Aug. 23, 2001

A determined group of runners are poised to take Old Dominion cross country to the top of the CAA.

NORFOLK, Va. - Last season, the Old Dominion women's cross country team went through growing pains, fielding a small squad and gaining experience for the upcoming year. Still a young team in 2001, the Lady Monarchs will be looking to build a foundation for the future, one that will hopefully take them to the top of the Colonial Athletic Association.

Head coach Ellen Carpenter, now entering her fifth season at Old Dominion, has set realistic goals for her team in 2001. One of those goals is to make noise in the conference, something that Carpenter feels is very possible for this mixed group of veterans and newcomers.

"I'm excited about this group coming in. At this early point, we don't know who the number one runner is, which is a good thing. It shows we have more depth and talent than last year," says Carpenter. "It will also enable us to benefit from a lead pack. Most spectators don't realize that cross country racing involves much more than just adding up individual finishes. Successful teams work together out on the race course, and that is what we intend to do."

Veterans Hollie Robinson (Va. Beach, VA), Nicole Williams (Manassas, VA) and Karen Nelson (Midlothian, VA) will lead a team that should surprise many in 2001. Robinson, who is the team's only senior, is also the captain of the squad and will help guide the newcomers into the world of collegiate running. Williams is the top returning runner from 2000, and is a strong contender for that honor again this year. Nelson battled with injuries during her first year at Old Dominion, but can always be counted upon to contribute when her team needs her. She has been selected to be the team's SAM (Student Athlete Mentor), and is also a leader in the weight room.

Junior transfers Teresa Brown (Colorado Springs, CO) and Davitta Williams (Long Beach, CA) will figure prominently in the lineup as well. Both runners bring previous college running experience with them, and will make an immediate impact. Brown was a All-American at Central Arizona College, and Williams was a team captain at Cerritos Community College in California.

True freshmen will vie for the top spot in 2001 as well. Jen Meyers (Wyckoff, NJ) is a promising runner who will make a big splash this fall. "She's ready to bring her talents to the next level," says Carpenter. "She will vie for the top spot right away."

Jen Cook (Mascoutah, IL) and Lauren Kaluta (Lake Braddock, VA) will raise the level of competition as well. Cook was a three-sport athlete in high school who has decided to focus on running at Old Dominion. Kaluta, who hails from high school powerhouse Lake Braddock, should find herself competing in the top five.

Rounding out the newcomers is sophomore Terrah Galloway (Hampton, VA), who will begin her first year of competition this fall. Carpenter believes that Galloway has the perseverance to regain what is naturally lost after a year off from running. "If Terrah continues to work hard, she will reach her goals by late October,"says Carpenter.

The Lady Monarchs will hit the ground running on Saturday, September 1, when they host Virginia Commonwealth and Norfolk State at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach. Competitions against some of the best teams in the region will follow at several strong meets.

"We have a nice mix of meets this year. Some will be very competitive, and others will be used to gain team confidence and solidify our team strategy,"says Carpenter.

Ultimately, the goal of the team in 2001 is to elevate Old Dominion to the ranks of the conference elite. Step by step, race by race, it's hard not to imagine this determined group doing just that.