern for the Bruininks administration. Launched in 2005, the Founders Free Tuition Program now covers full cost of tuition and required fees for low-income, Pell-eligible Minnesota students statewide. Once fully implemented, the award is expected to benefit 4,700 undergraduates across the University. In addition, Bruininks has made student scholarships the University's top fundraising priority. The Promise for Tomorrow scholarship drive reached its initial goal of $150 million in October 2006 and has now raised roughly $250 million in just five years. Approximately 7,000 students received privately funded scholarships and fellowships each year; the University's new goal is to help 10,000 students with privately raised financial assistance. Bruininks's career has centered on child and adolescent development and policy research, and strategic improvement in the fields of pre-kindergarten to grade 12 and higher education. Initially joining the University's faculty as an assistant professor of educational psychology, he has authored or coauthored nearly 90 journal articles and more than 70 book chapters, as well as training materials and several standardized tests. In 2007, Bruininks joined the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. He has also been instrumental in bringing Big Ten football back to the Twin Cities campus with the construction of TCF Bank Stadium, slated to open in Fall 2009. In addition to hosting home football games, the new stadium will provide a permanent home for the marching band, an important new venue for University and community events, and a prominent public gateway to the University's broader mission of education, research and public engagement. President Bruininks earned his bachelor of arts degree from Western Michigan University, and his master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees from George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development). He and his wife, Dr. Susan Hagstrum, have three grown sons and three grandsons. In their free time, they enjoy riding American Saddlebred horses and spending time at their cabin on northern Minnesota's Gunflint Trail.

2009 golden gopher cross country

University of

MINNESOTA 21 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

About The ‘U’ • Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university and the state's only major research university. • The Twin Cities campus has an enrollment of more than 51,000 ranking as the fourth-largest in the nation. • The University's Twin Cities campus consistently ranks among the top six public research universities in the nation. • More than 160 bachelor’s degrees, 150 master’s degrees and 100 doctoral degrees are offered. • As one of the largest urban universities in the United States, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities provides many opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in the thriving business, social and artistic communities of the metropolitan area. • The University’s mission of teaching, research and service is felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. To ensure that this legacy continues, the University has embarked on an aggressive strategic plan to make this great University even greater.

22 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

2009 golden gopher cross country

University of

MINNESOTA A world-class university — known globally as a leader in teaching, research and public service, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities consistently ranks among the top six public research universities in the nation. More than 160 bachelor’s degrees, 150 master’s degrees and 100 doctoral degrees make the University one of the most comprehensive institutions in the country. Many of the programs are recognized as national and international leaders. Also a thriving center for culture and the arts, The “U” features outstanding galleries, museums, concerts, theater productions and public lectures. Add in the excitement of Big Ten Athletics, and the University of Minnesota has something for everyone. The University community is a broad mix of ethnic backgrounds, interests and cultures. Students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Many small communities of students, faculty and staff help to create a welcoming feeling on campus. The campus in Minneapolis is located just a few minutes east of downtown. Nestled along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, buildings in Minneapolis range from the ultramodern Weisman Art Museum to the classic and stately Northrop Memorial Auditorium. A few miles to the east in St. Paul, rolling hills and quiet lawns create a more rural setting. The Minneapolis and St. Paul parts of the campus are connected by a convenient campus shuttle system. The University of Minnesota also provides a life beyond the campus like few other Big Ten universities can. The dynamic communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer something for everyone—a nationally-recognized arts and theater community, a thriving entertainment industry, a host of Fortune 500 companies, four glorious seasons of outdoor recreation, exciting professional sports, shopping and restaurants for every taste, all located close to campus. Founded in 1851, seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a state, the University is the largest in the state and touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its teaching, research and service.

23 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

CAMPUS

24 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

2009 golden gopher cross country

The views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River are plentiful from the East Bank and West Bank campuses.

25 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

The Twin Cities are blessed with many lakes including Lake Calhoun (above) which is located just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis.

Twin Cities Facts • The Twin Cities metro area has a population of over 2.5 million and is the nation’s 14th-largest media market • Minneapolis was named the “Most Fun City in America” by Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” • Men’s Fitness ranked Minneapolis as the “Most Athletic City” in 2006. The magazine annually ranks Minneapolis as one of the “Fittest” cities, including a No. 4 ranking in 2007. • The Twin Cities boast all four major sports franchises (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB) • The Twin Cities are home to 130 art galleries and 35 museums • 20 Fortune 500 companies are located in the Twin Cities • Cooking Light named Minneapolis the fourth-best American city that best fit a philosophy to eat smart, be fit, and live well. • A 2004 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater study revealed Minneapolis as the “Most Literate City” in America • Entrepreneur ranked the Twin Cities as the No. 1 large city for entrepreneurs • Population Connection ranked Minneapolis as the fifth-best “kid friendly” large city • Kiplinger’s rated Minneapolis No. 2 on its “50 Smart Places To Live” list • Minnesota has been ranked as the healthiest state by United Health Foundation for three straight years • Men’s Journal rated the Twin Cities as one of the “50 Best Places To Live” in 2006 • Five Minnesota hospitals, led by Mayo Clinic, made U.S. News & World Report's 2005 lists of the nation's top hospitals.

Only In The Twin Cities • The largest enclosed mall in the country, the Mall of America • Second-most theater seats per capita behind New York City • More golfers per capita than any city in the country The Minneapolis skyline in the evening

26 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

The Minneapolis skyline from the Northeast with the Mississppi River

Skyways throughout downtown Minneapolis make foot travel convenient

The famous scultpure gardens in Minneapolis

2009 golden gopher cross country

Minneapolis & St. Paul

TWIN CITIES The St. Croix River runs adjacent to downtown St. Paul

19 Fortune 500 companies are located in the Twin Cities

The Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul

Minnehaha Falls is located in Minneapolis

The State Capitol building in downtown St. Paul

27 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Pro Sports, Concerts, Outdoors • Target Center (downtown Minneapolis) and Xcel Energy Center (downtown St. Paul) both seat over 19,000 spectators and host hundreds of sporting events and concerts each year. • The Twin Cities are home to the Timberwolves (NBA), Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB) and Wild (NHL). • Virtually every major sporting event including Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, playoffs for the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL and PGA Tour major golf tournaments. • The Twin Cities also play host to professional soccer, women’s basketball, lacrosse and minor league baseball. • Minnesota has over 15,000 lakes that boast some of the country’s finest fishing and boating. • The Twin Cities’ thousands of recreational areas and trails make it one of the top outdoor destinations.

Outdoor Options The Twin Cities offer endless outdoor sporting activities including fishing, boating, camping, skiing, golfing and biking to name a few. The Cities are covered with trails and thousands of lakes to entertain any outdoor enthusiast.

28 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Top Concerts Kenny Chesney, Green Day, Beyonce and Dave Matthews Band are just a few of the hundreds of top shows that visited the Twin Cities recently.

2009 golden gopher cross country

Twin Cities

ENTERTAINMENT Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lymx

Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild

Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves

Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

Target Center

29 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

The Gopher womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross country team is the two-time defending Big Ten Champions.

49 13 447 258 Hassan Mead was a five-time Big Ten champion in 2008-09 in indoor and outdoor track and cross country and earned AllAmerica honors in all three sports.

Athletic & Academic Achievements

Student-Athletes earned All-America honors in 2008-09.

Straight top 30 finishes in the Learfield Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup measuring overall athletics prowess.

Student-athletes held GPAs of 3.0 or better during the 2009 spring semester.

Academic All-Big Ten selections during the 2008-09 season.

Academic All-Americans over the last six years.

Jillian Tyler was the NCAA runner-up in the 100 breaststroke and was a three-time AllAmerican in 2009.

2009 golden gopher cross country

Gopher Championships 23 8

National Championships won by Minnesota overall.

National Championships won since 2001.

Big Ten or WCHA regular season or tournament titles won in the last eight years.

Big Ten or WCHA conference titles won in the last three years.

172

All-Time Regular Season Big Ten/WCHA Championships

Derek McCallum was named a first team All-American and led Minnesota into the NCAA Baseball Tournament.

The soccer, women’s hockey and women’s indoor track and field and cross country teams all claimed Big Ten Championships in 2008-09.

Athletic

EXCELLENCE Ryan Stoa was a first team men’s hockey All-American in 2008-09.

Jillian Tyler was the NCAA runner-up in the 100 breaststroke and was a three-time AllAmerican in 2009.

Lauren Gibbemeyer was one of three Gophers to earn volleyball AllAmerica honors.

Zach Sanders earned AllAmerica honors as a freshman for the wrestling team in 2009.

31 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

Athletics

FACILITIES

Mariucci Arena

Jane Sage Cowles Stadium

Sports Pavilion

U of M Boathouse

siebert Field

Les Bolstad/University Golf Course

Baseline Tennis Center

32 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

2009 golden gopher cross country

The University of Minnesota owns a full compliment of on-campus athletics facilities including the brand-new TCF Bank Stadium.

Bierman Track and Field Stadium

University Aquatics Center

Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium

Ridder Arena

1 million On average, nearly one million fans attend Gopher athletic events annually. Williams Arena

33 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

“

We’ve made a tremendous commitment to reach out to children in the state of Minnesota. We want to grow a sense of state pride in these young kids. We want them to grow up dreaming about becoming Golden Gophers. I think it is vital to establish these relationships within the state, so these kids think the thing to do is stay home and represent the state of Minnesota some day.

”

— Head Coach Tim Brewster 34 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

2009 golden gopher cross country

Life

SKILLS Gophers In The Community The Gopher soccer program believes it is important to return the outstanding support given by its fans by returning some of their time through volunteer and charitable activities. The Gophers are actively involved in the Twin Cities and University communities. Additionally, the CHAMPS/Life Skills program will: • Promote student-athletes’ ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities. • Meet the changing needs for student-athletes. • Promote respect for diversity and inclusion among studentathletes. • Assist student-athletes in identifying and applying transferable skills. • Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education. • Foster an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectivelly access campus resources.

Champs/Life Skills Program History

In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division I-A Athletic Director's Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) was created. Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office.

PEYTON OWENS Associate Director Director of CHAMPS/Life Skills

University of Minnesota Life Skills Program The Life Skills Program at the University Of Minnesota includes many programs all designed to help make the student-athlete's experience a positive one. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is an NCAA sponsored program designed to focus on the total development of the student-athlete. Part of the mission of the Athletic Department is to encourage student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits. In an effort to assist our student-athletes further, the program is designed to give a comprehensive approach to providing educational experiences and services which focus on the individual. We presently utilize: a freshman orientation course, personal development programs, Golden Career Opportunities, various community outreach efforts, and our Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) to impact the lives of our young men and women. Gopher involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program helps student-athletes enhance the quality of their experience here within the university setting. We are also supplied with instructional materials and supplemental resources which support our student-athletes' development within the CHAMPS/Life Skills Commitment Statements’ five key areas: academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development, and community service.

ANISSA LIGHTNER Asst. Director

RACHEL MCKESSOCK Coordinator

35 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

2009 golden gopher cross country

U of M Academic Facts • The University of Minnesota is ranked among the top six public research universities in the nation, according to a recent study by the University of Florida. • The University’s Twin Cities campus offers more than 160 majors for undergraduates. The University has 17 different colleges. • University departments, such as geography, psychology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, management information systems, and economics rank among the top 10 in the nation, according to the National Research Council. • A record 258 Minnesota student-athletes were named Academic All-Big Ten during the 2008-09 academic year. • 447 U of M student-athletes maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or better during the spring semester of the 2008-09 academic year.

Gopher

ACADEMICS McNamara Academic Center • Computer lab with more than 40 computers • A quiet study area • The Learning Center with four computers, tutor rooms and Learning Specialists • The Gopher Getaway lounge which includes: • 50-inch flat screen TV • Six computers available for e-mail, Facebook, MySpace or general web surfing • Tables and chairs for eating and socializing • 10 tutor rooms or classrooms

Learning Support Tutors • Tutors are available for many different subjects Sunday through Thursday evenings. • You can also make an individual appointment with a tutor.

Learning Support Structured Study 7-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday: Focuses on needs of the first-year student-athlete. Individual writing assistance and group tutoring in the most common math and science courses are scheduled nightly. Learning Groups-Focus Groups each semester address particular needs, i.e. transition, probation, international student issues, math anxiety, or assist with a particular class, often a self-paced course. A Learning Specialist facilitates the weekly or biweekly meeting.

Enhancement Program

Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium

• Developmental retention program which provides intensive academic support for a limited number of student-athletes. • Each student works individually with a Learning Specialist for the academic year to develop personal learning strategies and improve academic skills. • Students have required structured study and tutor time, and Fieldhouse their academic progressUniversity is closely monitored.

36 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Gold Program • First year students who are not participating in the Enhancement Program. • Students transitioning out of the Enhancement Program • Anyone who needs additional assistance to pursue his or her academic goals. • Consists of weekly meetings with an Academic Counselor • Designed you to build study and time management skills U offor M Boathouse necessary to succeed and enhance your academic life.

training & competition courses

Where the

GOPHERS RUN

Les Bolstad Golf Course

Ely, Minnesota

Every Wednesday, the team practices on our home cross country course which is on campus at the Les Bolstad Golf Course. All home competitions throughout the season are held at the Les Bolstad Course.

