The ETSU Cross Country team has the need for speed as they prepare for the Southern Conference Championships on Nov. 2 in Charleston, S.C.
This season has been a learning experience for the young men’s and women’s teams as there are no seniors on either squad.
The men’s team has finished fourth in every competition, while the women’s placements have ranged from third to seventh.
Head coach Dave Walker is proud of the team’s efforts this year, but also stresses the importance of being realistic in competition and expectation.
“It can take freshmen a while to adjust to the collegiate level of competition,” Walker said. “They still haven’t learned to run well together yet, but we’ve been getting in some much-needed work.”
At the SoCon Championships, the Buccaneers will be facing Western Carolina and Appalachian State, who have both had successful seasons. “They are the teams to beat and Furman will be a good battle,” Walker said.
Brad Yewer, a sophmore from Newbury, England, has been leading the men’s team this year and finished second at the 2001 Southern Conference Championships. He was also named Freshman of the Year in 2001.
“Although he is ranked fifth right now, I think he has a chance at first,” Walker said.
Emily Chaney, a junior who placed 15th in last year’s conference meet, has been leading the women’s team. Freshmen Katie Marshall and Christina Ward have followed close behind this season.
The Bucs are hoping to place for the NCAA South Regionals in Knoxville on Nov. 16.

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