With only a handful of runners in 2007, the Cavaliers of Montreat College made a respectable showing in last year's AAC race. 2008 can only bring greater results with a more complete team and better depth. One of the major objectives of this year's team is the continued pursuit of building community and a team relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Above all, this team is highly inspiring. They continue to inspire our coaching staff with their bonding and their love for Christ," shared second-year head coach Jose Larios.
"Athletically speaking, cross country is a sport of depth," said Larios, "when a team has depth, great things happen; better training groups, more motivation, and there's also competition for the top-five scorers."
With the addition of 12 new runners for the 2008 cross country season, Montreat College has the depth and motivation to continue to climb the AAC ranks.
On the women's side, led by last year's 1st Team All-Conference runner and NAIA National XC qualifier Talisa Bishop (Sr.), the Lady Cavs seemed poised to improve on last year's 3rd place AAC finish.
"I'd have to say that we made a solid impact last year at the AAC meet. Our ladies felt that we could finish in the top three, and they demonstrated that at the conference meet," said Larios, "this year, they believe they can improve on that. Whether they can or not, it depends on their willingness to work diligently through November."
This year's team includes Warner Southern College transfer Arilicia Adkins (Jr.). Adkins transferred last spring and qualified for the NAIA's National Outdoor Track Championship for the Lady Cavs in the marathon event, finishing an impressive 19th place overall. Both newcomers, Elisabeth Elliot (Fr, Polk County HS, NC) and Lindsay Mizok (Fr, Weddington HS, NC), along with Adkins, will give the Lady Cavaliers a solid 1-4 punch. "All four of these young ladies are training very well together and make for an exciting four-person pack," said Larios. Elliot brings multiple 1A state titles, while Mizok brings a consistent high school resume from a solid 4A high school program.
Completing the women's roster is Elyse Gildernew (So.), freshman Kayla Suiter (McDowell HS, NC), Julie Hetu (Jr.), and Red-Shirt freshman Kaela Doney (Madison HS, NC). "This is an exciting group as well. They are all working hard to fill that fifth spot," added Coach Larios.
"It's been said," concluded Coach Larios, "that in athletic, any team can defeat any team on any given day. I don't know if this saying rings truer in any sport more than in cross country? Anything can happen- anything! So, our coaching staff continues to stress that we honor God by our hard work, ask Him to bless us and keep His healthy hand over us. Most importantly, we hope that we continue to grow as a team in Him and for Him, that's all we have control of."
The Cavaliers open up their season at the University of North Carolina- Charlotte's Bojangles Invitational on September 13th. The men's race begins at 8:30am.