Each August, the team travels to a week of training camp in Ely, Minn. Ely is one of the entrance points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota.

The Chain of Lakes

Mississippi River Road

The Chain of Lakes, located in Minneapolis, is made up of Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles. There are 13.3 miles of separate biking and running trails. The scenic trail one of our primary travel destinations for Monday workouts.

The River Road consists of 12 miles of separate biking and running paths that run along both sides of the Mississippi River. The route runs right through the middle of the Minneapolis campus.

The Les Bolstad Golf Course is the home of the annual Roy Griak Invitational, and was the site of recent Big Ten Championships (2005) and NCAA Regional Championships (2006)

37 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

training camp

training • team bonding • goal setting • games • outdoor activities

Training Camp:

ELY, MINNESOTA

38 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

2008 season review

2008

SEASON RECAP Another Impressive Season in 2008 The Golden Gopher women’s cross country team continued their tradition of success with another banner season in 2008. Minnesota defended its Big Ten and NCAA Midwest Region titles and went on to post a tie for 11th place at the NCAA Championships. And Then There Were Just Three... Minnesota, Stanford and Illinois are the only three NCAA Division I schools (of 324) to place among the nation’s top 12 teams in each of the last four seasons. Minnesota at the NCAA Championships Minnesota made its 12th appearance in the NCAA Cross Country Championships and fourth consecutively. The Golden Gophers posted their highest finish in school history in 2005, placing ninth, then added an 11th-place showing in 2006, 12th in 2007 and t-11th in 2008. Team Awards The Golden Gopher women’s cross country celebrated yet another season of success at their recent team banquet. Highlighting the event was the awarding of the most valuable runner award that was shared by junior Megan Duwell and senior Gabriele Anderson. Duwell, a West Bend, Wis., native, emerged as the Gophers’ top runner from the first meet of the season. She earned All-Big Ten First Team accord by placing fourth at the Conference Championships, added another fourth-place finish at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and went on to capture her first career All-America honors placing 32nd at the NCAAs. Anderson, from Perham, Minn., enjoyed her finest season as a Golden Gopher, running throughout the season to the team’s numbertwo position. She finished six seconds out of All-America contention, but did earn All-NCAA Midwest Region honors with a 12th-place showing and All-Big Ten Second Team acclaim with a 10th-place effort. Gophers Combine for 3.54 GPA in 2008-09 School Year The Minnesota women’s cross country team sets lofty goals each season, both athletically and academically. More so, this Golden Gopher squad which is annually the largest in the nation numbering over 50 student-athletes achieves those goals. The Golden Gophers have enjoyed plenty of success on the course, winning back-to-back Big Ten Conference titles (2007, 2008) and building on a string of four top-12 NCAA finishes (2005-08). In addition, the Gopher women harriers compiled an impressive 3.54 cumulative grade point average for the 2008-09 school year, the highest team GPA in the Minnesota Athletic Department for the last year. “I am constantly impressed with not only the athletic dedication of these women, but also their consistent drive to be great students,” said veteran Golden Gopher head coach Gary Wilson. “They are truly amazing young women!” In the spring semester alone, the squad posted a sparkling 3.62 team GPA. Nine Gophers, or 18 percent of the roster, earned perfect 4.0 GPAs in the spring term. Those top-notch student-athletes were Gabriele Anderson, Heather Dorniden, Katelan Dyson, Becca Gusmer, Danielle LeBreck, Meghan Mason, Kathryn Ritter, Kelly Wilson and Elizabeth Yetzer. USTFCCCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year Gary Wilson was honored as the USTFCCCA Midwest Region Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. Wilson directed the Golden Gophers to back-to-back NCAA Midwest Region and Big Ten Conference titles.

Megan Duwell Gophers Tie for 11th at NCAA Championships The Minnesota women’s cross country team concluded another successful season on Monday, placing 11th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. The Golden Gophers posted their fourth consecutive top-12 national finish, an active streak matched by only Stanford and Illinois. “We ran a good team race today, though obviously we wanted to finish higher,” said Gary Wilson. “Strategically I thought we ran one of our best races of the year but a few teams like Stanford, Georgetown and Texas Tech had really, really good days. I am excited about extending that top-12 streak. I don’t think anyone realizes how difficult that is and what a great accomplishment for our program it is.” Junior Megan Duwell was once again the Gophers’ number-one runner, finishing 32nd overall to earn her first career All-America honor. Duwell covered the 6-kilometer course at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in a time of 20 minutes, 36.5 seconds, the sixth-fastest 6K time in school history and the third-fastest time run by a Gopher at the NCAA Championships. Gabriele Anderson was the Gophers’ second finisher, crossing the finish line in 49th-place with a time of 20:48.4. The senior missed out on All-America honors by just six seconds. Amy Laskowske was the third finisher for the Gophers clocking a time of 21:10.2 to finish 94th overall. Mallory Van Ness was 116th in a time of 21:19.4, while Heather Dorniden completed the Gophers’ scorers in 135th with a time of 21:29.8. Also competing for Minnesota was Jamie Cheever, who finished 164th in a time of 21:41.5 and Felicitas Mensing in 236th in 22:37.0. Washington lived up to its top ranking by cruising to the team title with 79 points and four All-Americans. Oregon, also from the Pac10, was second with 131 points. Illinois (318) was the top Big Ten finisher in 10th, with Michigan State (336) tying Minnesota (336) for 11th. Michigan (416) was 16th, Wisconsin (530) 21st and Iowa (538) 24th as the Big Ten matched its record with six teams in the 31-team NCAA field. Texas Tech senior Sally Kipyego won her third consecutive NCAA individual crown in a time of 19:28.1. She is the first woman, and fourth runner overall, to win three NCAA cross country titles. Minnesota Wins Back-to-Back Big Ten Titles The Minnesota women’s cross country team defended its Big Ten title, collecting 63 points, edging Wisconsin (67) by just four points. Junior Megan Duwell paced the Golden Gophers with a fourth-place finish,

covering the 6-kilometer course on the University of Michigan Golf Course in a time of 20 minutes, 29.7 seconds. Duwell earns All-Big Ten First Team honors for her performance. The story of the race for the Gophers was the late surge by senior Gabriele Anderson. Anderson climbed to a 10th-place finish, passing three Badgers in the last 300 meters of the race. Anderson clocked a time of 21:07.2 and earned All-Big Ten Second Team accord. “The race didn’t play out like I thought it might,” said Anderson. “I wasn’t quite where I thought I could be, but I have confidence in my kick. Wisconsin ran really well. I’m glad I was able to make up enough ground to make a difference. You obviously don’t know at the time. I guess we really needed it. We knew coming in that the race would be a tight battle. I’m really happy and honored to win another Big Ten title in my senior season.” The Gophers know very well how important each and every team point can be. Minnesota captured the first Big Ten title in school history just a year ago, and by a single point over Michigan State. This season, it was only four points separating first and second place. Obviously Anderson’s heroics were instrumental, but the efforts of the remaining scoring Gophers cannot be overlooked. Junior Amy Laskowske grabbed the final spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team by placing 14th in a time of 21:22.8. Mallory Van Ness and Jamie Cheever tallied the final points for the Gophers with backto-back finishes in 17th place (21:27.5) and 18th place (21:31.2), respectively. “We didn’t necessarily run our best race, but we ran a smart race,” said Golden Gopher head coach Gary Wilson. “Wow we just kept rallying, in the last 1,000 meters, the last 500 meters, the last 300 meters. Gabe (Gabriele Anderson) was our hero catching those three Wisconsin kids.” Minnesota has built a reputation of winning with depth. It took more than depth to win today, it also took a solid dose of heart. “Our pack from our first runner to our fifth was as tight as we would have liked,” Wilson added. “But I’ll tell you one thing. When our three, four and five separated a bit from our top two, they just kept plugging away.” The Gophers need that mentality since Wisconsin and Michigan State, who finished third with 83 points, took the race out at an extremely fast pace. Midway though the race, the Gophers were nowhere to be found on the leaderboard. “I heard the team scores at the midway point and thought, oh no, this is not good,” Wilson stated. “Wisconsin was out there pounding it. Michigan State went out hard. All I could think was that we needed to keep our composure. Turns out we did what needed to be done to be to come out on top. I’m extremely proud of this team.” Duwell’s fourth-place finish is the highest Gopher finish since 2006 (Emily Brown – third). The junior from West Bend, Wis., has been the Gophers’ number-one runner all season. “I went out knowing I needed to get in good position right away,” said Duwell. “I was able to keep contact with the top group and then work off them. I tried to make a move at the end but they stayed with me. It was a good race.” On the team title, Duwell said the confidence of winning last season was more of a factor than feeling like the Gophers entered the 2008 Championships with a target on their back. “We went into the meet expecting that anything would happen. We went out there and put it all on the line. I’m excited how it turned out.” Four other Gophers competed in the meet. Felicitas Mensing finished 31st with a time of 21:50.4, followed by Heather Dorniden in 32nd in 21:52.9. Nikki Swenson placed 61st with a time of 22:33.6. Elizabeth Yetzer was 80th in 23:24.8.

39 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

40 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Team Finish

Name Date)

Gabriele Anderson Bridget Bachman Katelyn Barylak Maggie Bobbin Claire Bootsma Anne Marie Boyd Heather Brunn Jamie Cheever Kayla Dahl Ariella DePranger-Gottfried Jamie Dittmar Heather Dorniden Chelsey Dunkle Megan Duwell Katelan Dyson Jaclyn Edmonds Christina Engstrom Emily Fowler Becca Gusmer Tari Helmers Celia Hemmerich Laura Koch Challis Larson Mikaya Larson Amy Laskowske Danielle LeBreck Jenna Lewein Taylor Light Meghan Mason Amber Mazzitelli Amanda Meagher Felicitas Mensing Emma Miller Marie Muscala Calla Nelson Abbey O’Connell Paige Orcutt Sally Paulson Stephanie Price Claire Rindo Kathryn Ritter Kathryn Salvatore Andrea Schedlbauer Julie Schwengler Alyson Siegrist Megan Smith Carie Steil Brittni Swanson Nikki Swenson Becca Tollefson Mallory Van Ness Kelly Wilson Elizabeth Yetzer Kayla Zander (Ind. Finish, Team Finish)

Name Date)

Mem. “Oz” (9/13) 6K Race 1st of 5 (15) 1-2-3-4-5(7)-(8)

Mem. “Oz” (9/13) 6K Race Falcon Hts Minn. 22:22 (2, 2) DNC DNC 25:58 (55, 26) 24:44 (40, 20) DNC DNC 22:31 (4, 4) 26:36 (62, 30) 22:41 (7, 6) 25:43 (52, 25) DNF 27:17 (68, 33) 21:57 (1, 1) 24:10 (29, 14) 24:14 (31, 16) 25:01 (42, 22) 26:32 (61, 29) DNC DNC 27:01 (65, 32) DNC 23:54 (22, 13) DNC 22:32 (5, 5) 26:06 (57, 27) 26:20 (60, 28) 25:09 (45, 23) 23:39 (18, 12) DNC 24:37 (38, 18) DNC 24:12 (30, 15) DNC DNC 24:38 (39, 19) 25:24 (48, 24) 23:15 (12, 8) 23:36 (17, 11) DNC DNC 27:27 (70, 34) DNC 24:18 (32, 17) DNC DNC DNC 24:51 (41, 21) 23:20 (14, 9) 26:42 (63, 31) 22:28 (3, 3) 23:21 (15, 10) 22:58 (8, 7) 27:13 (67, 33)

Roy Griak (9/27) 6K Race 1st of 23 (31) 2-4-5-9-11(13)-(20)

Roy Griak (9/27) 6K Race Falcon Hts Minn. 21:31.95 (4, 2) DNC 27:26.65 (215, 41) 24:50.65 (177, 29) 23:31.00 (103, 17) 26:16.25 (206, 39) DNC 21:35.35 (5, 3) 25:00.90 (184, 32) 22:10.45 (30, 9) 24:51.05 (178, 30) 21:42.35 (9, 4) 25:57.10 (203, 38) 21:26.00 (2, 1) 23:40.10 (112, 18) 24:14.70 (147, 23) 24:04.10 (137, 21) 24:43.10 (169, 28) DNC 25:04.95 (187, 34) 25:52.50 (201, 37) DNC 23:13.05 (82, 15) DNC 21:48.30 (13, 6) 25:06.50 (189, 35) DNC 24:17.80 (150, 25) 22:44.20 (55, 11) DNC 23:58.55 (131, 19) 22:05.50 (26, 8) 24:23.00 (153, 26) 25:46.85 (199, 36) DNC 24:02.30 (135, 20) 24:15.10 (148, 24) 22:43.40 (53, 10) 23:28.25 (98, 16) DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:47.35 (58, 12) 24:25.95 (157, 27) DNC 24:53:30 (180, 31) 24:12.50 (145. 22) 21:58.40 (20, 7) 25:02.95 (185, 33) 21:43.90 (11, 5) 23:01.05 (70, 13) 23:11.35 (61, 14) 26:16.25 (207, 40)

UWEC Inv. (10/3) 6K Race 1st of 15 (24) 2-3-4-6-9(10)-(13)

