2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
The University of Utah
Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of is renowned for its research expertise, academic performance and athletic prowess. The U. is the only institution in the state of Utah—to earn a top-tier ranking from the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and has done so for five straight years. The University of Utah athletics program will begin its membership in the prestigious Pac-12 Conference beginning in 2011-12. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah now encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the towering Wasatch Mountain range. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, and includes an eclectic mix of teaching and research facilities in a park-like setting of trees, fountains, flowering malls and pedestrian walkways. Home to a student population of over 29,000, the U. offers some 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate majors. Many of the U’s programs are nationally ranked, including law, pharmacy, architecture, business, engineering and dance. Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with particular distinction in medicine, genetics and engineering. In 2009-2010, the University received a record-setting $450.6 million in external funding for research. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his work on gene targeting.
The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the University of Utah. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute. The U. is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences; and its Center for High Performance Computing serves as a link to major aerospace industries, high-tech manufacturers and research companies. The University is tied for first in the nation with MIT in successfully commercializing the discoveries that occur on campus. The U. provides a lively residential living experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Utah students enjoy unparalleled recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing and river running. The U.’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West (metro population 1,130,293) allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. Salt Lake City is home to professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, opera and theater companies, as well as four professional sports teams.
SNAPSHOT OF THE U.
• Founded in 1850 • Research I University • Top 100 world ranking • 190 majors (undergraduate/ graduate) • 2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi • Pac-12 Conference member starting in 2011-12
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2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, offers an unrivaled blend of metropolitan life and recreational opportunities. With 183,171 residents in the city limits and a metro population of 1,333,914, Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state.
Consistently cited as one of the nation’s most livable cities, Salt Lake City ranks high for its employment and cultural opportunities, quality of life and recreation. In the May 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine Salt Lake City was No. 5 on its list of the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” Forbes Magazine selected Salt Lake City as “The Best City for Jobs” in both 2007 and 2008. Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake, the city is located in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The lowest point within city boundaries is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake (48 miles wide and 90 miles long) is the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States.
Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance. The annual Sundance Film Festival, which is the largest independent film festival in the U.S., attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffs to the area every year. According to P3/ Production Update Magazine, Utah is one of the “10 Best States in the Nation for Film.” Professional sports franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (East Coast Hockey League).
The city is the cultural, financial, educational, technological, commercial, and communications hub of the Intermountain West. Utah was named the most technologically advanced state in the 2008 Digital States Survey. Salt Lake is also home to world-renowned medical and technology industries.
THE BEST CITY • Fifth-best City for the Next Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine • “Best City for Jobs,” Forbes Magazine • 237 days of sunshine per year • Host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics ENTERTAINMENT • 14 ski resorts within an hour’s drive • Home to the Sundance Film Festival • Four professional sports franchises • Symphony, opera, theater and dance SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT • Five minutes from downtown • Delta Airlines hub • 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S.
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Pac-12
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY Boulder, Colo.
COLORADO UNIVERSIT Y
In July of 2011, the University of Utah moved into the Pac-12 Conference. Utah formally accepted an invitation to join the conference as its 12th member on June 17, 2010, a week after Colorado made its announcement. In doing so, Utah and Colorado became the conference’s newest members since 1978.
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2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
The Utah Experience
d Strength an g Conditionin
Utah cross country student-athletes have access to some of the finest support services and facilities in the nation.
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2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Quick Facts/Schedule Venues University of Utah
2012 Schedule
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date
Metro Population: 1,333,914
Opponent
Location
Sept. 1
Utah State Open
Logan, Utah
Sept. 8
Nevada Twilight
Reno, Nev.
Athletics Director: Dr. Chris Hill
Sept. 15
Montana State Bobcat Invitational
Bozeman, Mont.
Founded: 1850
Sept. 22
Stanford Invitational
Palo Alto, Calif.
Enrollment: 30,819
Oct. 13
NCAA Pre-Nationals
Louisville, Ky.
Oct. 27
Pac-12 Championships
Westwood, Calif.
Nov. 9
NCAA Mountain Regional
Fort Collins, Colo.
Facilities: McCarthey Family Outdoor Track & Field
Nov. 17
NCAA Championships
Louisville, Ky.
Complex, Olympic Oval, Rose Park Golf Course
Utah Athletic Communications
Web Site: www.UtahUtes.com
Associate AD/Director: Liz Abel Associate Director: Kyle Harris Assistant Director: Brooke Frederickson Assistant Director: Mike DeVine E-mail: mdevine@huntsman.utah.edu Office Phone: 801.581.8997 Office Manager: Kate Sturgeon Student Assistant (XC Contact): Connor Malmberg E-mail: cmalmberg@huntsman.utah.edu Office Phone: 801.336.6100
Elevation: 4,657 feet above sea level President: David Pershing
Nickname: Utes Colors: Crimson and White Mascot: Swoop (Red-Tailed Hawk)
Conference: Pac-12 Affiliation: NCAA Division I
Coaching Staff Head Coach: Kyle Kepler
Alma Mater: Northern Iowa, 1998/2004
Office Phone: 801.585.6858
E-mail: kkepler@huntsman.utah.edu
Follow Coach Kep’s Blog at http://www.utahtrackxc.blogspot.com/
The Salt Lake Valley and surrounding area is considered to be one of the top 20 running cities in the United States by several of the best running publications and experts. The University of Utah distance running corp has access to some of America’s greatest running trails. These trails consist primarily of dirt, grass, crushed rock, or other runner friendly surfaces. All of these trails are located at elevations ranging from 4,500-8,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains serve as a backdrop to one of America’s most beautiful and cleanest cities -- Salt Lake City. The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley. City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running through downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building and the World Business Center for the Church of Jesus Christ Later-Day Saints.
The canyon trail includes a path that is primarily dirt and another that is more suitable for biking. Liberty Park is another training favorite among the U’s distance runners. It includes a 1.45 mile woodchip running trail where various workouts are performed. Pipeline Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon which is only 15 minutes from the University of Utah campus. This out-and-back, 11-mile roundtrip trail is located at 6,000 feet elevation. The greenery of the canyon is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks and combines an incredible view of the Salt Lake Valley at trail’s end. Finally, the running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000-foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and America’s tourist delight - Park City, Utah.
City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building.
2011 in Review Pac-12 Finish: 8th NCAA Regional Finish: 8th Top Utah Individual: Amanda Mergaert
The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley.
Become a fan of University of Utah Track & Field on Facebook Follow Utah Track & Field on Twitter at twitter.com/Utah_trackfield
Credits:
The running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000 foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and Park City.
The 2012 Cross Country Media Guide was writtern by Connor Malmberg, Communications Student Assistant. Designed and edited by Mike DeVine, Assistant Communications Director. Photography by Steve Wilson, Tom Smart, Scott Pettett, Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Utah Travel Council. Cover design by Mike DeVine.
