Women's Cross Country Season Preview

The start of the 2012 school year brings a new season of competition for Geoff Brunger’s women’s cross country team. Focused on beefing up his roster, Brunger added five rookies who join one returning runner from a year ago. These ladies are committed to overcome the physical and mental challenges a cross country runner experiences in practices and competitions.

Stephanie Smith returns for her fourth and final year as a Hawk and hopes that her nagging injuries will not prevent her from racing again this season. Sophomore Kateland Ball, a three-sport athlete one year ago, became a harrier this fall when she switched from soccer to cross country.

New to Hilbert, Shannon Ellis, Crystal Hailey, Kayla Lansberry and Miranda Reimondo all bring new energy and athleticism to the program and are eager to wear the blue uniform this fall.

Hilbert opens the season at the Fredonia Invitational (9/8) before they travel to Penn State Behrend’s Invitational in Erie, PA on September 15th. The Hawks will host their fourth annual Meghan Memorial race at Frontier High School September 22 then close out the first month of the season racing at the Harry F. Anderson event in Chili, NY. With a planned weekend off to start the month of October, Hilbert then races in the CCOC (Cross Country Only Competition – a race for institutions who do not sponsor track and field) October 13th before they finish the regular season at the first annual Wells Invitational. The ten-team Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference championship race will be hosted by Mount Aloysius on October 27th at Ebensburg Country Club (PA).