After two disappointing team finishes in the 2000 Southern Conference meet, cross country assistant coach Matt High is ever-confident that a renewed focus can turn both the men’s and women’s teams around.
High said his goal is a top-three finish at the conference meet for the men, who finished ninth, and women, who came in eighth, alike.
Each squad will count on an accomplished leader. For the men, senior Greg Sprowl will play that role.
Sprowl, who finished seventh at conference last year, ran well enough to spark talk of the possibility of a first-place finish this year.
“If he runs the same race (this year as he did last year),” High said, Sprowl has an “opportunity to win the conference.”
Aside from Sprowl and fellow senior Mitch Thompson, the team is dominated by newcomers, with only sophomore David Haefner returning with experience.
High is excited, however, about one freshman in particular. Brad Yewer brings much promise with him as he comes over from England.
“I’m really looking to him to make a big impact on the team,” High said.
The fifth spot is currently up in the air. It will go to one of a number of freshmen who have yet to clear eligibility requirements, or senior Michael Farkas. Whomever emerges, despite being the last to join the team, will still be a crucial part of any success the Bucs may have, High said.
“It’s just like basketball,” he said. “It takes five.”
Yewer’s fellow Briton, Rosaline Addo, returns more focused on cross country than ever to lead the lady harriers.
Already the possesor of the 2001 ETSU Female Athlete-of-the-Year award for her prowess in track, Addo hopes to continue her climb up the conference’s cross country ladder, having reached 14th place in the conference meet last year. Originally a track-only athlete, High convinced Addo to give outdoor running a try.
“She ran one meet and she said it wasn’t for her,” High said.
However, he eventually prevailed upon her that having a successful cross country season is the key to continued dominance indoors.
Still, “It’s hard for a sprinter to put a lot of miles in,” High said, and thus Addo, to prevent her from becoming too much of a distance runner and not enough of a sprinter, is worked out differently than some of her teammates.
Difference, of course, is nothing new to Addo.
“A kid like that comes once in a lifetime,” High said.
Also doubling up in track and cross country is Lauren Campbell, the team’s lone senior, who will provide leadership for junior Jennifer Howard, amongst others.
“She came in in real good shape,” High said of Howard. “I’m really excited to see how she will be.”
Sophomore Emily Chaney, a transfer from Tennessee Tech, should also infuse some excitement.
“I think she’ll have a real good year,” High said.
Rounding out the roster are sophomores Grace Ridge and Charity Roberts, along with freshmen Nichola Cornish, Jennifer Habbestad, Anna Quarles, Kim Simmons and Ashley Taylor.
High said that his main focus was the conference meet, with another goal of sending someone to the NCAA nationals.
“Hopefully, everyone will stay healthy,” High also said.
The trek begins for both teams Sept. 8 at the Catamount Classic in Cullowhee, N.C, and winds its way to Charleston, S.C., for the conference championship on Oct. 27.
The closest to home the Bucs will run will be on Sept. 28 in Boone, N.C., at the Blue Ridge Open.
The Bucs finished fourth at last season’s Catamount Classic, as Sprowl led the way over the 6K (kilometer) course with a time of 20 minutes and two second.
Haefner and Thompson also competed in the Catamount Classic last season, running 20:19 and 21:18, respectively.
Addo has the Lady Bucs top time over the 5K distance with her time of 19:27.

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