UWEC Inv. (10/3) 6K Race Eau Claire, Wis. DNC DNC DNC 24:09.39 (45, 21) 23:34.30 (19, 11) DNC DNC DNC 24:26.29 (53, 22) DNC 24:31.97 (58, 23) DNC DNC DNC 23:31.38 (17, 10) 23:39.97 (24, 14) 23:45.96 (27, 15) 23:53.64 (36, 17) DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:44.76 (9, 5) DNC DNC 24:33.22 (60, 24) 24:05.75 (41, 19) 23:52.39 (35, 16) 22:17.85 (2, 1) DNC 23:26.25 (13, 8) DNC 23:29.14 (15, 9) DNC DNC 24:07.49 (42, 20) 23:26.25 (13, 7) 22:18.77 (3, 2) 22:45.97 (10, 6) DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:35.18 (6, 4) 23:35.00 (21, 12) DNC 23:39.27 (23, 13) 23:55.35 (37, 18) DNC DNC DNC 22:22.58 (4, 3) DNC DNC

SDSU Inv. (10/4) 5K Race 1st of 15 (24) 2-4-5-6-7(8)-(11)

SDSU Inv. (10/4) 5K Race Brookings, S.D. DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 17:54 (7, 5) DNC 18:33 (17, 9) DNC 17:50 (6, 4) DNC 17:33 (2, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 17:47 (5, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 17:58 (8, 6) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 18:14 (14, 8) DNC 17:46 (4, 2) DNC 18:02 (11, 7) DNC

Pine Hills Inv. (10/11) 6K Race 4th o f9 (102) 13-14-23-25-27(32)-(40)

Pine Hills Inv. (10/11) 6K Race Carlton, Minn. DNC DNC 25:33.5 (45, 7) DNC DNC 24:38.1 (26, 4) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 25:16.0 (36, 6) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 23:48.3 (14, 2) 24:45.3 (29, 5) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 23:46.1 (13, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 24:17.7 (23, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 26:02.4 (53, 8)

Pre-NCAA (10/18) 6K Race 3rd of 41 (198) 18-40-42-46-52(70)-(81)

Pre-NCAA (10/18) 6K Race Terre Haute, Ind. 21:13.1 (40, 2) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:29.0 (70, 6) DNC 22:09.4 (26, open) DNC 21:36.9 (81, 7) DNC 20:45.2 (18, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:18.4 (52, 5) DNC DNC DNC 21:56.9 (14, open) DNC DNC 21:13.9 (42, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:05.1 (19, open) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:42.6, 7, open) DNC 21:16.5 (46, 4) DNC 21:43.9 (9, open) DNC

Neubauer Inv. (10/18) 6K Race 2nd of 25 (82) 11-12-13-14-32(36)-(49)

Neubauer Inv. (10/18) 6K Race West Salem, Wis. DNC DNC 25:57.2 (292, 30) 24:30.9 (166, 24) 22:52.1 (36, 6) 24:21.4 (148, 21) DNC DNC 24:30.0 (164, 23) DNC 23:59.5 (112, 16) DNC 24:59.6 (213, 27) DNC 22:49.2 (32, 5) 23:08.1 (49, 7) 24:02.2 (114, 17) 24:15.9 (142, 20) DNC 23:51.3 (101, 15) 25:13.5 (232, 28) DNC 22:22.6 (12, 2) DNC DNC DNC 23:20.4 (68, 9) 23:32.3 (79, 12) DNC DNC 23:28.3 (75, 10) DNC 23:42.5 (89, 13) 24:06.3 (120, 18) DNC 23:31.2 (76, 11) 23:09.0 (52, 8) DNC 22:24.5 (14, 4) DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:24.3 (13, 3) 24:22.1 (149, 22) DNC 23:46.0 (94, 14) 24:12.6 (134, 19) DNC 24:46.0 (192, 26) DNC 22:19.7 (11, 1) DNC 25:45.2 (270, 29)

Big Ten (11/2) 6K Race 1st of 11 (63) 4-10-14-17-18(31)-(32)

Big Ten (11/2) 6K Race Ann Arbor, Mich. 21:07.2 (10, 2) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:31.2 (18, 5) DNC DNC DNC 21:52.9 (32, 7) DNC 20:29.7 (4, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:22.8 (14, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:50.4 (31, 6) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 22:33.6 (61, 8) DNC 21:27.5 (17, 4) DNC 23:24.8 (80, 9) DNC

NCAA Midwest (11/15) NCAA (11/24) 6K Race 6K Race 1st of 27 (57) T-11th of 31 (336) 4-11-12-13-17- 24-39-74-92-107(18)-(25) (131)-(199)

NCAA Midwest (11/15) NCAA (11/24) 6K Race 6K Race Stillwater, Okla. Terre Haute, Ind. 21:24.35 (12, 2) 20:48.4 (49, 2) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:42.15 (26, 7) 21:41.5 (164, 6) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:31.15 (19, 6) 21:28.8 (135, 5) DNC DNC 20:45.25 (4, 1) 20:36.5 (32, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:26.55 (13, 3) 21:10.2 (94, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:29.90 (18, 4) 22:37.0 (236, 7) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 21:26.85 (14, 4) 21:19.4 (116, 4) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC

2008 season review

2008

RESULTS

history & records

Minnesota’s

ALL-AMERICANS Cathie Twomey, of Golden Valley, Minn., was the first All-American in Minnesota women’s cross country history, finishing 12th at the 1976 Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Championship. She followed with a sixth-place finish in 1977. A two-time state Amateur Athletic Union state champion (1974-75) and a two-time Minnesota AIAW champion (1976-77), Twomey won the first unofficial Big Ten individual title in 1976. Lake Elmo, Minn., native Jody Eder has the distinction of being the first runner in the program’s history to earn all-region and honors four consecutive years. A six-time All-American in cross country and track, Eder was also named the team’s most valuable runner three times, another unprecedented feat. Eder’s time of 16:32.6 at the 1984 regional still stands as the school record for a 5,000-meter course. She ran 14 of the 50 fastest times in school history at that distance and owns six of the Gophers’ nine sub-17 minute times on a 5K course. Rasa Michniovaite, a native of Pabrade, Lithuania, made her

Cathie Twomey 1976-77 All-American

mark on Minnesota cross country in just two seasons after transferring from the University of Vilnius in her home country. During her first season, Michniovaite became the first Gopher to win the Roy Griak Invitational and an NCAA Midwest Region crown, before placing 16th to earn All-America honors at the 1998 NCAA Championships. Despite struggling in her senior season with an iron deficiancy, Michniovaite again went on to earn All-Big Ten and All-Midwest Region honors. In 2005, Ladia Albertson-Junkans and Emily Brown became the first Gophers to earn All-America honors in the same season. Albertson-Junkans, a sophomore from Stillwater, Minn., smashed the school 6K record by placing 21st in a time of 20:19.3 at the 2005 NCAA Championships. Brown, a junior from West Allis, Wis., captured her first All-America citation with a 29th-place showing in a time of 20:26.5, a clocking also below the previous school record. Both also earned All-Midwest Region and All-Big Ten First Team honors during the season.

Jody Eder 1984-85 All-American

Rasa Michniovaite 1998 All-American

Albertson-Junkans and Brown repeated as All-American in 2006, becoming the first two-time national honorees in over 20 years. Albertson-Junkans placed 19th in a time of 21:12.9, while Brown matched her 2006 finish - 29th - in 21:17.6. The duo added all-region and All-Big Ten honors during the season. Brown posted a third-place showing in the Big Ten Championships. Jamie Cheever, a Minneappolis native, became the sixth AllAmerican in Gopher history in 2007. As a sophomore, Cheever placed 33rd at the NCAA Championships in a time of 20:58.3. She captured NCAA All-Midwest Region accord with an eighth-place finish. Megan Duwell, a junior from West Bend, Wis., added her name to the list of Golden Gopher All-Americans in 2008, the fourth straight season Minnesota crowned a national awardwinner. Duwell placed 32nd at the NCAA Championships (20:36.5). She added All-Region honors and All-Big Ten First Team honors by finishing fourth in both those championship races.

Ladia Albertson-Junkans 2005 & 2006 All-American

Gopher All-Americans 1976 1977 1984 1985 1998 2005 2006 2007 2008

Emily Brown 2005 & 2006 All-American

Jamie Cheever 2007 All-American

Cathie Twomey, 12th place-AIAW Cathie Twomey, 6th place-AIAW Jody Eder, 14th place Jody Eder, 21st place Rasa Michniovaite, 16th place Ladia Albertson-Junkans, 21st place Emily Brown, 29th place Ladia Albertson-Junkans, 19th place Emily Brown, 29th place Jamie Cheever, 33rd place Megan Duwell, 32nd place

Megan Duwell 2008 All-American

41 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

Golden Gopher

AWARDS & HONORS NCAA ALL-REGION (PLACE) 1982 Jody Eder (22) 1983 Jody Eder (6), Sue Alm (8), Kellie Benzow (19), Peggy Grundman (23) 1984 Jody Eder (3), Stacy Bant (11) 1985 Jody Eder (4) 1987 Eileen Donaghy (5), Cherste Johnson (15), Patti Walsh (22) 1988 Eileen Donaghy (15), Laura Duffy, (24) 1989 Sara Renk (8) 1990 Monika Balint (22) 1991 Chris Rowe (3) 1992 Susan Bliss (8),Lori Townsend (18) 1993 Jessica Langford (5), Lori Townsend (11) 1994 Lori Townsend (5) 1995 Lori Townsend (7) 1996 Anna Gullingsrud (6) 1997 Anna Gullingsrud (9), Daphne Panhuysen (10), Andrea Lentz (22) 1998 Rasa Michniovaite (1),Elaine Eggleston (8) 1999 Rasa Michniovaite (8), Elaine Eggleston (16) 2000 Elaine Eggleston (9), Corinne Nimtz (10), Darja Vasiljeva (3) 2001 Lisa Dyer (12), Laura Bjork (13), Darja Vasiljeva (18) 2002 Darja Vasiljeva (5) 2003 Zoe Nagell (24), Emily Brown (25) 2004 Lauren Williams (19) 2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans (2), Emily Brown (3), Lauren Williams (4) 2006 Emily Brown (3), Ladia Albertson-Junkans (5) Jamie Cheever (10), Gabriele Anderson (17) Elizabeth Yetzer (18), Amy Laskowske (20) 2007 Jamie Cheever (8), Elizabeth Yetzer (13) Ladia Albertson-Junkans (18), Heather Dorniden (21), Gabriele Anderson (22), Megan Duwell (24) 2008 Megan Duwell (4), Gabriele Anderson (12), Amy Laskowske (13), Mallory Van Ness (14), Felicitas Mensing (18), Heather Dorniden (19)

FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG TEN (PLACE) 1984 Jody Eder (4), Stacy Bant (7) 1985 Jody Eder (4) 1987 Eileen Donaghy (1-champion) 1992 Susan Bliss (6) 1993 Jessica Langford (4) 1994 Lori Townsend (5) 1995 Lori Townsend (3) 1998 Rasa Michniovaite (3) 1999 Rasa Michniovaite (4) 2000 Elaine Eggleston (6) 2002 Darja Vasiljeva (3) 2005 Emily Brown (3), Lauren Williams (5) Ladia Albertson-Junkans (6) 2006 Emily Brown (6), Ladia Albertson-Junkans (7) 2008 Megan Duwell (4)

MINNESOTA SENIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 1977-78 Cathie Twomey 1991-92 Chris Rowe 1995-96 Lori Townsend ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA (TEAM) 2007 Ladia Albertson-Junkans (3) 2008 Heather Dorniden (2)

SECOND TEAM ALL-BIG TEN (PLACE) 1986 Eileen Donaghy (13) 1989 Ann Westby (10), Becky Runion (11) 1990 Chris Rowe (10) 1991 Jessica Langford (14) 1996 Kari Thompson (14) 1997 Anna Gullingsrud (10), Daphne Panhuysen (12) 1998 Elaine Eggleston (10) 1999 Elaine Eggleston (14) 2000 Darja Vasiljeva (9) 2001 Lisa Dyer (8) 2004 Lauren Williams (14) 2007 Ladia Albertson-Junkans (10) Gabriele Anderson (14) 2008 Gabriele Anderson (10) Amy Laskowske (14) BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR 2000 Darja Vasiljeva BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR 1985-86 Jody Eder 2006-07 Emily Brown