Watch memorable races at youtube.com/UtahTrack
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2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
2012 Outlook
Roster
Coming off a successful campaign in 2011, the University of Utah women’s cross country team is heading into its second season as a member of the Pac-12 Conference with high expectations. The Utes enter the 2012 season with the most experienced eighth-year head coach Kyle Kepler has ever had. Leading the way will be three-time NCAA Championships qualifier Amanda Mergaert.
“Our team goals center around improving on last year’s finishes in the Pac-12 Championships and the NCAA Mountain Region meet where we were eighth at both,” Kepler said. “We have more overall depth than we have ever had since I took over eight years ago. Anytime you are trying to build a program, it takes time to do it right. We are just starting to see the benefits of all the hard work put into this program. The next step will be sustaining that success and building on it so we can reach our goals of team championships and annual trips to the NCAA Championships.”
Front Row (L to R): AuraLea Fain, Lauren Mills, Alex Shaw, Hilary Troutner, Rebekah Winterton, Giselle Slotboom, Hanah Kropf(trainer) Middle Row (L to R): Susannah Hurst, Andrea Chavez, Katelyn Stringfellow, Lucy Yates, Nikki Dotter Back Row (L to R): Heather Elliott (trainer),Nicole Rietz, Amanda Mergaert, Megan Combe, Charlotte Kuzminsky, Kyle Kepler (head coach)
Roster Name
Yr.
Hometown/High School
Andrea Chavez
R-Fr.
Ogden, Utah/St Joseph’s
Megan Combe
R-Jr.
Salt Lake City, Utah/Skyline
Nikki Dotter
Jr.
East Wenatchee, Wash./Eastmont
AuraLea Fain
Jr.
Billings, Mont./Senior
Susannah Hurst
So.
Salt Lake City, Utah/East
Charlotte Kuzminsky
Fr.
San Diego, Calif./Canyon Crest Academy
Amanda Mergaert
Sr.
Shelby Township, Mich./Utica
Lauren Mills
So.
Aurora, Colo./Smoky Hill
Nicole Rietz
So.
Billings, Mont./West
Alex Shaw
So.
Ogden, Utah/St Joseph’s
Giselle Slotboom
So.
Netherlands
Kate Stringfellow
Jr.
Salt Lake City, Utah/Highland
Hilary Troutner
Jr.
Provo, Utah/Timpview
Rebekah Winterton
Jr.
Salt Lake City, Utah/Skyline
Lucy Yates
R-Sr.
St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, U.K./St. Albans
Head Coach: Kyle Kepler Graduate Assistant: Amanda Theobald
Entering her senior season, Mergaert is looking to finally break the barrier and earn All-American honors. Mergaert has qualified the previous two consecutive seasons for the NCAA Championships. In 2010, she finished five places shy of achieving that honor. Coming off an outstanding track season and meeting the U.S. Olympic Trials B qualifying standard in the 1500m, Mergaert continues to build her legacy at Utah and establish herself in the top echelon of the Pac-12. Mergaert’s experience and attention to detail will also play a pivotal role in helping a very talented group of younger athletes prepare for the rigors of competing in the top conference in the country. “Amanda has done a terrific job of balancing our team goals with her individual goals and leadership responsibilities,” said Kepler. “Obviously, we count on her to run at or near the front of any race she is in. However, she has also done the things to support her younger teammates and help them at practice or in other capacities that go unnoticed.” With the departure of Alyssa Abbott, the team will have big shoes to fill for the second through fifth spots. Sophomore Susannah Hurst impressed the coaches last season and by year’s end had moved into the top four runners. Redshirt freshman Andrea Chavez came on strong for the Utes during the track season, and now is looking to carry that momentum to cross country. “We lost one of our top runners from last year’s team with the graduation of Abbott,” Kepler said. “Abbott was one of Utah’s most successful cross country and track athletes ever and will be tough to replace. However, we have more experienced athletes returning from one year to the next than we ever have.” Adding some excitement to the competition will be senior Lucy Yates and junior Hilary Troutner. An NCAA qualifier in track, Yates has the potential to push into the top group for the Utes. Look for her to contend for that two spot along with Troutner, who really made massive strives of improvement in 2011. The addition of newcomers Giselle Slotboom and Charlotte Kuzinsky will add another dimension to the already talented Ute roster. Slotboom, a transfer from Jacksonville State, finished 21st last year at the NCAA South Region meet and was named as the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. Kuzinsky is a solid runner that finished 12th at her state meet and is a great addition to this year’s squad. “I opened our team camp by telling our group that we probably have the best overall depth we have ever had,” Kepler said “Anyone of them could be a scoring runner at any meet for us. That type of competition for spots will only help our program improve. However, we have to be careful to remember that we are racing other teams and not ourselves. We need to work and train for each other. It does us no good if they constantly compete at practice and incur injuries because they didn’t work together. We are in this together and need everyone to perform at their best each time out to beat as many runners from other teams as possible.” With only one true freshman listed on the roster, Kepler and his staff have a lot of experience and veteran leadership available that has not been around in over four years. Combine those qualities with the talent that those athletes possess, and the Utes are a force that could turn some heads at the conference championship meet. “Experience is critical, but can only take you so far,” said Kepler. “The fact that we have been through the Pac-12 Championship meet should help us handle that situation better that year one. We did a nice job of finishing in the middle tier of teams, but how we got there wasn’t necessarily the cleanest or prettiest path. We have to do a better job of running together, at least the first half of races. At this level, not many runners are coming back to you. It has to be 20 full minutes of great focus, concentration, and willingness to hurt. If we carry that attitude, we will have a very successful season.”
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2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Kyle Kepler Head Coach Eighth Year Northern Iowa, 1998/2004
Kyle Kepler is heading into his eighth year as the head coach of the University of Utah women’s cross country and track & field programs. Kepler’s organization and attention to detail have allowed him to develop a solid foundation and create a competitive program that has steadily improved each year. In 14 years of coaching at the NCAA Division I level, Kepler has seen 33 conference champions, 145 allconference athletes, 49 NCAA qualifiers, 28 NCAA finals qualifiers, and nine NCAA All-Americans. Kepler’s influence on his athletes is not just visible on the track, but also in the classroom. The women’s cross country squad has been honored by USTFCCCA as an All-Academic Team six out of the previous seven seasons, including the 2011 team which had a GPA of 3.308. The track and field team has been a USTFCCCA All-Academic team during five of the previous seven seasons with the 2012 team posting a GPA of 3.236. 2011-12 In the inaugural Pac-12 Conference season, Kepler led Utah into the most elite conference in the country. During the year, the Utes outperformed expectations and finished eighth at the NCAA Mountain Regionals. Kepler also coached Amanda Mergaert to a second consecutive NCAA Qualifying performance and to becoming the first Utah cross country athlete to earn All-Pac-12 accolades. Not only did Kepler’s attention focus on the athletic sphere, but his persistence for achievement in the classroom helped the Utes earn the second highest GPA in the conference with a 3.308. During the 2012 indoor track and field season, Kepler coached Mergaert to the school’s first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation individual title in the mile, shattering her own school record performance. Kepler also oversaw the development of the distance medley relay which finished the season ranked 15th and setting a new school record for the second consecutive year. The Utes found a great deal of success in its inaugural Pac-12 outdoor track and field season. Senior Brianna LeRoy became the first Utah track athlete to earn All-Pac-12 honors with her performance in the high jump. Kepler also helped Mergaert to a 14thplace finish at the NCAA Championships in the 1500m, breaking the school record and missing the finals by .15 of a second. Kepler coached nine athletes to the NCAA qualifiers (six were first-time qualifiers) and both Mergaert and LeRoy qualified for the NCAA Championships. Mergaert also finished the year meeting the U.S. Olympic Trials ‘B’ qualifying standard.
