Women's Cross Country Season Outlook
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams women's cross country has a long history of teamwork, enjoyment, and success. This year the Ephs are seeking a 19th straight bid to the NCAA championship meet."Our 40-women roster have all been training quite well this summer, building a large base of distance runs, tempo pieces, speed preparation, plus strength and alternate work. The team anticipates a season of mutual effort to excel in every way, and will bring lots of talented depth to create a powerful tight scoring pack in every meet," Coach Pete Farwell said recently.
Only three of the top seven from 2010's NESCAC and Regional runner-up squad return, thus Williams women's cross country team will rely on many of the perennially strong 'Second Seven' to move up. That group took second place in the 50-team ECAC championship last year.
A strong recruiting class will bring additional talent and enthusiasm to the Eph cause.
"The coaching staff is very pleased with how everyone is looking early on, and can already see this team will be one of the best in New England," Farwell said.
 Lauren Goldstein-Kral |
Nine of the top 14 runners from last season return to the squad, including senior Lauren Goldstein-Kral, junior Celeste Berg, and sophomore Chiara Del Piccolo. That trio all earned all-region honors -10th, 25th and 16th respectively- and scored high at the 2010 Division III NCAA Championship Meet where Williams finished fifth.
Timing in at 22:02 Del Piccolo was the third fastest freshman finisher in 55th place. Goldstein-Kral ran to 56th place in the NCAA, and also placed 11th at NESCAC. At NCAA Berg placed 92nd in a speedy 22:22 for the 6k.
"These three are veteran racers who know how to produce top races in the big meets," Farwell said.
Goldstein-Kral is still competing in international and national triathlons in September and Berg is coming off a track injury, so both will peak late in the season. Del Piccolo earned All-American honors in the Outdoor Track 10,000 meters last May, and looks to be the team's front-runner early on.
Other upperclassmen ready to race in the top seven got valuable championship experience in last year's ECACs: senior captains Natalie Davis and Elleree Erdos and Olivia Delia. Sophomores Emily Barreca, Leslie Blackshear, and Brianne Mirecki also competed at last spring's NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 1500 meters and 3000 meter steeplechase respectively.
With 14 first year runners joining the team, there is a likelihood that a few will vie for
 Chiara Del Piccolo |
"This is an excellent First Year class," Farwell noted. "Already they have bonded together and are highly team-spirited and possessing great talent. I look forward to them being mainstays of our program over the next four years."
Farwell went on to add, "We have a larger roster than most teams, and every one of the women brings something special to the team...This year we look for great improvements from everyone, and anticipate eagerly the competitions ahead, knowing that our work ethic, team spirit, and ability to pace well, pack up, and finish strong bring great results."
The Ephs are ranked second in the New England and national preseason polls. They will be hosting plenty of meets at their home course at Mount Greylock Regional High School, including the 20-team Purple Valley Classic, the 3-team Little Three Championship, and the 50-team ECAC Championship.
The first 2011 competition will be at the McGill Invitational in Montreal on Sept. 17.
For complete schedules: http://williams.prestosports.com/sports/wxc/2011-12/schedule