Eileen Donaghy

First Team All-Big Ten Honorees

Stacy Bant 1984

Rasa Michniovaite 1998, 1999

Jody Eder 1984, 1985

Elaine Eggleston 2000

42 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

Eileen Donaghy 1987

Darja Vasiljeva 2002

Susan Bliss 1992

Ladia AlbertsonJunkans 2005, 2006

Emily Brown 2005, 2006

Jessica Langford 1993

Lauren Williams 2005

Lori Townsend 1994, 1995

Megan Duwell 2008

history & records

Golden Gopher

AWARDS & HONORS ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN 1984 Stacy Bant 1985 Jody Eder 1986 Patty Burns, Patti Walsh 1987 Patty Burns, Tiffany Church, Cherste Johnson Amy Mills, Patti Walsh 1988 Chris Abbott, Wendy Babcock, Patty Burns, Tiffany Church, Jackie Hubbard, Cherste Johnson, Becky Canner, Kristen Reuss 1989 Jenny Alby, Becky Canner, Heather Doyle, Kara Parker, Sarah Renk, Chris Rowe 1990 Chris Abbott, Jenny Alby, Monika Balint, Lynn Mishuk, Kara Parker, Chris Rowe, Shelly Wall 1991 Chris Abbott, Jenny Alby, Heather Doyle, Lynn Mishuk, Chris Rowe, Sara Zimmermann 1992 Angie Abbott, Susan Bliss, Kristen Bubolz, Kristen Goelzer, Andrea Grove, Jessica L Langford 1993 Angie Abbott, Kristen Bubolz, Andrea Grove, Jessica Langford, Julia McGough, Lori Townsend, Ricki Van Amber 1994 Angie Abbott, Heather Amundson, Kristen Goelzer, Karen Kleindl, Bridget Neutgens, Lori Townsend, Keri Zweig 1995 Janet Howe, Karen Kleindl, Andrea Lentz, Bridget Neutgens, Lori Townsend, Keri Zweig 1996 Julie Golla, Minna Haronoja, Christie Heikes, Andrea Lentz, Kari Thompson 1997 Julie Golla, Minna Haronoja, Christie Heikes, Andrea Lentz, Kari Thompson 1998 Elaine Eggleston, Danielle Giusti, Minna Haronoja, Deborah Hudleston, Gena Johnson, Corinne Nimtz, Nikki Rassbach 1999 Elaine Eggleston, Chrissy Eid, Minna Haronoja, Deborah Hudleston, Gena Johnson, Victoria Moses, Jenny Moylan, Corinne Nimtz, Hayley Singer 2000 Elaine Eggleston, Chrissy Eid, Corinne Nimtz, Anita Menden, Victoria Moses, Alison Mumbleau 2001 Laura Bjork, Jill Field, Anita Menden, Victoria Moses, Jenny Moylan, Amy Sas, Darja Vasiljeva 2002 Laura Bjork, Jill Field, Kristine Hartmark, Sarah Hesser, Paula Hoffert, Kimberly Magee, Zoe Nagell, Darja Vasiljeva 2003 Krista Anderson, Laura Bjork, Carly Emil Jen Hess, Sarah Hesser, Paula Hoffert, Amy Lindner, Kimberly Magee, Harper McConnell, Anita Menden Zoe Nagell, Lauren Willians 2004 Emily Brown, Carly Emil, Jen Hess, Paula Hoffert, Kimberly Magee, Darja Vasilijeva, Theresa Aschman, Diana Berlinerblau, Sarah Hesser, Stacia Kalinoski, Amy Lindner, Harper McConnell, Lisa Remark Jena Trask, Annie Wells, Lauren Williams, Stefanie Zeihen 2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Theresa Aschman Diana Berlinerblau, Emily Brown, Carly Emil Jen Hess, Heather Horton, Katie Howery Allison Joelson, Stacia Kalinoski, Harper McConnell, Lisa Remark, Jamie Rooney, Debbie Thompson, Jena Trask, Lauren Williams, Stefanie Zeihen 2006 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Gabriele Anderson Danie Ashford, Emily Brown, Jamie Cheever, Ariella DePrenger-Gottfried, Heather Dorniden Megan Duwell, Heather Horton, Katie Howery Stacia Kalinoski, Lisa Remark, Jena Trask

1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 CAPTAINS 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Elaine Eggleston

2007

2008

Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Gabriele Anderson Danie Ashford, Jamie Cheever, Heather Dorniden, Megan Duwell, Dagmara Handzlik, Katie Howery, Amy Laskowske, Sally Paulson, Julie Schwengler, Elizabeth Yetzer, Rebekah Yetzer Gabriele Anderson, Katelyn Barylak, Jamie Cheever, Ariella DePrenger-Gottfried,, Heather Dorniden, Megan Duwell, Amy Laskowske, Amber Mazzitelli, Sally Paulson, Julie Schwengler, Carie Steil, Brittni Swanson, Mallory Van Ness, Kelly Wilson, Elizabeth Yetzer

WICCCA ACADEMIC HONORS - ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM 1994 Lori Townsend 1995 Lori Townsend 1998 Elaine Eggleston Rasa Michniovaite TEAM, All-Academic 1999 Elaine Eggleston TEAM, All-Academic “With Distinction” 2002 Darja Vasiljeva TEAM All-Academic “With Distinction” 2007 Jamie Cheever Elizabeth Yetzer CROSS COUNTRY ALUMNAE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 1999 Elaine Eggleston ROCKY RACETTE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 1985-86 Patti Walsh 1986-87 Eileen Donaghy 1987-88 Jackie Hubbard 1988-89 Patty Burns 1989-90 Sarah Renk 1990-91 Chris Rowe 1991-92 Wends Zak 1992-93 Lori Townsend

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

2008

Andrea Grove Karen Kleindl Andrea Lentz Kari Thompson Minna Haronoja Rasa Michniovaite Corinne Nimtz Anita Menden Anita Menden Jen Hess Zoe Nagell Zoe Nagell Lauren Williams Ladia Albertson-Junkans Jamie Cheever

Jody Eder Beth Alford, Patti Eidman, Patti Walsh Beth Alford, Patti Eidman, Patti Walsh Beth Alford, Eileen Donaghy, Gwen Gieneart Wendy Babcock, Tiffany Church, Laura Duffy Heather Doyle, Laura Duffy Jenny Alby, Heather Doyle Susan Bliss, Kristen Bubolz, Julia McGough Angie Abbott, Kristen Bubolz, Julia McGough, Ricki Van Amber Angie Abbott, Andrea Grove, Lori Townsend, Ricki Van Amber Lori Townsend, Bridget Neutgens Karen Kleindl, Bridget Neutgens, Keri Zweig Andrea Lentz, Kari Thompson, Andrea Swansby, Christie Heikes Amy Hoel, Nikki Rassbach Minna Haronoja, Gena Johnson, Hayley Singer Elaine Eggleston, Corinne Nimtz, Rachel Domenichetti Chrissy Eid, Jill Field, Kristine Hartmark, Anita Menden Jill Field, Kristine Hartmark, Anita Menden Laura Bjork, Sarah Hesser, Anita Menden Tracy Fleischman, Sarah Hesser, Harper McConnell, Lisa Remark, Darja Vasiljeva Harper McConnell, Lisa Remark, Lauren Williams Emily Brown, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Lisa Remark, Jena Trask Gabriele Anderson, Katelyn Barylak, Julie Schwengler, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Rebekah Yetzer Gabriele Anderson, Katelyn Barylak, Heather Dorniden, Megan Duwell, Julie Schwengler, Carie Steil, Elizabeth Yetzer

COACHES’ AWARD (Awarded to an athlete who makes a positive contribution on and off the course for the betterment of the team.) 1986 Jackie Hubbard 1987 Gwen Gieneart 1988 Bobbi Van Amber 1989 Heather Doyle 1990 Kara Parker 1991 Heather Doyle 1992 Heather Amundson 1993 Angie Abbott 1994 Christie Heikes 1995 Keri Zweig 1996 Laurie McGinley 1997 Andrea Lentz 1998 Kristine Hartmark, Hayley Singer 1999 Elaine Eggleston

43 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

Golden Gopher

AWARDS & HONORS MOST IMPROVED RUNNER AWARD 1985 Eileen Donaghy 1986 Patti Walsh 1987 Cherste Johnson 1988 Chris Abbott 1989 Becky Canner 1990 Lynn Mishuk 1991 Sara Zimmermann 1992 Kristin Goelzer 1993 Julie McGough 1994 Karen Kleindl, Keri Zweig 1995 Janet Howe, Kari Thompson 1996 Danielle Giusti, Kari Thompson 1997 Corinne Nimtz 1998 Elaine Eggleston 1999 Corinne Nimtz 2000 Anita Menden 2001 Laura Bjork 2002 (co-)-Zoe Nagell, Paula Hoffert 2003 (co-) Theresa Ascheman, Harper McConnell 2004 Stefanie Zeihen 2005 Jena Trask, Katie Howery 2006 Claire Bootsma, Megan Duwell 2007 Heather Dorniden, Sally Paulson 2008 Mallory Van Ness, Kelly Wilson

Darja Vasiljeva

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Kristine Hartmark Crystal Glenn Anita Menden Sarah Hesser 2004 Team Lisa Remark Lisa Remark Elizabeth Yetzer, Rebekah Yetzer Julie Schwengler, Heather Dorniden

MOST VALUABLE RUNNER AWARD 1982 Kris Rens 1983 Jody Eder 1984 Jody Eder 1985 Jody Eder 1986 Eileen Donaghy 1987 Eileen Donaghy 1988 Eileen Donaghy, Laura Duffy 1989 Sarah Renk 1990 Chris Rowe 1991 Chris Rowe 1992 Susan Bliss 1993 Jessica Langford 1994 Lori Townsend 1995 Lori Townsend 1996 Anna Gullingsrud 1997 Anna Gullingsrud, Daphne Panhuysen 1998 Rasa Michniovaite 1999 Rasa Michniovaite 2000 Elaine Eggleston 2001 Anita Menden 2002 Darja Vasiljeva 2003 Zoe Nagell 2004 Lauren Williams 2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Emily Brown Lauren Williams 2006 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Emily Brown 2007 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Jamie Cheever 2008 Megan Duwell, Gabriele Anderson

44 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

BLUE COLLAR AWARD (Awarded to the athlete who plays their role on the team with a positive and coachable attitude.) 1995 Karen Kleindl 1996 Karen Kleindl 1997 Rachel Earney 1998 Christine Harper 1999 not awarded 2000 not awarded 2001 Amy Sas 2002 Kimberly Magee 2003 Stacia Kalinoski 2004 Katie Howery 2005 Natalie Timmers 2006 Any Laskowske 2007 Sally Paulson 2008 Meghan Mason COMEBACK OF THE YEAR AWARD (Awarded to an athlete who bounces back from adversity.) 1994 Heather Amundson 1995 not awarded 1996 not awarded 1997 Christie Heikes 1998 Aimee Daugs 1999 Jill Field 2000 not awarded 2001 not awarded 2002 not awarded 2003 Heather Horton 2004 Emily Brown 2005 Jen Hess 2006 Gabriele Anderson 2007 Mallory Van Ness, Danie Ashford 2008 Amy Laskowske TOUGH AS NAILS AWARD (Awarded to the athlete who fights hard in every race and is mentally and physically tough.) 1995 Christie Heikes 1996 Andrea Lentz 1997 not awarded 1998 not awarded 1999 Deborah Hudleston 2000 Corinne Nimtz

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Krista Anderson Jill Field Amy Lindner Jen Hess Harper McConnell Stacia Kalinoski Megan Duwell Jamie Cheever

FRESHMAN/ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD 1985 Eileen Donaghy 1986 Cara Daniels 1987 Laura Duffy 1988 Sarah Renk 1989 Ann Westby 1990 Julia McGough 1991 Wendy Zak 1992 Lori Townsend 1993 Jenny Elliott 1994 Lisa Aro 1995 Julie Golla 1996 Minna Haronoja 1997 Daphne Panhuysen 1998 Victoria Moses 1999 Anita Menden 2000 Darja Vasiljeva 2001 Lisa Dyer 2002 Carly Emil, Jen Hess 2003 Emily Brown 2004 Ladia Albertson-Junkans 2005 Julie Schwengler 2006 Jamie Cheever (Rookie) Elizabeth Yetzer (Freshman) 2007 Nikki Swenson 2008 Felicitas Mensing (Rookie) Stephanie Price (Freshman) CARL BARYLAK INSPIRATION AWARD (Awarded to the athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Gopher Cross Country: positive attitude, drive to improve, love for the team and dedication to the University of Minnesota. Award named in honor of Carl Barylak, the father of Katelyn Barylak, who died after a battle with cancer during the 2008 season.) 2008 Katelyn Barylak

history & records

Minnesota in the

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS 1975 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Ames, Iowa Team finish: 12th, 280 points Place Cathie Twomey 7 Maggie Munro 56 Michele Vogel 64 Alex Boies 72 Molly Ruffenach 81 Anita Macias 84

Team

1976 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Madison, Wisconsin Team finish: na Place Cathie Twomey 6 Maggie Munro 71 Michele Vogel 79 1977 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Austin, Texas Team finish: 14th Place Cathie Twomey 12 Laurie Orness 96 Michele Vogel 122 Nancy Broughton 141 Maggie Munro 154 Rocky Racette 194 Mary Peninger 195 1978 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Denver, Colorado Team finish: na Place Terrie Wegner 38 Maggie Munro 140 1979 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Tallahassee, Fla. Team finish: na Place Rocky Racette 59 Terrie Wegner 110

Lori Townsend

Time 17:33 19:41 19:59 20:11 20:22 20:27

Time 16:46.4 18:15.3 18:22.0

1981 ** AIAW AIAW Championship Site: Pocatello, Idaho Team finish: 10th, 260 points Place Team Sue Alm 39 Stacy Bant 42 Cindy Dickison 76 Mary Emond 102 Eva Ljungstrom 105 Kris Rens NA 1983 Championship Site: Bethlehem, Pa. (Lehigh) Team finish: 10th, 244 points Place Team Jody Eder 35 24 Sue Alm 43 29 Peggy Grundman 64 46 Kelly Benzow 97 72 Kris Rens 98 73 Cindy Dickinson 102 77 Eva Ljungstrom 127 102