What They’re Saying
Trevor Jameson Director of Sports Medicine • University of Utah
“Coach Kepler is a great coach. He truly cares about all of his athletes and keeps himself well informed on their injuries and limitations. More than any coach I have worked with, he has been able to help his athletes continue to train and improve despite what injuries they may have. He is able to help motivate his athletes to find their best and be self-motivated to work at achieving their best. I consider him a friend and love to work with him and the athletes in his program because they demand so much of themselves.” Tony Bussan Head Cross Country and Track Coach • Webster City Schools, Webster City, Iowa President of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches “From the moment he showed up on my front porch as a high school freshman, through an outstanding high school and collegiate running career, to assistant and head coaching duties at the University of Northern Iowa (which included serving as the director of the NCAA Division I Championships) to now leading the up-and-coming Utah program, Kyle Kepler has been a proven winner, team leader, and program developer. His intense commitment to excellence for each individual and the team as a whole allows him to foster the relationships and development among his squads that create excitement and success.” Beth Wolfgram CSCS, MS, RD, CD Sports Nutritionist, University of Utah Athletic Department • Adjunct Faculty University of Utah Division of Nutrition “[Kepler] is very dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his team and he has made performance related nutrition a priority for his athletes. [Kepler] continues to involve me with the team and individual athletes he is concerned about. He emphasizes an approach that focuses on both the performance of an athlete today, but also the long term health of the athlete. He is a great team player and cares so much about his athletes.” John and Juli Abbott Parents of former athlete “Our daughter, Alyssa, ran Cross Country and Track under the guidance of Coach Kepler at the University of Utah. During this time, Kep helped her reach her potential as a runner and enthusiastically shared in all of her successes on and off the track. He understands the physiology of the female runner as well as the various psychological needs of each individual athlete. He is very approachable and genuinely concerned about all aspects of his athletes lives, especially the academic side as evidenced by the high graduation rates, the placements in top level graduate programs, and the many awards earned by his Utah student athletes. We will continue to support Coach Kepler and the University of Utah Cross Country and Track & Field teams and look forward to many future successes” Brad Rasmussen Glenwood Girls Track and Field/Cross Country Coach • Glenwood Community Schools (Iowa) “I met “Kep” while he was an assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa. My two sons and I attended the track and field/ cross country camp at Northern Iowa while he was there. “Kep” and I developed a lasting friendship. His coaching techniques and guidance go far beyond athletics. His personality allows him to get the best from all of the people he meets. He is very loyal to his athletes and coaches and works hard to be the best. It is an honor for me to call him friend and colleague.” Chelsea DiGrazia Former University of Utah Track/Cross Country Athlete “I was a walk-on my freshman year when we were under the supervision of a different coach and was introduced to Coach Kep my sophomore year. Under the excellent coaching and supervision of Kep I dropped my mile time by 25 seconds, broke the school record in the mile and ran my way to an all region spot in cross country. Kep had the ability to assess each runner’s individual talents and devloped appropriate workouts accordingly. I trusted my training from Coach K and knew that if I did what he was asking, I was going to run fast. He was always attentive to each individual runner’s needs and spent time coaching each girl on the team. I feel that Kyle has a great ability to take any runner, assess their strengths and weaknesses and then train them into the best shape of their lives. He is attentive to injury and does not force training through ailments, which is key in sports like cross country and track where overuse and abuse is so common. I know that I am not alone in these opions about his coaching and have had many successful teammates who would agree. Kep took a cross country team (my sophomore year) who could barely finish a workout and turned them into a 3rd place finisher at the conference meet (my senior year) with two runners making all region and one runner making nationals. Even after my running career finished, I have watched Kep’s cross country and track programs continue to improve each year with more athletes making it to big caliper meets like Nationals every season.” Cody Krenka Head Cross Country Coach • Head Track & Field Coach • Elko High School (Nev.) “Coach Kepler is a great coach who has an amazing ability to take a young athlete fresh out of high school and turn her in to a competitive NCAA Division 1 athlete. He realizes that each athlete has different potential and works hard to get each girl to that potential. As a distance coach for 11 years, I have had more than my fair share of athletes compete at the next level and I can honestly say that the distance program under Coach Kepler at the University of Utah is usually my highest recommendation for my female athletes.”
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Andrea Chavez
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Megan Combe
R-Fr. • Ogden, Utah• St. Joseph’s H.S.
R-Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Skyline H.S. At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Did not compete.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Qualified for the NCAA First Round where she finished 48th in the 800m with a time of 2:13.69 … captured 15th place at the Pac-12 Conference Championships in the 800m, clocking a time of 2:11.58 … finished first with a personal-best time of 2:07.64 in the 800m at the Utah Spring Classic. 2012 Indoor Track: Earned14th place at the MPSF Championships in the mile with a time of 4:50.19 … finished second in the mile in her first collegiate race with a time of 4:52.55 at the Boise State Open … clocked a third-place time of 2:14.76 in the 800m for third at the Mountain States Games. 2011 Cross Country: Redshirt. High School: Member of the four-time 1A Utah state champion cross country team … finished fifth at the state cross country meet … individual state champion in the 800m … ran anchor leg of the state champion 1600m relay team … earned second place at the state cross country meet during her junior season … earned Southwest conference honors in track and field … named 1A Female runner of the Year by Coaches Association in Utah track and field. Personal: Daughter of Javier and Amada Chavez … undecided on major … hobbies include reading and spending time with family … born August 23, 1992.
