Webster Picked To Repeat In Women's Cross Country

Webster University is picked to repeat as St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women's Cross Country Champions, receiving six first-place votes in the 2018 coaches preseason poll. The Gorloks totaled 62 points in the poll despite losing top runners Holly Goergen and Meghan Illig. But there is still plenty of talent for head coach Dan Graber to turn to with Lauren Coleman and Meredith Sowers returning. Coleman, the 2017 SLIAC Newcomer of the Year, finished 5th at last year's conference championship while Sowers, a junior, took 7th overall. Also back are sophomores Minnell Fundora and Kalleigh Linthicum, who both finished in the top 17 at the championship. Newcomers Megan Bartz, Sady Bayne, and Taylor Dunning will be counted on to add to the team depth. 

Greenville University was chosen 2nd with 56 total points, receiving two first-place votes. The Panthers graduate three top nine finishers from last year's championship race and will be a young team. Their top returner is senior Shirley Estes, who placed 6th last year. Also back is senior Jordie File, junior Kori Nesbit, and senior Taylor Prusa. Sheridan Noll, who missed last season with an injury, is back and looking to return to her All-Conference form from the previous season. Head coach Brian Patton brings in freshmen Sabrina Favela, Emma Leonhard, and Andrea Priddle. 

Principia College was picked 3rd in the poll with 47 points, picking up the final first-place vote from the coaches. The Panthers lose three scorers from last year's championship race but return their top two scorers in Afton Leslie (13th overall) and Allegra Pierce (22nd overall). Also back for head coach Sedge Southworth are Elsa Heath and Ava Lesko. Joining the team this year is Emme Schaefer as well as Emily Staunton, who studied abroad last year. 

Appearing 4th on the poll is Westminster College with 41 total points. The Blue Jays are anchored by senior Jessie Kuykendall. She will be looking to become the first three-time SLIAC Champion in conference history after setting the best time in conference championship history last fall. First-year head coach Andrew Green must replace a pair of top ten finishers in Taylor Howard and Madison Zack but will count on the grouping of Mollie Amsden, Charley Blair, Whitney Mitchhart, and Kelsey Newland to pick up the slack.

Spalding University finished with 36 total points, good for 5th in the poll. Head coach Bradley Sowder returns former SLIAC Newcomer of the Year runner Kelsey Phillips. Phillips, a junior, has placed in the top ten in each of her previous two championship races including an 8th place finish last year. Also back are Grace Childress, Brooke Devine, and Victoria Shedron. 

Fontbonne University placed 6th in the poll with 30 points. The Griffins, under first-year head coach Justin Halley, will have a young team looking to improve upon last year's 7th place finish at the championship. The Griffins return a strong trio of juniors in Colleen Gosser, Katie Gosser, and Sarah Rhoads. Freshmen Haley Beck and Desiree Brooks join the program this fall.

First-year program Iowa Wesleyan University comes in 7th on the poll with 25 points. Tigers head coach Chris Creal will look to freshmen Sierra Howardson, Lindsey Johnston, and Allison Morris to help establish the foundation for the program. 

Coming in 8th on the poll is MacMurray College with 18 points. The Highlanders placed 6th at last year's conference championship and new head coach Chad Harmon returns their top two runners;  Haley Alt and Diamond Norwood. MacMurray welcomes in newcomers Abby Kilbride and Kaylie Stowe to the program to add to the depth. 

Blackburn College wraps up the poll with nine total points. 

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