Time 18:50 18:53 19:22 19:43 19:50

Time 17:30.4 17:38.4 18:00.7 18:32.4 18:33.1 18:40.7 19:50.8

Team 1984 Championship Site: State College, Pa. (Penn State) Team finish: na Place Jody Eder 14 1985 Championship Site: Milwaukee, Wis. Team finish: na Place Jody Eder 21 Time 19:00.6 19:17.5

Time 17:50.6 18:30.5

Sue Alm

Time 16:50.9

Time 16:57

1989 Championship Site: Annapolis, Maryland Team finish: 21st, 441 points Place Team Sarah Renk 82 58 Heather Doyle 106 79 Laura Duffy 110 82 Wendi Runion 134 105 Chris Roy 148 117

Time 18:01.7 18:19.9 18:20.6 18:38.3 18:48.9

1991 Championship Site: Tucson, Arizona Team finish: 17, 363 points Place Christine Rowe 59 Jennifer Alby 89 Christine Abbott 108 Kara Parker 113 Wendi Zak 120 Lynn Mishuk 146

Time 17:49.4 18:15.2 18:28.3 18:33.7 18:39.1 19:02.5

Team 41 63 81 86 92 116

1992 Championship Site: Bloomington, Ind. Team finish: na Place Susan Bliss 41

Time 18:09.6

1993 Championship Site: Bethlehem, Pa. Team finish: na Place Jessica Langford 103

Time 18:05.3

1994 Championship Site: Prarie Grove, Ark. Team finish: na Place Lori Townsend 61

Time 18:05.1

1995 Championship Site: Ames, Iowa Team finish: na Place Lori Townsend 45

Time 18:05

1996 Championship Site: Dell Urich Golf Course Team finish: na Place Anna Gullingsrud 71

Time 18:50

1997 Championship Site: Greenville, S.C. (Furman) Team finish: 21st, 493 points Place Team Daphne Panhuysen 63 46 Anna Guilingsrud 128 100 Minna Haronoja 141 111 Corinne Nimtz 144 114 Andrea Lentz 152 122 Kari Thompson 153 123 Elaine Eggleston 173 143

Time 17:40 18:22 18:33 18:37 18:43 18:47 19:23

Daphne Panhuysen

45 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

Minnesota in the

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2002 Championship Site: Tere Haute, Ind. Team finish: na Place Darja Vasiljeva 87

Minna Haronoja

1998 Championship Site: Lawrence, Kansas (5K) Team finish: 26th, 559 points Place Team Rasa Michniovaite 16 14 Corinne Nimtz 152 118 Minna Haronoja 172 136 Deborah Hudleston 174 137 Elaine Eggleston 191 154 Victoria Moses 206 169 Christine Harper 241 204 1999 Championship Site: Bloomington, Ind. (5K) Team finish: 17th, 434 points Place Team Rasa Michniovaite 66 49 Corinne Nimtz 79 58 Elaine Eggleston 92 68 Deborah Hudleston 135 105 Victoria Moses 188 154 Minna Haronoja 209 174 Anita Menden DNF 2000 Championship Site: Ames, Iowa Team finish: 26, 573 Place Darja Vasiljeva 49 Elaine Eggleston 109 Anita Menden 165 Victoria Moses 184 Corinne Nimtz 218 Krista Anderson 227 Laine Misch 230

Team 36 79 129 148 181 190 193

2001 Championship Site: Greenville, S.C. (Furman) Team finish: 25th, 582 points Place Team Darja Vasiljeva 86 66 Lisa Dyer 111 86 Laura Bjork 133 104 Krista Anderson 186 154 Victoria Moses 204 172 Anita Menden 213 180 Amy Sas 227 191

Time 17:20.9 18:40.9 18:54.0 18:55.4 19:06.7 19:13.5 20:14.1

Time 17:48.1 17:51.3 17:58.7 18:13.8 18:36.4 18:52.5

Time 21:34 22:01 22:31 22:44.9 23:15.2 23:34.9 23:40.1

Time 21:59 22:15 22:25 22:54 23:08 23:14 23:33

46 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Time 21:10.7

2005 Championship Site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 9th, 361 points Place Ladia Albertson-Junkans* 21 Emily Brown* 29 Lauren Williams 49 Harper McConnell 168 Jen Hess 192 Katie Howery 209 Julie Schwengler 217

Team 16 21 37 132 155 171 179

Time 20:19.3 20:26.5 20:39.8 21:47.2 21:58.0 22:10.1 22:19.3

2006 Championship Site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 11th, 335 points Place Ladia Albertson-Junkans* 19 Emily Brown* 29 Elizabeth Yetzer 108 Gabriele Anderson 127 Jamie Cheever 150 Amy Laskowske 157 Heather Dorniden 185

Team 16 25 82 95 117 125 149

Time 21:12.9 21:17.6 22:11.8 22:21.1 22:31.4 22:33.4 22:50.6

2007 Championship Site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 12th, 393 points Place Jamie Cheever* 33 Elizabeth Yetzer 105 Ladia Albertson-Junkans 109 Gabriele Anderson 139 Sally Paulson 141 Megan Duwell 147 Heather Dorniden 186

Team 24 77 80 105 107 113 149

Time 20:58.3 21:34.5 21:35.9 21:49.2 21:50.5 21:52.5 22:15.2

2008 Championship Site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: t-11th, 336 points Place Megan Duwell * 32 Gabriele Anderson 49 Amy Laskowske 94 Mallory Van Ness 116 Heather Dorniden 135 Jamie Cheever 164 Felicitas Mensing 236

Team 24 39 74 92 108 131 199

Time 20:36.5 20:48.4 21:10.2 21:19.4 21:28.8 21:41.5 22:37.0

Top Individual NCAA Championships Finishes Place 14 16 19 21 29 32 33 35 41 43 45 49

59 61 63 64 66 71 79 82 86 87 89 92 94 97 98

Runner Jody Eder Rasa Michniovaite Ladia Albertson-Junkans Ladia Albertson-Junkans Emily Brown Emily Brown Megan Duwell Jamie Cheever Jody Eder Susan Bliss Sue Alm Lori Townsend Darja Vasiljeva Lauren Williams Gabriele Anderson Chris Rowe Lori Townsend Daphne Panhuysen Peggy Grundman Rasa Michniovaite Anna Gullingsrud Corinne Nimtz Sarah Renk Darja Vasiljeva Darja Vasiljeva Jennifer Alby Elaine Eggleston Amy Laskowske Kelly Benzow Kris Rens

*NCAA All-America — All-America honors awarded to the top 30 finishers by the NCAA **Coaches All-America — All-America honors awarded to the top 25 American finishers in the field by the U.S.Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA)

Victoria Moses

Year 1984 1998 2006 2005 2005 2006 2008 2007 1983 1992 1983 1995 2000 2005 2008 1991 1994 1997 1983 1999 1996 1999 1989 2001 2002 1991 1999 2008 1983 1983

history & records

Minnesota Top 6K Times

Les Bolstad Cross Country Course

All-Time Top 6-Kilometer Times

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48.26 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48.57 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:53.62 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Jamie Cheever . . . . . . . . . . 21:09.92 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 21:11.74 . . . . . . . . . .2005 Lauren Williams . . . . . . . . . 21:12.99 . . . . . . . . . .2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 21:13.19 . . . . . . . . . .2005 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 21:16.35 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 21:17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 21:17.44 . . . . . . . . . .2006

Minnesota Top 6K Times Big Ten Championships (Since 2003) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:21.81 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Megan Duwell . . . . . . . . . . 20:29.7 . . . . . . . . . . .2008 Gabriele Anderson . . . . . . . 20:32.60 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Elizabeth Yetzer . . . . . . . . . 20:36.14 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Heather Dorniden . . . . . . . . 20:42.55 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:52 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:53 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006 Sally Paulson . . . . . . . . . . . 20:53.69 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Mallory Van Ness . . . . . . . . 20:57.85 . . . . . . . . . .2007 Megan Duwell . . . . . . . . . . 21:00.58 . . . . . . . . . .2007

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Kim Smith (Providence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:10 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/25/04 Sabrina Monro (Washington) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:12.9 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/29/01 Kim Smith (Providence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:17 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/27/03 Missy Buttry (Wartburg). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:27 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/27/03 Missy Buttry (Wartburg). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:33 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/25/04 Lisa Aguilera (Arizona State). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:34.2 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/29/01 Diane Nukuri (Iowa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:34.72 . . . . . . . .NCAA Midwest Regional . . . . . . . . . . 11/11/06 Kelly MacDonald (Arizona State) . . . . . . . . . . . 20:37.2 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/29/01 Amy Hastings (Arizona State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:41 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/25/04 Michelle Carson (Michigan State) . . . . . . . . . . 20:41.6 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/28/02 Tara Chaplin (Arizona). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:42.5 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/29/01 Amy Hastings (Arizona State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:45 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/27/03 Michelle Carson (Michigan State) . . . . . . . . . . 20:47 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/27/03 Angela Bizzari (Illinois) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:47.32 . . . . . . . .NCAA Midwest Regional . . . . . . . . . . 11/11/06 Mary Cullen (Providence). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/25/04 Emily Brown (Minnesota). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48.26 . . . . . . . .Oz Memorial Meet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/9/06 Emily Brown (Minnesota). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48.57 . . . . . . . .NCAA Midwest Regional . . . . . . . . . . 11/11/06 Jennifer Owens (Virginia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:49.4 . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/29/01 Jessica Eldridge (Oklahoma) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:49.77 . . . . . . . .NCAA Midwest Regional . . . . . . . . . . 11/11/06 Annie Bersagel (Wake Forest) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:50 . . . . . . . . . .Roy Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/27/03

Year-by-Year Finishes

Minnesota Top 6K Times NCAA Regional Championships 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Jamie Cheever . . . . . . . . . . 20:23 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007 Megan Duwell . . . . . . . . . . 20:45.25 . . . . . . . . . .2008 Elizabeth Yetzer . . . . . . . . . 20:46 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:48.57 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Darja Vasiljeva. . . . . . . . . . 20:49.77 . . . . . . . . . .2002 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:52 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:53.62 . . . . . . . . . .2006 Darja Vasiljeva. . . . . . . . . . 20:54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2000 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:55 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:56 . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007

Minnesota Top 6K Times NCAA Championships 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 20:19.3 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 20:26.5 Megan Duwell . . . . . . . . . . 20:36.5 Lauren Williams . . . . . . . . . 20:39.8 Gabriele Anderson . . . . . . . 20:48.4 Jamie Cheever . . . . . . . . . . 20:58.3 Amy Laskowske . . . . . . . . . 21:10.2 Darja Vasiljeva. . . . . . . . . . 21:10.7 Ladia Albertson-Junkans . . 21:12.9 Emily Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 21:17.6

Corinne Nimtz

. . . . . . . . . . .2005 . . . . . . . . . . .2005 . . . . . . . . . . .2008 . . . . . . . . . . .2005 . . . . . . . . . . .2008 . . . . . . . . . . .2007 . . . . . . . . . . .2008 . . . . . . . . . . .2002 . . . . . . . . . . .2006 . . . . . . . . . . .2006

Rasa Michniovaite

NCAA Year Big Ten Regional 1974 — — 1975 — — 1976 3rd# — 1977 — 3rd* 1978 3rd# 6th* 1979 6th# 6th* 1980 8th# 6th* 1981 4th 2nd* 1982 7th 8th 1983 3rd 2nd 1984 6th 7th 1985 9th 10th 1986 8th 9th 1987 3rd 5th 1988 5th 4th 1989 4th 2nd 1990 4th 5th 1991 5th 4th 1992 5th 5th 1993 3rd 4th 1994 6th 6th 1995 5th 10th 1996 5th 7th 1997 3rd 3rd 1998 3rd 3rd 1999 3rd 4th 2000 3rd 2nd 2001 4th 2nd 2002 6th 5th 2003 6th 6th 2004 4th 4th 2005 3rd T-2nd 2006 3rd 2nd 2007 1st 1st 2008 1st 1st # Unofficial Big Ten Meet *AIAW Meet

NCAA Championships — 12th* — 14th* — — 10th* — 10th — — — — — 21st — 17th — — — — — 21st 26th 17th 26th 25th –– –– –– 9th 11th 12th t-11th

47 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

All-Time Top 6-Kilometer Times Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

Time 20:19.3 20:21.81 20:23 20:26.5 20:29.7 20:31.5 20:32.60 20:36.14 20:36.5 20:36.6 20:37.2 20:37.32 20:38.6 20:39.8 20:42.55 20:44.5 20:45.2 20:45.25 20:46 20:48.26 20:48.4 20:48.57 20:49.77 20:52 20:52 20:52.1 20:53 20:53.3 20:53.62 20:53.69 20:54 20:54.2 20:55 20:56 20:56 20:57.85 20:58.3 20:58.8 20:59 20:59.7 21:00 21:00 21:00.58 21:03 21:04.2 21:07 21:07.2 21:09 21:09.92 21:10