2012 Indoor Track: Did not compete.
2011 Cross Country: Medical redshirt. 2011 Outdoor Track: Medical redshirt. 2011 Indoor Track: Medical redshirt. 2010 XC: Set a season-best 5K time of 21:42 (12th place) at the Nevada-Reno meet … finished with a six-kilometer time of 23:01.7 at the NCAA Pre-National meet … completed the 6K NCAA Region Championships course in 23:05.2 … earned Academic AllMountain West Conference honors … received Academic All-MWC accolades. 2010 Outdoor Track: Finished first overall and set a new 800m personal-best time of 2:13.37 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational … clocked a personalbest 4:39.82 (fourth overall) in the 1500m at the Robison Invitational … earned 12th place at BYU Invitational in the 800m (2:19.02). 2010 Indoor Track: At Iowa State Classic, set a then-personal-best time in the 800m event with a time of 2:21.42 … finished sixth overall in the 800m at the Montana State Games (2:24.10) … in the preliminary round at the MWC Indoor Championships, she clocked a new personal-best time of 2:20.70. 2009 XC: Finished 23rd at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) after completing course with a time of 18:31.7 … competed at the Bob Firman Invitational (5k) for a time of 19:21.75 and 27th place … placed 20th with a time of 21:34 at the WAC Preview Invitational (5k) … participated at MWC Championships (6k) for a time of 23.49.4 and a 43rd-place finish … earned academic MWC honors. High School: Personal bests include the 1600m in 5:13, 800m in 2:16, 400m in 58 seconds … set a career high in the 5000m as a senior with a time of 19:25 … lettered four years in cross country and three years in track and field … team captain for cross country and track and field during the 2008-09 season … member of the cross country varsity team (9th-12th grade) and varsity track team (10th-12th grade). Personal: Daughter of John and Laura Combe … majoring in mass communications … hobbies include hiking and traveling … born January 10, 1991.
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Nikki Dotter
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Jr. • East Wenatchee, Wash. • Eastmont H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt. 2012 Indoor Track: Finished seventh with a season-best 800m time of 2:25.08 at the Mountain States Games … earned 20th in the mile with a time of 5:26.91 at Boise State Open. 2011 Cross Country: Clocked a season-best five-kilometer time of 20:04.6 for 37th place at BYU Autumn Classic … finished 29th at UNLV Invitational with a time of 20:11 … season-best 17th-place finish at Nevada Twilight with a time of 16:04. 2011 Outdoor Track: Did not compete 2011 Indoor Track: Set personal-best 3000m altitude- adjusted time of 10:41.12 at Mountain States Games … clocked a lifetime-best mile time of 5:06.17 at the Flotrack Husky Classic … finished second overall in the 800m at the Wildcat Tune-Up (2:21.02) … capped season off with a 28th-place finish in the 3000m race at the MWC Indoor Championships … received MWC All-Conference honors.
AuraLea Fain
Jr. • Billings, Mont. •Senior H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Placed 10th in the 5000m, earning a time of 17:45.52, at the Arizona State Invitational … finished seventh with a time of 36:20.51 in the 10000m race at Mt. Sac Relays.
2012 Indoor Track: Earned sixth place in her season debut at the Boise State Open, clocking a 3000m time of 10:34.23 … crossed the line 12th in the 3000m with a time of 10:32.80 at the Mountain States Games. 2011 Cross Country: Finished 34th at Utah State Open … returned from a foot injury to finish 17th at UNLV Invitational … earned 96th at Pac-12 Conference Championships. 2011 Outdoor Track: At the Arizona State Invitational, she finished 15th in the 5000m with a time of 18:21.14 … clocked a 10K time of 37:30.09 at Mt. Sac Relays … earned 16th at MWC Outdoor Championships in the 10K race with a time of 41:16.25.
2010 XC: Set a new personal-record time of 22:55.8 (6K) at the NCAA Region Championships … finished 19th (17:49.7) in first-ever collegiate cross country race … crossed the finish line with at time of 24:31.4 (50th) at the MWC Championships.
2011 Indoor Track: Finished seventh overall in the 3000m with a time of 10:48.81 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5000m time of 17:49.91 at the Flotrack Husky Classic, which is the 11th best time in school history … earned 17th place at the MWC Indoor Championships in the 5000m.
2010 Outdoor Track: Finished sixth overall in the 800m (2:18.64) at the Weber Twilight … set an outdoor personal- record time of 2:17.94 (800m) at the Mark Faldo Invitational … posted a time of 2:19.79 at Robison Invitational … clocked a personal-best 400m time of 59.66 at the BYU Invitational.
2010 XC: Finished ninth place (21:13) at the Nevada-Reno meet … season-best (6K) performance at NCAA Pre-National meet with a time of 23:21.4 … posted a 33rd-place finish in her first collegiate race at Utah State Open … clocked a time of 23:40.6 at NCAA Region Championships.
2010 Indoor Track: In the 800m event, she posted a season-best time of 2:17.82 at the MWC Indoor Championships … at Iowa State Classic, clocked a 2:18.75 that earned her 33rd overall … recorded a season-best 400-meter time of 1:00.14 (fourth place) at Mountain State Games.
High School: Three-time all-state cross country selection … six-time all-state track and field honoree … high school team won state championship freshman and senior years … member of 2006 team that competed at Nike Team Nationals … lettered all four years in track and cross country … personal bests include: 18:01 (3 mi.), 2:18 (800m), 5:17 ( 1 mi.), 11:33 (3200m), and 36:23 (10k) … member of National Honors Society and Environmental Club … graduated with academic honors.
High School: Won individual 2008 state championship in 800m event … member of the 2007 women’s state championship team … member of all-city team for soccer … personal bests include 2:13 (800m), 5:07 (1600m), and 56.7 (400m) … played on soccer team for four years.
Personal: Daughter of Bruce and Patty Fain ... has four siblings … majoring in exercise sport science … intends to become a Physician’s Assistant … hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, singing and slack lining … born September 12, 1991.
Personal: Daughter of Ed and Carolyn Dotter … born September 7, 1990 … majoring in pre-elementary education … second of four children.
utahutes.com
Susannah Hurst
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
So. • Salt Lake City, Utah • East H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Garnered a fifth-place performance in the 5000m at the U.S Track and Field Junior Outdoor Championships, clocking a time of 17:28.56 … secured 36th place at the NCAA First and Second Round meet with a 5000m time of 16:45.63 … finished second in the 1500m with a time of 4:48.17 at the Wildcat Invitational … earned USTFCCCA All-Academic status.
Charlotte Kuzminsky
Fr. • San Diego, Calif. • Canyon Crest Academy
High School: Finished third in the 800m at the California State meet … took 11th in the 800m in the 800m … owns a personal record of 2:09 … member of the classic film club… lettered all four seasons. Personal: Daughter of Larry and Anne Kuzminsky … undeclared major … has one older and one younger brother.
