2008 Season Preview

UC Santa Cruz will open it’s 2008 Cross Country campaign on Saturday August 30^th at the University of San Francisco Invitational at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The Banana Slugs open the season ranked fifth in the NCAA DIII West Region Coaches Poll. The Slugs added depth and experience to a team that was better then their 9th place finish at last year’s West Region Championship in Oregon. The Slugs have achieved their highest-ever ranking while staying young; Carina Hendricks and Miriam Hartig are the only seniors on this year’s squad.

Mikayla Murphy starts her sophomore season as one of the top contenders to win the regional crown. The school record holder from 3,000 to 10,000 meters finished 26^th at last years West Region Championship as a frosh. Mikayla was also nationally ranked in the 5,000 meters (17:35) during the spring track season.

Also returning from last year’s regional squad are Sophomores Hailey Stiers and Danielle Breski. Senior’s Miriam Hartig and Carina Hendricks along with Junior Raeann Davis will add experience to the top of the order. Several sophomores from last year’s large freshman class are ready to see huge improvements; Adrienne Bell, Camille Dickerson, Malia Nanbara, Rosie Spinks, and Cynthia Toth all have another year of consistent training under their belt. 

Adding to the youth movement is a record nine newcomers to UCSC. Jennifer Cain, Rachel Calvert, Sarah Finder, Katherine Holst, Jennifer Jones, Maggie McManus, Jackie Reinagel, Adilene Ruvalcaba, Kelsey Shields will all get an opportunity to compete and gain valuable experience for the years ahead. Cain was part of the 2007 Cross Country Division II State Champion team while a Senior at Newport Harbor High School.   

The team is aiming toward their goals of a national ranking and a berth to the NCAA DIII Championship meet. A mix of hard work, focus, and fun is leading to big things for the Banana Slugs in 2008.