Athlete L. Albertson-Junkans L. Albertson-Junkans Jamie Cheever Emily Brown Megan Duwell Emily Brown Gabriele Anderson Elizabeth Yetzer Megan Duwell L. Albertson-Junkans Emily Brown Jamie Cheever L. Albertson-Junkans Lauren Williams Heather Dorniden Jamie Cheever Megan Duwell Megan Duwell Elizabeth Yetzer Emily Brown Gabriele Anderson Emily Brown Darja Vasiljeva L. Albertson-Junkans Emily Brown Elizabeth Yetzer L. Albertson-Junkans Lauren Williams L. Albertson-Junkans Sally Paulson Darja Vasiljeva Gabriele Anderson Emily Brown Darja Vasiljeva L. Albertson-Junkans Mallory Van Ness Jamie Cheever Elizabeth Yetzer Heather Dorniden L. Albertson-Junkans Lauren Williams Gabriele Anderson Megan Duwell Megan Duwell Jamie Cheever Sally Paulson Gabriele Anderson Elaine Eggleston Jamie Cheever Corinne Nimtz

Date 11/21/05 10/28/07 11/10/07 11/21/05 11/2/08 10/14/06 10/28/07 10/28/07 11/24/08 10/14/06 10/15/05 10/28/07 10/15/05 11/21/05 10/28/07 10/13/07 10/18/08 11/15/08 11/10/07 9/9/06 11/24/08 11/11/06 11/16/02 11/12/05 10/29/06 10/13/07 10/29/06 10/15/05 11/11/06 10/28/07 11/11/00 10/13/07 11/12/05 10/19/02 11/10/07 10/28/07 11/19/07 10/14/06 11/10/07 10/13/07 11/12/05 11/10/07 10/28/07 11/10/07 10/14/06 11/10/07 11/2/08 11/11/00 11/11/06 11/11/00

Site LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) U-M Golf Course (Ann Arbor, Mich.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) OSU CC Course (Stillwater, Okla.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) ISU CC Course (Normal, Ill.) Ashton CC Course (Iowa City, Iowa) IU Course (Bloomington, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) IU Course (Bloomington, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ashton CC Course (Iowa City, Iowa) ISU CC Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ashton CC Course (Iowa City, Iowa) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) U-M Golf Course (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa)

Meet NCAA Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Championships Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Championship Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Oz Memorial Run NCAA Championships NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships NCAA Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional

Darja Vasiljeva

Lauren Williams

All-Time Top 5-Kilometer Time Rank 1.

Time 16:32.6

Athlete Jody Eder

Date 11/10/84

48 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

Site Lake of the Woods GC (Mahomet, Ill.)

Meet NCAA Regional

Ladia Albertson-Junkans

history & records

All-Time Top 6-Kilometer Times By athlete Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

Time 20:19.3 20:23 20:26.5 20:29.7 20:32.60 20:36.14 20:39.8 20:42.55 20:49.77 20:53.69 20:57.85 21:09 21:10 21:10.2 21:13.9 21:28.91 21:28.3 21:30.9 21:31.5 21:36 21:37.40 21:43.29 21:45 21:50.3 21:54 21:55 21:56.9 21:57.2 22:09.4 22:10.1 22:17.8 22:19.6 22:19.7 22:20.0 22:22.6 22:23.59 22:24.5 22:31.4 22:33.8 22:34.6

Athlete L. Albertson-Junkans Jamie Cheever Emily Brown Megan Duwell Gabriele Anderson Elizabeth Yetzer Lauren Williams Heather Dorniden Darja Vasiljeva Sally Paulson Mallory Van Ness Elaine Eggleston Corinne Nimtz Amy Laskowske Felicitas Mensing Nikki Swenson Harper McConnell Lisa Dyer Laura Bjork Carly Emil Jen Hess Annie Yetzer Anita Menden Zoe Nagell Chrissy Eid Victoria Moses Meghan Mason Katrina Rundhaug A. DePrenger-Gottfried Katie Howery Julie Schwengler Danie Ashford Kelly Wilson Kristin Johansen Challis Larson Paula Hoffert Stephanie Price Krista Anderson Carie Steil Jena Trask

Date 11/21/05 11/10/07 11/21/05 11/2/08 10/28/07 10/28/07 11/21/05 10/28/07 11/16/02 10/28/07 10/28/07 11/11/00 11/11/00 11/24/08 10/18/08 10/28/07 10/15/05 11/10/01 11/10/01 10/19/02 11/13/04 11/13/04 11/11/00 11/2/03 9/23/00 11/11/00 10/18/08 10/18/03 10/18/08 11/21/05 10/13/07 10/13/07 10/18/08 10/14/06 10/18/08 11/16/02 10/18/08 11/10/01 10/8/05 10/15/05

Site LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) U-M Golf Course (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) ISU CC Course (Normal, Ill.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) SIU CC Course (Carbondale, Ill.) SIU CC Course (Carbondale, Ill.) ISU CC Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman GC (Peoria, Ill.) Newman GC (Peoria, Ill.) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) Forest Akers GC (East Lansing, Mich.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) Irv Warren GC (Waterloo, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Warren Memorial GC (Waterloo, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) West Salem GC (West Salem, Wis.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) West Salem GC (West Salem, Wis.) ISU CC Course (Normal, Ill.) West Salem GC (West Salem, Wis.) SIU CC Course (Carbondale, Ill.) Pine Hills CC Course (Carlton, Minn.) West Salem GC (West Salem, Wis.)

Meet NCAA Championships NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Championships Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships Roy Griak Invitational NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Open Pre-NCAA Meet Open Neubauer Invitational Pre-NCAA Meet Neubauer Invitational NCAA Midwest Regional Neubauer Invitational NCAA Midwest Regional Pine Hills Invitational Neubauer Invitational

Corinne Nimtz

Anita Menden

Laura Bjork

Harper McConnell

Gabriele Anderson

49 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

Top 6-Kilometer Times By Class FRESHMAN Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Time 20:54 20:58.8 21:04.2 21:09.92 21:28 21:28.97 21:28.91 21:29.9 21:30.9 21:34

Athlete Darja Vasiljeva Elizabeth Yetzer Jamie Cheever Jamie Cheever Darja Vasiljeva Ladia Albertson-Junkans Nikki Swenson Nikki Swenson Lisa Dyer Darja Vasiljeva

Date 11/11/00 10/14/06 10/14/06 11/11/06 9/23/00 11/13/04 10/28/07 10/13/07 11/10/01 11/20/00

Site Irv Warren CC Course (Waterloo, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) Newman GC (Peoria, Ill.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) So. Illinois CC Course (Carbondale, Ill.) Iowa State CC Course (Ames, Iowa)

Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional Roy Griak Invitational NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Open NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Championships

Athlete Ladia Albertson-Junkans Jamie Cheever Ladia Albertson-Junkans Elizabeth Yetzer Jamie Cheever Heather Dorniden Jamie Cheever Elizabeth Yetzer Ladia Albertson-Junkans Elizabeth Yetzer

Date 11/21/05 11/10/07 10/15/05 10/28/07 10/28/07 10/28/07 10/13/07 11/10/07 11/12/05 10/13/07

Site LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.) Ashton CC Course (Iowa City, Iowa) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.)

Meet NCAA Championships NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Pre-NCAA Meet

Athlete Emily Brown Megan Duwell Gabriele Anderson Megan Duwell Ladia Albertson-Junkans Emily Brown Megan Duwell Megan Duwell Darja Vasiljeva Ladia Albertson-Junkans

Date 11/21/05 11/2/08 10/28/07 11/24/08 10/14/06 10/15/05 10/18/08 11/15/08 11/16/02 10/29/06

Site LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) U-M Golf Course (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) OSU CC Course (Stillwater, Okla.) ISU CC Course (Normal, Ill.) IU Course (Bloomington, Ind.)

Meet NCAA Championships Big Ten Championships Big Ten Championships NCAA Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships

Athlete Ladia Albertons-Junkans Emily Brown Lauren Williams Emily Brown Gabriele Anderson Emily Brown Emily Brown Lauren Williams Ladia Albertons-Junkans Ladia Albertons-Junkans

Date 10/28/07 10/14/06 11/21/05 9/9/06 11/24/08 11/11/06 10/29/06 10/15/05 10/13/07 11/10/07

Site Ohio State Golf Course (Columbus, Ohio) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Les Bolstad CC Course (Falcon Hts., Minn.) IU Course (Bloomington, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) LaVern Gibson Course (Terre Haute, Ind.) Newman Golf Course (Peoria, Ill.)

Meet Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Championships Oz Memorial Run NCAA Championships NCAA Midwest Regional Big Ten Championships Pre-NCAA Meet Pre-NCAA Meet NCAA Midwest Regional

SOPHOMORE Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Time 20:19.3 20:23 20:38.6 20:36.14 20:37.32 20:42.55 20:44.5 20:46 20:52 20:52.1

Carly Emil

JUNIOR Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Time 20:26.5 20:29.7 20:32.60 20:36.5 20:36.6 20:37.2 20:45.2 20:45.25 20:49.77 20:53

Jamie Cheever

SENIOR Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Time 20:21.81 20:31.5 20:39.8 20:48.26 20:48.4 20:48.57 20:52 20:53.3 20:54.2 20:56

Lauren Williams

50 * Minnesota Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Country

history & records

LETTERWINNERS A Angie Abbott, 1992, 93, 94 Chris Abbott, 1987, 88, 90, 91 Addy Adamson, 1997 Ladia Albertson-Junkans, 2004, 05, 06, 07 Jenny Alby, 1989, 91 Beth Alford, 1988 Sue Alm, 1980, 81, 82, 83 Heather Amundson, 1994 Betty Anderson, 1982 Gabriele Anderson, 2004, 06, 07, 08 Jean Anderson, 1978 Krista Anderson, 2000, 01, 02, 03 Lisa Aro, 1994 Theresa Ascheman, 2005 Danielle Ashford, 2005, 07 B Wendy Babock, 1986 Monika Balint, 1990 Mary Bambenek, 1977 Stacy Bant, 1981, 82, 83, 84 Katelyn Barylak, 2008 Linda Benjamin, 1979, 80 Kellie Benzow, 1981, 82, 83 Diana Berlinerblau, 2005 Susan Bliss, 1992 Laura Bjork, 2000, 01, 02, 03 Maggie Bobbin, 2008 Shanna Bodill, 07 Alex Boies, 1974, 75. 76 Claire Bootsma, 2008 Nancy Broughton, 1977 Emily Brown, 2003, 04, 05, 06 Kristen Bubolz, 1992, 93 Patty Burns, 1985, 86, 87 C Becky Canner, 1989 Jamie Cheever, 2006, 07, 08 Tiffany Church, 1986, 87, 88 CeCe Cox, 1974 D Cara Daniels, 1986 Aimee Daugs, 1998 Ariella DePrenger-Gottfried, 2005, 06, 08 Brooke Derge, 1998 Cindy Dickison, 1980, 81, 82, 83 Julie Doan, 1982 Rachel Domenichetti, 1999 Eileen Donaghy, 1985, 86, 87, 88 Heather Dorniden, 2006, 07, 08 Heather Doyle, 1989 Laura Duffy, 1987, 88, 89, 90 Megan Duwell, 2006, 07, 08 Lisa Dyer, 2001 E Rachel Earney, 1997 Jody Eder, 1982, 83, 84, 85 Elaine Eggleston, 1997, 98, 99, 00 Chrissy Eid, 1999-00 Patti Eidman, 1987 Jenny Elliott, 1993 Carly Emil, 2002, 03, 04 Mary Emond, 1981, 1983 F Jill Field, 1999, 01, 02 Tracy Fleischhacker, 2004

G Gwen Gieneart, 1988 Danielle Giusti, 1998 Crystal Glenn, 2001 Kristen Goelzer, 1992. 93, 94 Julie Golla, 1995, 96, 97 Andrea Grove, 1992, 93, 94 Peggy Grundman, 1983 Anna Gullingsrud, 1996, 97

N Zoe Nagell, 2001, 02, 03, 04 Lori Nesvold, 1990 Bridget Neutgens, 1994, 95, 96 Corinne Nimtz, 1997, 98, 99, 00

H Minna Haronoja, 1996, 97, 98, 99 Christine Harper, 1998 Kristine Hartmark, 2001, 02 Christie Heikes, 1997 Kim Heinzerling, 1978 Jen Hess, 2002, 03, 04, 05 Sarah Hesser, 2002, 03, 04 Cindy Hiel, 1976 Debra Hines, 1977 Amy Hoel, 1995, 96, 98 Paula Hoffert, 2002 Heather Horton, 2006 Janet Howe, 1995, 96 Katie Howery, 2004, 05, 06 Jacqueline Hubbard, 1988 Deborah Hudleston, 1998, 99

P Daphne Panhuysen, 1997 Kara Parker, 1988, 90, 91 Sally Paulson, 2006, 07, 08 Mary Peninger, 1976, 77, 78 Steff Pinsky, 1978 Tanya Prince, 1998