2012 Indoor Track: Finished sixth in the 5000m at the MPSF Championships with a season-best time of 16:45.43 … earned 22nd in the 3000m at the MPSF Championships finishing in a personal-record time of 9:44.01 … collected a first-place finish in the 5000m at the Husky Invitational with a time of 16:52.87. 2011 Cross Country: In first collegiate race, finished second overall at Utah State Open … clocked a third-place time of 15:07 at Nevada Twilight … second overall and first collegiate athlete to finish at UNLV Invitational with a time of 18:23 … finished 45th at Pac-12 Conference Championships … finished fifth for the Utes and 80th overall at NCAA Mountain Region Championships. High School: Four-time state qualifier in track and cross country … placed fourth in the 1600m and fifth in the 3200m her junior season at the 4A State Championships … won region cross country championship and placed third at state championships … made the Footlocker All-West Second Team and finished 22nd overall at the national meet … broke the indoor state record in the 3200m with a time of 11:01 … won state championships in the 1600m, and 3200m during her senior season … earned the performance of the year award in track … won the 3200m at the Great Southwest track meet after her high school season ended. Personal: Daughter of JoAnn and Wendell Hurst … born July 27, 1993 … has two older brothers and one younger sister … major is undecided.
utahutes.com
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Amanda Mergaert
Sr. • Shelby Township, Mich.•Utica H.S. At Utah: 2012 Outdoor Track: Placed 14th in the 1500m clocking a personal-record time of 4:13.63 at the NCAA Championships … earned seventh place at the Pac-12 Conference Championships, clocking a 1500m time of 4:22.88 … captured first place in the 800m at the Arizona State Invitational with a time of 2:10.11 … finished seventh in the 1500m at the NCAA first and second round meet with a time of 4:19.23 … Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention. 2012 Indoor Track: Won the title in the mile race at the MPSF Championships, setting a school record with a time of 4:39.29 … ran the 1600m leg of the distance medley relay that set a school record time of 11:05.78, earning third at the Alex Wilson Invitational … earned 12th in the mile at the NCAA Last Chance Qualifier recording a time of 4:44.27 … named to MPSF All-Academic Team. 2011 Cross Country: Earned 84th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, clocking a six-kilometer time of 20:53.6 … finished ninth at NCAA Mountain Region Championships, which qualified for the NCAA Championships as an automatic individual qualifier … received All-Region accolades from the USTFCCCA … named to Pac-12 Second Team … started off the season at Stanford Invitational, where she finished fourth overall with a time of 20:27 … finished fourth at six-kilometer Chile Pepper Invitational with a personal-record time of 20:19.5 … was the first Utah athlete to finish and 10th overall finisher at Pac-12 Championships … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention All-Academic Honors. 2011 Outdoor Track: Named to the All-American Second Team by the USTFCCCA … named the USTFCCCA Mountain Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year … finished fifth in the 800m with a time of 2:08.06 at the Stanford Invitational … earned seventh overall in the 1500m with a lifetimebest performance of 4:23.51 at the Mt. Sac Relays … clocked a personal-record 800m time of 2:07.38 for first place at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational … ran 1200m leg of distance medley relay that set a school-record time of 11:17.09 to earn school’s first ever relay champion at Drake Relays … finished third in the 1500m at the MWC Outdoor Championships … clocked a school-record 1500m time of 4:16.57 to finish first place at the NCAA Regional Championships … concluded season with 14th-place finish at the NCAA Championships in the 1500m race … named to the USTFCCCA’s All-Academic Team … earned All-MWC honors. 2011 Indoor Track: Broke the school-record mile time in season debut with a time of 4:46.40 at the New Mexico Invitational … at Bronco Open, set a personalbest 800m time of 2:08.78, which earned first place … finished second in the mile at the MWC Indoor Championships with a time of 4:52.00 … broke her own school record for the third time in the mile with a time of 4:44.00 at the Alex Wilson Invitational … posted a lifetime-best 1600m split of 4:40.7 on the school-record setting distance medley relay team. … received MWC All-Conference team honors. 2010 XC: Finished 45th with a time of 20:56 at the NCAA Championships, which was five places shy of All-American honors … posted personal-record and a ninth-place finish (20:45.2) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … earned All-Region recognition from the USTFCCCA … finished first for Utah in every meet she competed in during the season … in season debut, finished 18th overall (21:19) at the 6K Stanford Invitational … earned first career MWC Athlete of the Week honors for performance at Stanford Invitational … finished first overall at Nevada-Reno meet with a time of 19:36 … received Academic All-MWC accolades. 2010 Outdoor Track: Earned sixth (2:09.82) in her 800m heat at the NCAA West Regional … at the Payton Jordan Carnival Invitational, set a season-record 800m time of 2:07.99 … posted a 4:30.19 (third place) at the Stanford invitational, her first time running the 1500m event … finished first place in the 800m (2:10.28) at the Willie Williams Classic … finished fifth in the final round of the 1,500m run with a time of 4:35.37 in the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Junior Championships … earned Academic All-MWC honors. 2010 Indoor Track: Ran the 1200m leg (3:27) of distance medley relay that set a school record time (11:13.77) … finished second place and set a school record time of 4:51.21 in the mile run at the MWC Indoor Championships ... won conference title as a member of the distance medley relay that clocked a 11:38.59 (ranks second in MWC Championships history) … placed first overall in the mile at the Iowa State Classic with a time of 4:56.02 … set a personal-best time of 2:14.51 in the 800m for first place at the Mountain State Games … finished fifth at Bronco Invite in the mile run … ran the 1200m leg of distance medley relay team that set a then- school-record time of 11:13.77 at NCAA Last Chance Qualifier. 2009 XC: First Utah runner to cross the finish in final four meets of 2009 season … earned academic all-conference honors … finished 13th with a time of 17:59.8 at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) … completed WAC Preview Invite (5k) third overall with a time of 20:17 … season-best 6k time at the Chile Pepper Invite with a time of 22:07.47 for 32nd place … finished NCAA Mountain Regional 57th with a time of 22:29.5. High School: Personal bests include 400m dash in 58seconds and 800m run in 2:15 … earned third place in the 800m run at 2008 State track meet and fifth-place in 2009 … member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and National Youth Leadership program … McDonald’s Scholar Athlete and Utica Academic Scholar. Personal: Daughter of Dan and Sharon Mergaert … majoring in physiology … hobbies include biking, reading and traveling … born September 4, 1991.
utahutes.com
Lauren Mills
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
So. • Aurora, Colo. • Smoky Hill H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Posted a season-best 5000m time of 19:01.10 for seventh at the Utah Spring Classic … earned seventh in the 1500m, clocking a time of 5:03.09 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational. 2012 Indoor Track: Competed in one race during the season at the Boise State Open where she finished 11th in the 3000m, posting a time of 10:56.47. 2011 Cross Country Finished 25th at Utah State Open with a time of 18:20 … was the 14th finisher at UNLV Invitational … posted a 10th-place finish at Nevada Twilight … earned the 108th spot at Pac-12 Conference Championships. High School: Earned first team all-city three straight years … qualified for state cross country meet four years … personal-best times include: 800m (2:22), 1600m (5:16), 3200m (11:34), and 5000m (18:44) … age-group winner at Mt. Evans Ascent in 2010 … earned AP Scholar, Faculty Scholarship Award, and Honor Roll accolades … academic all-state in track. Personal: Daughter of Bill and Lisa Mills … majoring in political science … hobbies include: playing the guitar, running, and singing … inspired by Bernard Lagat and Nick Symonds.
Nicole Rietz
So. • Billings, Mont.• West H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt. 2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt. 2011 Cross Country: Finished 105th at NCAA Mountain Region Championships with a time of 23:45.6 … finished 87th at Pac-12 Conference Championships … earned eighth at Utah State Open with a time of 17:56 … was the 11th overall finisher at BYU Autumn Classic with a time of 18:53 … claimed the 11th spot at UNLV Invitational.