J Alli Joelson, 2007 Kristin Johansen, 2005, 06 Beth Johnson, 1979, 80 Cherste Johnson, 1986, 87 Gena Johnson, 1998 K Stacia Kalinoski, 2003 Janis Klecker, 1981 Karen Kleindl, 1994, 95, 96, 97 Wendy Knight, 1984 L Jessica Langford, 1991, 92, 93 Challis Larson, 2008 Amy Laskowske, 2006, 07, 08 Brittany Laughlin, 2007 Andrea Lentz, 1995, 96. 97 Amy Lindner, 2003 Eva Ljungstrom, 1981, 83, 84 M Anita Macias, 1974, 75, 76 Kimberly Magee, 2001, 02 Meaghan Mason, 2008 Amber Mazzitelli, 2008 Harper McConnell, 2003, 04, 05 Lisa McCune, 1992 Julia McGough, 1993 Tammy McGrane, 1978, 79, 80, 84 Anita Menden, 1999, 00, 01, 03 Felicitas Mensing, 2008 Rasa Michniovaite, 1998, 99 Mary Mielke, 1979, 80, 81 Amy Mills, 1987 Laine Misch, 2000 Lynn Mishuk, 1991 Ayla Mitchell, 2005 Kim Mitzel, 1985 Victoria Moses, 1998, 99, 00, 01 Jenny Moylan, 1999, 00, 01 Allison Mumbleau, 1999, 00 Maggie Munro, 1975, 76, 77, 78 Coleen Murn, 1978

Z Wendy Zak, 1991 Stefanie Zeihen, 2004, 05 Sara Zimmermann, 1991 Keri Zweig, 1994, 95, 96

O Abbey Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, 2008 Laurie Orness, 1977, 79

R Rocky Racette, 1977, 78, 79 Nikki Rassbach, 1998 Lisa Remark, 2006 Sarah Renk, 1988, 89 Kris Rens, 1981, 82, 83 Kathy Rosow, 1979, 80 Chris Rowe, 1989, 90, 91 Molly Ruffenach, 1974, 75 Katrina Rundhaug, 2003 Becky Runion, 1989

Krista Anderson

S Amy Sas, 2001 Brenda Savage, 1979 Eileen Schaller, 1985 Kathy Scharnhorst, 1987 Sue Schroeder, 1985 Julie Schwengler, 2005, 07 Julie Sher, 1984 Hayley Singer, 1999 Carie Steil, 2005 Linda Strande, 1974 Andrea Swansby, 1997 Nikki Swenson, 2007, 08 Jessica Syfko, 2004 T Fran Teuscher, 1976 Kari Thompson, 1995, 96, 97 Alison Titcomb, 1992 Lori Townsend, 1992, 93, 94, 95 Jena Trask, 2005, 06 Cathie Twomey, 1974, 75, 76, 77

Kari Thompson

V Rochelle Van Amber, 1993\ Mallory Van Ness, 2007, 08 Darja Vasiljeva, 2000, 01, 02 Michele Vogel, 1974, 75, 76, 77 W Kathy Wahl, 1980 Shelly Wall, 1990 Patti Walsh, 1984, 85, 86, 87 Annie Wells, 2004 Lauren Williams, 2002, 03, 04, 05 Terrie Wegner, 1978, 79 Carol Weiman, 1976 Ann Westby, 1989 Y Annie Yetzer, 2004 Elizabeth Yetzer, 2006, 07, 08 Mary Yetzer, 1981 Rebekah Yetzer, 2007

Jill Field

51 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

history & records

Roy Griak congratulates the Golden Gopher squad after winning the 2007 Roy Griak Invitational

ROY GRIAK INVITATIONAL The jewel of the Golden Gophers’ home schedule each season is the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational The invitational is named after coaching legend Roy Griak, who was Minnesota’s head men’s cross country coach for 33 years and continues to work with the Gophers to this day. The meet has had various names, including the Minnesota Invitational and the Norstand Invitational, but regardless of what it has been called, it remains one of the nation’s largest cross country meets and always draws large crowds and the best competitors. The Minnesota Invitational was started by Griak and current Gopher women’s coach Gary Wilson in 1986. The name was changed in 1995 to the Norstand Invitational and was kept that way until 1997 when Wilson suggested calling the meet the Roy Griak Invitational to honor, who retired as head coach in 1996. The Griak Invitational is held every year on the last full weekend in September at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, and according to Griak, it’s an excellent course. “It’s a great course, but a very demanding course,” the former coach said. “Every team thinks it’s a great course and all the teams that come to compete year after year make this meet so special.” During the 23 years the meet has been in existence, it has grown from a large cross coun-

The start of the 2008 Roy Griak Invitational

52 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

try meet to a national spectacle. Last year, there were 23 NCAA Division I women’s teams in the Griak field, with three teams later advancing to the NCAA Championships. Griak champion Minnesota placed 11th at the NCAAs, while two other teams (Arizona State and New Mexico) collected top-20 NCAA finishes. There were also 60 NCAA Division II, III, or NAIA women’s teams as well as numerous high school teams that competed at the Griak in 2008. The 2009 Griak Invitational will be no different. All in all, there are more than 350 men’s, women’s and high school teams that will come to compete in the Griak Invitational. The Golden Gophers won their third Griak Gold Race crown overall and second in a row last year tallying 31 points. Arizona State junior Kari Hardt won the Griak crown in a time of 21:18.40. Augustana (S.D.) won the Maroon II race with 54 points, while Wisconsin-Eau Claire won the Maroon III crown with 110. According to Griak, the meet is a lot more than a cross country race. It’s an event. “It’s a happening and more than a cross country race. It’s more like a county fair,” Griak said. “Several thousand gather to watch this meet. It’s one of the most prestigious meets in the country in terms of the course, the spectators and the competition.”

history & records

Roy Griak Invitational Results and Records 2008 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2008 Griak Invitational featured 345 teams and 3,433 runners. The Boys’ High School Race was renamed the Griak Larry Zirgibel Boys Gold High School Race. Team Champion: Minnesota 31 Individual Champion: Kari Hardt (Jr., Arizona St.), 21.18.40 Gophers’ top finisher: Megan Duwell, 2nd, 21:24.00 23 teams – 222 runners 2007 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2007 Griak Invitational was the largest with 361 teams and 3,505 runners. The Women’s Maroon III set a record for the largest Griak race with 563 finishers. Team Champion: Minnesota 97 Individual Champion: Emily Harrison (Sr., Virginia), 20:51.4 Gophers’ top finisher: Jamie Cheever, 8th, 21:35.2 26 teams – 252 runners 2006 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2006 Griak Invitational featured 349 teams and 3,312 runners. Team Champion: UC Santa Barbara 87 Individual Champion: Stephanie Rothstein (Sr., UCSB), 21:13 Minnesota, 4th, 137 Gophers’ top finisher: Emily Brown, 3rd, 21:17 30 teams – 288 runners 2005 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2005 Griak Invitational was the largest with 310 teams and 2,887 runners. Team Champion: Arizona State, 88 Individual Champion: Amy Hastings (Sr., Arizona St.), 20:58 Minnesota 2nd, 156 Gophers’ top finisher: Emily Brown, 9th, 21:17 31 teams – 287 runners 2004 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2004 Griak Invitational was the largest with 275 teams and 2,627 runners. Team Champion: Providence, 58 Individual Champion: Kim Smith (Sr., Providence), 20:10 Minnesota 13th, 369 Gophers’ top finisher: Lauren Williams, 44th, 22:21 29 teams – 278 runners 2003 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The 2003 Griak Invitational was the largest with 242 teams and 2,310 runners. Team Champion: Arizona State, 103 Individual Champion: Kim Smith (Jr., Providence), 20:17 Minnesota 19th, 514 Gophers’ top finisher: Emily Brown, 81st, 22:19 26 teams – 248 runners 2002 Women’s Gold (6K) Team Champion: Michigan State, 72 Individual Champion: Michelle Carson (Jr., Michigan St.), 20:41.6 Minnesota 11th, 250 Gophers’ top finisher: Darja Vasiljeva, 10th, 21:28.0 22 teams – 196 runners 2001 Women’s Gold (6K) Team Champion:Arizona State, 109 Individual Champion: Sabrina Morro (Washington), 20:12.9 Minnesota 12th, 367 Gophers’ top finisher: Darja Vasiljeva, 27th, 21:39.2 32 teams – 300 runners 2000 Women’s Gold (6K) Note: The Griak Women’s Gold Race is run at 6K. Team Champion: Minnesota, 98 Individual Champion: Tara Chaplin (Jr., Arizona), 21:00 Gophers’ top finisher: Corinne Nimtz, 5th, 21:20 29 teams – 252 runners

1999 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion:Arizona State, 53 Individual Champion: Sheela Agrawal (Fr., Duke), 17:31 Minnesota 3rd, 165 Gophers’ top finisher: Corinne Nimtz, 8th, 17:57 25 teams – 223 runners 1998 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Providence, 90 Individual Champion: Rasa Michniovaite (Jr., Minn.), 17:08 Minnesota: tie – 4th, 148 18 teams – 149 runners 1997 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion:Wisconsin, 53 Individual Champion: Sarah Dupre (Jr., Providence), 17:05.7 Minnesota: 9th, 209 Gophers’ top finisher: Daphne Panhuysen, 24th, 17:58.1 18 teams – 165 runners 1996 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion:Providence, 41 Individual Champion: Maria McCambridge (Jr., Providence), 16:35 Minnesota: 10th, 272 Gophers’ top finisher: Anna Gullingsrud, 5th, 16:50 23 teams – 199 runners 1995 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Providence, 65 Individual Champion: Kathy Butler (Sr., Wisconsin), 16:47 Minnesota 11th, 340 Gophers’ top finisher: : Lori Townsend, 5th, 17:33 23 teams – 195 runners 1994 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Oregon, 61 Individual Champion:Julie Mazzitelli (Sr., Nebraska), 17:12 Minnesota 5th, 134 Gophers’ top finisher::Lori Townsend, 5th, 17:28 11 teams – 98 runners 1993 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: North Carolina State, 59 Individual Champion:Cathy Palacios (Asics, unnatt.), 17:27 Minnesota 5th, 111 Gophers’ top finisher::Jessica Langford, 12th, 18:24 12 teams – 110 runners

1988 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Minnesota, 39 Individual Champion:Anna Prineas (Carleton), 17:39 Gophers’ top finisher::Laura Duffy, 8th, 18:11 19 teams – 208 runners 1987 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Iowa, 56 Individual Champion:Sammie Resh (Nebraska), 17:19 Minnesota: 2nd, 63 Gophers’ top finisher::Eileen Donaghy, 3rd, 17:29 20 teams – 204 runners 1986 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Nebraska, 45 Individual Champion:Leslie Seymour (Club Sota, unatt.), 17:06.9 Minnesota: 6th, 164 Gophers’ top finisher::Eileen Donaghy, 17th, 18:03.7 17 teams – 167 runners

Griak Invitational Records and Facts Griak 6K Course Record: 20:10, Kim Smith (Providence), 2004 Griak 5K Course Record: 16:19, Vicki Huber (Villanova), 1989 Lowest Winning Team Score: 20, Villanova, 1989 Closest Team Finish: 7, Iowa 56, Minnesota 63, 1987 Biggest Margin of Victory: 86, Villanova 20, Minnesota 106, 1989 Closest Individual Finish: -:01, 2006 — Stephanie Rothstein (UC Santa Barbara), 21:13, Lauren Christman (UC Santa Barbara), 21:13 Largest Individual Margin of Victory: :30, Vicki Huber, Villanova, 16:19, 1989

1992 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 62 Individual Champion:Fran ten Bensel (Sr., Nebraska), 16:43 Minnesota 8th, 191 Gophers’ top finisher::Lori Townsend, 29th, 18:18 16 teams – 150 runners 1991 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Virginia, 87 Individual Champion:Fran ten Bensel (Jr., Nebraska), 17:12 Minnesota 4th, 112 Gophers’ top finisher::Chris Rowe, 6th, 17:33 15 teams – 140 runners 1990 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Oregon, 33 Individual Champion:Liz Wilson (Oregon), 17:18 Minnesota 5th, 118 Gophers’ top finisher::Chris Rowe, 11th, 18:00 11 teams- 91 runners 1989 Women’s Gold (5K) Team Champion: Villanova, 20 Individual Champion:Vicki Huber (Gr., Villanova), 16:19 Minnesota: 2nd, 106 Gophers’ top finisher::Ann Westby, 19th, 18:02 13 teams – 135 runners

53 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

information for recruits

Choosing

MINNESOTA How Can I Choose the Right College for Me? 1. First of all, you must pick the school where you can get the best education for what you want to do in your career. Remember: athletics will probably not put the bread and butter on the table after your college career is over. 2. After you visit a number of schools (and this is very important), sit down and make a list of pros and cons of each school you visit. 3. Make a list of items to consider – program of study, costs of school, location, coaching staff, campus environment, athletic environment, academic climate, attitudes of athletes presently on the team, etc. 4. Talk with people that are very familiar with the schools you are considering. Remember: coaches can paint a very rosy picture. 5. When considering costs, look at everything. Scholarships are great, but money should be you last consideration. If you can get everything you want from a school and still get some athletic aid, then that may be the school for you. However, if you attend a school just because you receive more money you may not necessarily be happy. 6. Most of all, YOU must be happy with your decision. You are the one attending school and no one else. Be objective…and then do what you feel is the best for you.

University of Minnesota Women’s Cross Country Mission Statement • To maximize the academic and athletic potential of each student-athlete. • To pursue the goal of winning Big Ten Conference and NCAA Championships. • To recruit and train student-athletes who are willing to take the moral high road with regards to substance abuse and social conduct. • To recruit and train athletes who are willing to abide by the principles of honesty and respect when interacting with coaches and teammates. • To create an environment for coaches and

Minnesota

Checklist On Choosing A College

athletes that is free from cultural and racial prejudice. • To create a team that is respected for both

1. Can I get the education I want?

its trained skill and its competitive drive.