High School: Four-time state qualifier in cross country … finished fourth at the state cross country championships in junior and senior seasons … earned team’s MVP award three consecutive years … received all-state accolades 12 times (eight in track and four in cross country) … earned eight academic all-state awards … personal bests include: 400m (58.6 seconds), 800m (2:14), 1600m (5:03), 3200m (11:28), and three mile (18:01) … member of National Honor Society. Personal: Daughter of David and Suzanne Rietz … born September 13, 1992 … majoring in exercise sports science.
utahutes.com
Alex Shaw
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
So. • Ogden, Utah • St. Joseph’s H.S.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt. 2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt. 2011 Cross Country: Was the 23rd finisher at BYU Autumn Classic with a time of 19:25.4 … finished 36th at UNLV Invitational with a five-kilometer time of 20:49 … earned 32nd in first collegiate race at Utah State Open. High School: Finished first at cross country state championships and was the state champion in the 1600m during her junior season … team won four straight cross country and three consecutive track & field state championships … earned all-state recognitions 16 times (four cross country and 12 track & field) … personal bests include: 3200m (11:24), 800m (2:22), and the 1600m (5:13).
Giselle Slotboom
So. • Netherlands •Jacksonville State
At Jacksonville State Named OhioValley Conference Freshman of the Year … finished 21st at the NCAA South Region meet ... named to all-conference first team … holds nine school records (five indoor, four outdoor) … finished third in the mile and was on the distance medley relay team at the conference championships. High School: Three-time Dutch Junior champion in the 3000m steeple chase … member of the 4x400m and 4x800m relay teams that finished second at the National Relay Junior Championships. Personal: Daughter of William Slotboom and Eveline Botter … majoring in exercise and sports science … hobbies include: speed skating, reading, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding.
Personal: Daughter of Ernest Villagrana and Christina Shaw … undeclared major … hobbies include: snowboarding and soccer.
utahutes.com
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Katelyn Stringfellow
Hilary Troutner
At Utah: 2012 Outdoor Track: Posted a seventh-place finish in the 5000m clocking a time of 19:13.15 at the UVU Open … earned eighth in the 1500m with a time of 5:04.65 at the Wildcat Invitational … recorded a season-best 5000m performance at the Robison Invitational earning a time of 18:36.49 for sixth place … clocked a 18:37 in the five-kilometer, finishishing fourth at the Utah Spring Classic ... Pac12 Conference All-Academic Honorable Mention.
At Utah: 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt.
Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Highland H.S.
2012 Indoor Track: Clocked a 10:50 in the three-kilometer at the Bronco Open, finishing ninth ... earned third at the Mountain States Games with a time of 10:57.29. 2011 Cross Country: Finished 15th at Nevada Twilight with a time of 15:59 … earned 12th at UNLV Invitational with time of 19:23 … at the Pac-12 Conference Championships, finished 103rd with a time of 23:06 … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention All-Academic honors. 2011 Outdoor Track: Earned 18th in the 1500m at the UVU Invite with a time of 5:09.04 … clocked a fourth-place finish time of 19:02.61 in the 5000m at the Robison Invitational … finished fourth in the 5000m with a time of 19:42.29 at the BYU Twilight. 2011 Indoor Track: Finished 23rd in the mile at the Snake River Open with a time of 5:48.93 … clocked a second-place finish in the Open 3000m with a time of 11:10.67 at the Mountain States Games … finished first overall in the mile race with a time of 5:30.64 at the Wildcat Tune-Up … finished 12th at the Bronco Open with a time of 10:49.95 in the three kilometer race. 2010 XC: Redshirt. High School: All-state cross country selection three years in a row … academic all-state … team captain for two years … region champion in cross country … fourth place overall at state cross country meet … personal records include 18:08 (3 mi.) and 19:35 (5k) … Highland High School Female Athlete of the Year 2009 … Senior Highland Ram award 2010 … three time region champion in 1600m … region champion in track and field for the 3200m , 4x400, and medley relay … was class valedictorian with a 4.0 cumulative GPA … also played volleyball … member of National Honor Society. Personal: Daughter of Brent and Laurie Stringfellow … born February 17, 1992 … youngest of five siblings … hobbies include playing piano, reading and playing the guitar … majoring in mathematics with a minor in health.
Jr. • Provo, Utah • Timpview H.S.
2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt. 2011 Cross Country: Had a great start to the season, finishing fifth at the Utah State Open … posted a fourth-place time of 15:10 at Nevada Twilight … finished fifth at UNLV Invitational … was the 81st runner to finish at Pac-12 Conference Championships … concluded season with 75th-place finish at NCAA Mountain Region Championships … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention All-Academic Honors. 2011 Outdoor Track: Clocked a time of 18:49.23 in the 5000m to earn third place at the Robison Invitational … finished third overall in the 5000m race with a time of 19:13.01 at the BYU Twilight. 2011 Indoor Track: Finished 25th in the mile with a time of 5:50.82 at the Snake River Open … earned fourth place in the Open 3000m with a time of 11:10.67 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5:39.20 in the mile for fourth place at the Wildcat Tune-Up. 2010 XC: Redshirt. 2010 Outdoor Track: Finished third at the Robison Invitational with a time of 19:25.02 in the 5000m event … posted a personal-best 1500m time of 4:59.00 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational … in her season debut, ran a 5:12.50 (1500m) at the BYU Invitational. 2010 Indoor Track: Ran a season-best mile time of 5:47.27 at the Bengal Shoot Out… at the Bronco Invitational, finished with a personal-best time of 11:19.51 in the 3000m… clocked a 3000m time of 11:27.07 (10th place) at the Mountain States Games. 2009 XC: Finished 36th at Utah State Open (3 mi.) with a time of 19:35.8 … season-best three-mile time was at Fleet Feet invitational with a time of 19:26 for 54th place … competed at MWC Championships (6k) with a time of 24:46.8 for 61st. High School: Personal bests include the three-mile in 18:07, 1600m in 5:23.01 and 3200m in 11:35.74 … placed second in the 2008 Foot Locker West Regional Senior Race … state qualifier in the 1600m and 3200m and 1600m medley relay … region champion in the medley relay, running the 800m … team captain for two years on track team and senior captain on the cross country team … MVP in track and cross country … Rookie of the Year in cross country during junior year. Personal: Daughter of Stacy and Brent Troutner … majoring in elementary education … hobbies include painting, drawing, biking, camping and hiking … born January 24, 1991.
utahutes.com
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
Rebekah Winterton
Lucy Yates
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt.
At Utah 2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt.
Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Skyline H.S.
2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt.
2011 Cross Country: Was the third Utah athlete and 43rd overall finisher at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … finished second place at Nevada Twilight … earned 37th overall at Stanford Invitational … recorded a time of 21:48.7 for 47th place at Chile Pepper Invitational … posted a 59th-place finish at Pac-12 Conference Championships … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention AllAcademic Honors. 2011 Outdoor Track: Set a personal record in the 1500m at the UVU Invitational with a time of 4:49.20 … finished with a personal-best 10km time of 36:05 at the Mt. Sac Invitational, which ranks seventh all-time in school history … earned 15th in the 10km with a time of 39:40.72 at the MWC Outdoor Championships …clocked a five-kilometer personal-best time of 17:19.00 and finished fifth overall at the U.S Outdoor Track & Field Junior Championships. 2011 Indoor Track: Finished third overall in the three-kilometer race at the Mountain States Games with a time of 10:34.26 … posted the eighth best five-kilometer time in school history with a 17:33 at the Husky Classic … ran a personal-best three-kilometer time of 10:07.90 at the Husky Classic … earned 21st in the three-kilometer and 12th in the five-kilometer races at the MWC Indoor Championships. 2010 XC: Earned a third-place finish at Nevada-Reno meet with a time of 20:14 (5k) … finished 18th overall at the three-mile Montana State Bobcat Invitational with a time of 18:04 … in season debut at the Utah State Open, completed the course in 18:13.6 (3 mi.) … achieved a time of 22:33.0 (80th) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … received Academic All-MWC accolades. High School: All-state two years in a row for cross country … lettered four years in cross country and track and field ... personal-best times include: 19:09 (3 mi.), 2:23 (800m), 5:28 (1 mi.), and 11:41 (2 mi.) … member of National Honor Society … was flyer on cheerleading squad that placed first at regionals and fifth at nationals. Personal: Daughter of Reed and Sherri Winterton … studying business … hobbies include dental assisting, organizing and playing the piano … born April 19, 1992.
RS-Sr. • St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, UK• St. Albans Academy
2012 Indoor Track: Anchor leg of 4x400m relay that broke school record time with a time of 3:45.27 at the MPSF Championships, finishing seventh … ran the 800m leg of the distance medley relay that set a school record time of 11:05.78 earning third at the Alex Wilson Invitational … crossed the line first in the 800m with a time of 2:10.82 at the Boise State Open … finished 15th in the 800m invite clocking a time of 2:09.34 at the Husky Invitational … earned 10th in the 800m at the MPSF Championships, crossing in a time of 2:10.45 … named to the MPSF All-Academic Team. 2011 Cross Country: Finished 13th at Nevada Twilight … recorded a time of 19:38.4 for 27th place at BYU Autumn Classic … earned the 20th with a time of 19:53 at UNLV Invitational … received Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention All-Academic Honors. 2011 Outdoor Track: Finished third in the 800m with a season-best time of 2:06.71 at the Stanford Invitational … set a personal-best in the 1500m with a time of 4:26.47 for 15th place at Mt. Sac Relays … earned eighth overall in the 800m at the MWC Outdoor Championships … ran the 800m split of the distance medley relay that set a school-record time of 11:17.09 and earned the school’s first-ever Drake Relay championship. 2011 Indoor Track: Finished first in the 800m at the New Mexico Invitational with a time of 2:09.26 … ran personal-best 400m time of 57.20 at Bronco Open … earned second place overall in the 800m at the MWC Indoor Championships … ran the 800m portion of the school-record-setting distance medley relay that finished with a time of 11:11.71 to finish second overall at the Alex Wilson Invitational … received MWC AllConference Team honors. 2010 XC: Did not compete. 2010 Outdoor Track: Finished 23rd overall (2:15.43) in the 800m event at the NCAA Championships … was runner-up in the first round at the NCAA Preliminary meet with a school-record 800m time of 2:06.21that beat her previous personal-best by one second … clocked an 800m time of 2:08.12 that earned her fourth place at the MWC Outdoor Championships … in season debut, set a personal-best time of 4:31.07 (1500m) for second overall at the Willie Williams Classic … took first place in the 800-meter (2:07.82) race at the Aviva England Under 23 Championships and World Trials. 2010 Indoor Track: Set 800m personal best at the NCAA Last Chance Qualifier … her performance earned her third place in the meet and was the second-fastest in school history … ran the 800m leg of distance medley relay team that set a school record time of 11:13.77 at NCAA Last Chance Qualifier … finished seventh overall at the MWC Indoor Championships with an 800m time of 2:12.21 … won conference title as a member of the distance medley relay that clocked a 11:38.59 at a time that ranks second in MWC Championship history … clocked a time of 2:07.6 at the Husky Invitational for 11th place overall. 2009 XC: Because of long summer track season, did not start season until WAC Preview (Oct. 10), where she finished 19th overall with a time of 21:32 … completed MWC Championships with a time of 24:07.3 for 48th place. 2009 Outdoor Track: Finished 23rd at the 2010 NCAA Championships in the 800m event. 2008 XC: Redshirt season. High School: South England 1,500 meter champion in 2006 … came in second in the South England Indoors in 2007 … English Schools finalist from 2004 through 2008 … earned a second-place finish for South England 800m race in 2008 … personal records include 2:09 for 800m and 4:36 for 1,500m run. Personal: Daughter of Peter and Rosemary Yates … majoring in mass communication … born April 23, 1990.
utahutes.com
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
2011 Review
In her third six-kilometer race of the year, Mergaert passed four runners in the final 200meters of the race posting a time of 20:21, which earned the 10th spot. Abbott was the second Utah athlete to cross the line with a personal-best time of 20:46 for 25th place. Hurst finished third for the Utes and 45th overall with a time of 21:22. Winterton (59th place) and Troutner (81st place) rounded out the top-five finishers for the Utes, clocking times of 21:36 and 22:09.
Utah State- Sept. 3 The University of Utah women’s cross country team capped off the first race of the season with a third-place finish at the Utah State Open. The Utes were led by the heroic effort of their freshmen group. The Utes collected 55 points to finish third. The overall winner of the meet was BYU with 40 points.
In their first collegiate conference championships, freshmen Rietz (22:27), Nielson (22:40), and Mills (23:46) earned the 87th, 91st, and 107th spots.
Leading the way for the Utes was true freshman Susannah Hurst. In her first collegiate race, Hurst finished second with a time of 17:30. Freshman Nicole Rietz finished in the top-10 with a time of 17:56.7 (eighth overall). Freshmen Macee Nielson (18:19.1) and Lauren Mills (18:20.1) finished 23rd and 25th, respectively, for the Utes.
The overall winner of the meet was Colorado with 50 points.
Earning her first points for the Utes, junior Hilary Troutner finished fifth overall with a time of 17:47.2. Nevada Twilight- Sept. 10 The Utes finished first overall with 20 points at the Nevada Twilight. The team had a dominating performance with five athletes finishing in the top-10 spots.
Battling an early-season injury, Fain earned 96th place with a time of 22:52. Stringfellow posted a time of 23:06 to earn the 102nd spot.
NCAA Regional Championships- Nov. 12 On an overcast and windy day in Provo, Utah captured eighth place at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships. Mergaert and Abbott led the way as both posted top-15 finishes. For her second straight season, Mergaert finished first for the Utes with a top-10 finish. In a tough region, Mergaert clocked a six-kilometer time of 21:14.5 to earn the ninth spot as well as a spot in the NCAA Championships. In her final cross country race, Abbott posted a time of 21:29.8 to finish 14th overall.