2. Does the school have my major? 3. Are there a variety of majors offered in case I decide to change my major? 4. Do athletes presently on the team like the program? 5. Do I like the coach? 6. Does the program seem organized? 7. Does the coach have a training philosophy I can train under? 8. Do I like the coach’s total philosophy? 9. Will I receive a lot of individual coaching? 10. Do I like the location of the school? 11. Do I like the community? 12. Is the athletic atmosphere good? 13. Is the academic atmosphere good? 14. Are the athletic training facilities good? 15. Are the weight training facilities good? 16. Are the overall training facilities good? 17. Is the schedule excellent? 18. Is the budget outstanding? 19. Is the school relatively inexpensive (total cost minus scholarship)? 20. Has the school got an overall good reputation? 21. Do other people have positive things to say about the school? 22. Could I really be happy here? Rate each question 1 to 10 – 1 poor, 3 fair, 5 average, 7 very good, 10 excellent

See how Minnesota stacks up in all these areas on the next page. 54 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Take a close look at your academic and athletic career choices!!

information for recruits

Why Should I Consider Minnesota for my Collegiate Academic & Athletic Career 1,2,3: Excellent Academics – Minnesota is one of the finest universities in the world. There are over 200 majors and degrees available. Nearly every school at the University is ranked in the top 20 in the nation. Our library is one of the finest and most complete in the world, Over 80 percent of all classes have 40 students or less and our faulty is worldrenowned. 4,5,6: These three questions can only be answered by you and the things you hear and observe on your campus visit. Over the course of the eight-month recruiting process you will get a “feel” for the school, the program and the coach. 7: Every coach at Minnesota is USATF Level II Certified as well as being lead instructors in their chosen events. They are all national leaders in their event areas! The coaches on staff are on the “cutting edge” of the latest training methods and will help you reach your full potential. 8: Unselfish athletes with common goals. Women who decide to compete in Track & Field or Cross Country at Minnesota enjoy the team concept. Most freshman realize they won’t be number one at first but know they will have quality teammates helping them be the best athlete they can eventually be. To be the third woman on a winning team seems to be more exciting than to be the first woman on a team that is constantly struggling. The philosophy of the program is one of putting family first, academics second and athletics third. These are values that are extremely important to this program. The staff will never waiver from the premise that we will treat you as if you were our daughter. There will be discipline when needed and there will be hugs if they are needed. 9: Outstanding coaches. Unlike many schools, our staff is not limited to one head coach and an assistant. We have six coaches on our staff. Along with the head coach, we have a throws coach, a sprint-jump-hurdle coach and three volunteer assistants. Everyone gets the individual attention to help her reach her fullest potential. 10: The Twin Cities are the most livable cities in the United States. They have been described as just big “small towns.” Once one lives here a very short time, this becomes very evident. There are over 200 lakes and 500 parks in the Twin Cities area, as well as miles and miles of bike and running trails. 11: Excellent distance running and track & field environment. Many athletes fail to succeed at the collegiate level because of lack of support for their training from the school and the community. Such is not the case at Minnesota. The entire community is running conscious and very supportive of what happens at the “U”. This is evident by the thousands of joggers, the three running clubs and the Twin Cities Marathon that attracts thousands of runners yearly. Beautiful Compact Campus. Even though Minnesota is a large university, it is on of the most compact. One can easily walk from one end of campus to the other in less than 15 minutes and there are free shuttle buses between the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses. The “U” is also a beautiful campus with huge trees and lush green lawns that surround beautiful stately buildings. The campus is located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Excellent Career Opportunities. Being located in the Twin Cities is a real advantage for all Minnesota graduates. There are literally thousands of companies and of course the major corporations – 3M, General Mills, Pillsbury, Control Data and Honeywell located in the Twin Cities area. These companies offer internships and most importantly provide jobs for many graduates of the University of Minnesota. 12: Outstanding Leadership. Our athletic director, Joel Maturi, is one of the most outstanding administrators at any level. He has provided the leadership and the support that has helped turn the Golden Gopher program into one of the finest in the nation. Over 80 percent of the Gopher teams are ranked in the top 20 of the 300 Division I schools in the country. In 2002, Sports Illustrated ranked Minnesota as the seventh best athletic department in the nation and the top athletic department in the Big Ten Conference.

13 & 20: Academic Counselors. Our academic counseling staff is outstanding. We have one person in charge of all academic advising for athletes and under his supervision are eight assistants. Track & Field and Cross Country athletes work with their academic counselor to ensure the right classes are taken and to assist you should you need a tutor for a specific course. Out of the 2,000 four-year schools nation wide, Minnesota ranks fifth overall. The coaching staff puts a premium on academics. Over the past four years, our Cross Country team has a combined GPA of 3.25 and our Track & Field team has posted a team-GPA of 3.15. We are very proud of these statistics. Our women’s program has posted a GPA above a 3.0 for 23 consecutive semesters. This year, 50 of our 65 student-athletes posted a 3.0 or better. 14: Tremendous Training Staff. The athletic training staff at Minnesota is second to none with 12 full-time trainers that will help you keep healthy and ready to compete. They are also supported by excellent team doctors. Our Track & Field and Cross Country team also have a massage therapist for our elite athletes as well as a part-time nutritionist. 15-16: Facilities. The facilities at Minnesota rank as some of the best in the Big Ten Conference. The Track and Cross Country women have their own team locker room and four weight rooms. The newest facility is our refurbished indoor track facility that was completed in the fall of 2000. It boasts a 200-meter Martin track as well as complete field event facilities. The outdoor facility is a ten-lane, $1.5 million facility and was the site of the 1990 Olympic Festival and the 1991 International Special Olympics, as well as, the 1992, 1995 and the 2003 Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Our cross country team works out and competes on the beautiful University of Minnesota golf course located adjacent to the St. Paul campus. The cross country staff also hosts the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational. 17: Excellent Schedule: Due to a tremendous travel budget, the women’s program competes against quality competition throughout the year. The team takes an annual spring training trip in the South. Over the past 18 years, the program has competed in nearly 30 different states. 18: Great Budget. The budget for athletics at Minnesota is one of the tops in the Big Ten, which allows the track program the resources and quality competition for each athlete to reach her fullest potential. The team flies to many of the meets, which allows the student-athlete to be in class for most of the week instead of being on the road. 19: Minnesota is relatively inexpensive. With college cost continually on the rise, a studentathlete can attend Minnesota for around $19,000 per year as an in-state student. Even out-of-state students pay a relatively low $23,000 per year. The figures include room, board, books, tuition and fees. Minnesota also has full reciprocity with North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Manitoba, Canada, in addition to, partial reciprocity with Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. 20: The national reputation of Minnesota is excellent. The University is considered to be one of the top five public institutions in the United States. The University has many outstanding majors, including engineering, medicine, education, languages and business. 21, 22: These last two questions are again questions that only you can answer after doing your own investigation. If possible, talk to at least a half dozen people that are not directly affiliated with Minnesota or any other school being considered. GOOD LUCK in choosing the University that is academically, philosophically and athletically right for you. Remember, there are hundreds of excellent schools and coaches.

55 * 2007 & 2008 Big Ten Champions

information for recruits

Wilson’s

DEVELOPMENT PLAN University of Minnesota head coach Gary Wilson prides himself on the development of his student-athletes over their four years of competition. In all, Wilson has coached 16 cross country All-Americans and 80 track and field All-Americans in his illustrious career. During his 22-year tenure as head coach at the University of Minnesota, Wilson has coached a Big Ten cross country champions and 24 Big Ten track and field champions, not to mention the numerous athletes who have qualified for the NCAA cross country and NCAA track and field championships. Here is just a small sample of the athletes who have improved under Wilson’s philosophy. All of these student-athletes dramatically improved their marks from high school until the time they left the Golden Gophers. Eileen Donaghy (1985-89): In 1987, Donaghy became Minnesota’s first Big Ten cross country champion, after joining the squad as a walk-on in 1985. Donaghy improved dramatically over her four years, earning All-Big Ten and All-America honors her senior year. Before arriving at Minnesota, Donaghy ran a 5:25 mile in high school. By her senior collegiate season, the AllAmerican ran a career-best 16:58.0, the eighth-fastest time in Minnesota history, at the 1987 Big Ten Cross Country Championships. She was an All-American in the 10,000 meters in 1988. Chris Rowe (1989-93): Rowe earned All-America and All-Big Ten honors during her stay at Minnesota. Rowe, who ran a 5:19 mile in high school, posted a career-best 4:43.24 and was an indoor track and field All-American in 1992. She was a cross country academic All-American and posted a career-best 17:25 at the 1991 NCAA Region IV Championship. Lori Townsend (1991-96): Townsend was a four-time track and field All-American as well as a five-time All-Big Ten honoree. She ran a 5:14 mile and an 11:24 two-mile in high school. Under Wilson, Townsend shaved 14 seconds off her mile time, running a five-minute mile. Townsend holds the indoor 3,000 school record and ran a 16:17.67 outdoors in the 5,000. Her career-best cross country time of 17:25 came at the 1994 NCAA Region IV meet. She also qualified for the NCAA Championships in both 1994 and 1995 and missed being an All-American by only three seconds in cross country in 1995. Lori Hardrick (1992-96): Hardrick ranks second all-time for the Gophers in the indoor triple jump and eighth in the long jump. Hardrick is also one of the best sprinters in Minnesota history as she was a member of two record-setting sprint relay teams. Before Hardrick arrived at Minnesota, she had a best triple jump of 37-0, which she improved to a then-school-record 41-3 1/2 during her senior year. Joan Karnes-Erickson (1992-96): The Long Prairie, Minn., native was a walk-on to Wilson’s program in 1993 and the next season won both the Big Ten indoor and outdoor shot put titles. In high school, she was a three-time letterwinner and set the school, conference and district records. Karnes-Erickson ranks fourth all-time in both the indoor and outdoor shot put. She improved from a personal-best high school mark of 41-10 to 49-0. Andrea Grove (1991-96): Grove made an impressive comeback from back surgery in 1995 to become one of the most prolific runners in Minnesota history. She became an All-American her senior season in the 1,500, posting a time of 4:20.92 at the 1996 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to better her previous career-best by over nine seconds. Grove ranks second alltime in the 1,500 and sixth in the 3,000. Her best high school 1,500 time was 4:34.

56 * Minnesota Women’s Cross Country

Corinne Nimtz (1997-2001): Nimtz is one of two people in Minnesota cross country history to run in four consecutive NCAA meets for the Golden Gophers. She was Minnesota’s secondfastest runner at the 1999 NCAA meet to help the Gophers place 17th and earn top-20 standing for the first time since 1991. She was a four-time NCAA qualifier in track and field and holds the school record for the indoor 5,000 meters at 16:30.76. She was also a two-time Big Ten runner-up in the 10,000 and posted a career-best time of 34:31.23. In high school, her best time in the 3,200 was 11:03. Lauren Williams (2002-06) Williams was a walk-on who experienced continuous improvement throughout her career, finishing as a two-time all-region performer and team MVP. Williams placed 19th at the state cross country meet as a senior at Edina High School. As her Gopher career progresses, Williams erased several minutes from her personal best time to complete her collegiate career with the fifth-fastest time in Minnesota history (20:39..8).On the track, Williams advanced to the 2006 Midwest Region Championships in the 5,000-meter run.

Coach Wilson and Lauren Williams

Gabriele Anderson (2004-08) Anderson was another walk-on at Minnesota who saw here times improve drastically. A 2:14 halfmiler from the small town of Perham, Minn., Anderson dropped down to 2:08 as a freshman and then to 2:06 as a sophomore. She became a cornerstone of back-to-back Big Ten and NCAA Midwest Region champion cross country teams. Anderson holds the second-best time in school history (2:06.55) in the outdoor 800 meters and fifth best in the mile (4:44.18). Wilson attributes his success in developing student-athletes to “just giving them a chance.” Minnesota carries one of the nation’s largest cross country/track and field squads. This enables athletes who might not otherwise have a chance to compete at the collegiate level, or who may have been overlooked by other collegiate coaches, and gives them the opportunity to develop and take their athleticism to a championship level. “I aim to give young people a chance to improve themselves,” Wilson said. “By giving them an opportunity to compete and improve slowly and progressively over a two- or three-year period, there is always a chance of finding that diamond in the rough. All some people need is a chance. I never count anyone out and always give everyone the opportunity to work hard and succeed.” Wilson also has the distinct advantage of coaching only the women distance runners, enabling him to focus all of his attention on the development and training of each student-athlete. “I know the potential of each athlete,” Wilson states. “I sit down with each athlete and work as a team of two to design the best training. I also have each athlete keep a training diary to track workouts and find what techniques and workout patterns are beneficial.” That philosophy is what makes Wilson one of the nation’s elite track and field coaches, according to Townsend. “Coach Wilson lets his athletes find out what is best for each individual and works from there,” she said. “He encourages the athletes to listen to our bodies, and when they need a break, they have to give it to themselves. It all returns to his general life philosophy of being a total person and the balance of being a student, and athlete and having a social life. It’s not healthy to put everything you have into running. It is all about balance.” And that balance has been the key to Gary Wilson and his successful development of student-athletes at Minnesota.

Coach Wilson and Harper McConnell