In her first race in three years, senior Alyssa Abbott clocked a four-kilometer time of 14:41, earning first overall. Finishing second was Rebekah Winterton with a time of 15:02, while Hurst earned third overall with a time of 15:07. Troutner (15:10) and Mills (15:33) rounded out the scoring for the Utes with fourth and 10th-place finishes.
Winterton was the third Utah runner (43rd place) to cross the line with a time of 22:27.2. Troutner (23:11.8) and Hurst (23:17.2) rounded out the top-five Utah athletes as they claimed 75th and 80th place.
Lucy Yates competed in her first race in two years and finished 13th with a time of 15:48. Katelyn Stringfellow clocked a time of 15:59 earning 15th place. Nikki Dotter (16:04), Alexis Davis (17:11), and Brooke Casagranda (18:39) finished 17th, 24th, and 28th, respectively for the Utes.
The top five team finishers were New Mexico (84 points), Colorado (84 points), Weber State (135 points), BYU (140 points), and Colorado State (154 points).
BYU Autumn Classic- Sept. 16 Utah’s “B” team finished with 72 points to secure third place at the BYU Autumn Classic. With six of the Utah’s top runners resting for the week, Rietz led the way for the team with her 11thplace finish. Rietz had a slow start and was around the 40th position at the beginning of the race. As the race continued, Reitz fought her way back toward the front and finished with a time of 18:53. Finishing second for the Utes and 22nd overall was freshman Macee Nielson with a time of 19:22.2. Rounding out the scoring runners for the Utes were Stringfellow (20:03.6), Dotter (20:04.6), and Davis (21:09.5), who finished 36th, 37th, and 40th, respectively for the Utes. Stanford Invitational- Sept. 24 Led by junior Amanda Mergaert’s fourth-place finish, Utah finished fourth overall with 156 points at the Stanford Invitational. In her first race of the season, Mergaert paved the way with a personal-best performance at Stanford. She clocked a six-kilometer time of 20:27 to earn fourth overall. Finishing second for the Utes and 13th overall was Abbott (21:04). Hurst had a great performance with a time of 21:41 for 35th overall and third for the Utes. Winterton (37th) and Rietz (89th) each passed multiple runners on the final stretch to round out the top five scoring runners for the Utes with times of 21:44 and 22:33. UNLV Invitational- Oct. 1 The University of Utah women’s cross country team collected 33 points to finish first at the UNLV Desert Invitational. In a great performance, Hurst was the first collegiate and second overall athlete to cross the finish line with a time of 18:23. Finishing second for the Utes, and fifth overall, was Troutner with a time of 18:42. Nielson was the third Ute and eighth overall to cross the line with a time of 18:53. Rietz posted an 11th-place finish with a time of 19:19 and Stringfellow rounded out the scoring runners with her time of 19:23 (12th place).
Nielson finished 100th with a time of 23:45.6. Rietz clocked a time of 23:17.2 for 105th place, respectively for the Utes.
NCAA Championships- Nov. 21 In her second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Mergaert marked the end of the 2011 season with an 84th-place finish. Mergaert was the first Utah cross country athlete to compete at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in back-to-back seasons in over 15 years. In the six-kilometer race at the LaVerne Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind., Mergaert clocked a time of 20:53.6, which beat her qualifying performance at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships by more than 20 seconds. Despite wet conditions, Mergaert fired out of the gates and kept with a very fast paced lead group. She stayed with that group through the first three-kilometers of the race, but during the second half of the race, Mergaert was unable to sustain the very quick pace set by the lead group of runners and finished 84th.
2011 Pac-12 Championship Results 1. Colorado.............................. 50 2. Washington........................... 73 3. Stanford................................ 75 4. Oregon.................................. 89 5. Arizona................................ 104 6.
Arizona State...................... 168
2011 NCAA Mountain Region Cross Country Championship Results 1.
New Mexico......................... 84
1. Colorado.............................. 84 3.
Weber State....................... 135
4. BYU....................................... 140 5.
Colorado State.................. 154
6.
Texas Tech.......................... 191
7.
Northern Arizona................ 204
8. Utah.....................................221 9.
Idaho State......................... 242
Returning from a foot injury was sophomore AuraLea Fain who finished with a time of 19:32 (17th place). Mills (19:24) and Yates (19:53) claimed the 14th and 20th spots overall, for the Utes.
7. California............................ 190
Dotter (20:11) and Davis (20:32) finished 29th and 33rd, respectively for the Utes. Alex Shaw (36th) and senior Casagranda (50th) finished with time of 20:49 and 22:54.
8. Utah.....................................205
11. Southern Utah..................... 299
Chile Pepper Invitational- Oct. 15 Led by Mergaert’s fourth place-finish, Utah tied for seventh place with 215 points at the six-kilometer Chile Pepper Invitational.
9.
13. Air Force.............................. 320
In her second race of the season, Mergaert earned the fourth overall spot with a time of 20:19.5. Abbott was the second Utah runner (17th place) to finish with a time of 20:59.8. Finishing third for the Utes, and 47th overall, was Winterton with a time of 21:48.7. The fourth Utah runner to cross the line was Hurst with a time of 22:06.3. Rounding out the top-five finishers for Utah was Rietz (22:41.1). Pac-12 Championships- Oct. 29 At its first Pac-12 Conference Championships in Tempe, Ariz., Utah secured eighth place with 205 points. Mergaert led the way for the Utes with a 10th-place finish.
Oregon State...................... 249
10. New Mexico St................... 278 12. Wyoming............................. 317
10. UCLA.................................... 288
14. UTEP..................................... 367
11. Washington State.............. 291
16. Montana............................. 412
12. USC...................................... 384
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15. Montana State................... 377 17. Utah Valley......................... 438 18. Utah State........................... 445 19. Nevada............................... 516
2012 UTAH CROSS COUNTRY
2011 NCAA Regional On an overcast windy day, the University of Utah women’s cross country team captured eighth place at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships. Amanda Mergaert and Alyssa Abbott led the way as both posted top-15 finishes. “The conditions were tough for everyone today,” Utah head coach Kyle Kepler said. “We didn’t finish as high as we would have liked, but hopefully we continue to learn and grow.” For her second straight season, Mergaert finished first for the Utes with a top10 finish. In a tough region, Mergaert clocked a six-kilometer time of 21:14.5 to earn the ninth overall spot. After a great performance, last year NCAA Championships qualifier, Mergaert will find out on Sunday if she receives an at-large bid for the 2011 NCAA Championships. In her final cross country race, Abbott posted a time of 21:29.8 to finish 14th overall. “Abbott ran terrific today, she ran the best race of the season by far,” Kepler said. “I am very pleased with her performance.”
For a complete recap of last season’s NCAA Regional, go to: http:// utahutes.cstv.com/sports/c-xc/ recaps/111211aaa.html
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