Sept. 4, 2007

- Men's Preview

After losing one of the most highly decorated student athletes in program history, in two-time All-American Andy Tremble, the Lewis University men's cross country team has some big holes to fill. But head coach Dana Schwarting feels his 2007 squad has the talent to compete for the conference title.

"I think our team has a solid nucleus back from last year," said Schwarting, who is in his first full season with the Lewis runners. "On paper it looks like we really took a hit, but I think we are more than capable of being better as a whole team than we were last year."

The loss Tremble along with Larry Anzalone and Mark Martinez, means the Flyers lost their number one, three, and four runners from last season's NCAA Regional meet. But, just like seasons past, the men's team has reloaded.

The Flyers eight runners from last year's squad, six seniors and two juniors, while adding one transfer and two freshmen. Lewis also returns senior Adrian Meyers, an All-American middle distance runner who has not run cross country since 2005.

Leading the crop of returning runners is senior Andrew Northrup, the Flyers' No. 2 runner from last year. Northrup took third at the Great Lakes Valley Conference championship last year. Complementing Northrup is senior Sinan Khamo, a redshirt last season due a knee injury.

"Northrup and Sinan give us a real one-two punch up front," Schwarting said.

Schwarting is looking for Myers to figure in the mix.

"Adrian's overall strength has really improved in the last few years," said Schwarting. "He should be able to handle the longer races much better than in years past."

Other notable returners are seniors Alberto Villa, Kevin Dockemeyer and junior Jeff Ritzema.

"These three runners had solid track seasons last year, and their summer workouts went well," Schwarting said. "I expect them to be much improved over last year."

Schwarting also is looking for contributions from senior Emory Burdette.

"Emory has had a few injury problems in the past," Schwarting said. "But when he is healthy, he has consistently been one of Lewis' top runners."

The three newcomers to the program will be expected to have an impact right away. Schwarting brought in two freshmen in Andy Lepkowski and Seth Schultz. Patrick Walsh, a junior, transferred from Harper Community College (Palatine, Ill.).

"Andy and Seth Schultz are both solid athletes," Schwarting said. "Patrick will bring some upperclassmen experience with him even though he is new to our program."

After a second-place showing at conference last season, Schwarting is looking for more of the same this season.

"We are looking to be first or second in the conference, and set ourselves up for a top 4 showing at the NCAA Regionals which would qualify us for nationals," Schwarting said.

Women's Preview

Senior leadership will be the key for the Lewis University women's cross country team this fall.

Lewis lost two solid performers off the 2006 squad, in Juliann Szablewski, and Renee Koziol, but brought back a lot of experience. The Flyers' roster consists of five seniors and seven freshmen.

Senior Terran Wertz, has been the No. 1 runner at Lewis for the past few seasons, and she will look to conclude her career with more success.

"Terran was solid through the cross country season last year and went on to earn All-America honors in the indoor 800m during track season," Schwarting said. "She is going finish her time at Lewis with a bang."

Other returners looking to cap off their senior season on a high note are Kristin Johnson, and Teresa Dexl.

"These two runners had such a big improvement last year, starting with cross country and building right through the outdoor track season," Schwarting said. "I am really excited to see if this can continue on through this year."

Redshirt junior, Becky Herbert will be returning from injury. She had a solid outdoor season last year setting personal records in both the 3K and 5K. One senior running in her first cross country season is Angela Whalen.

"Angela has shown so much improvement in the middle distances, that we felt she could really help us in cross," Schwarting said. "It will also help her 800m, with the extra base work."

Lewis' freshmen are Danielle Thompson, Pierra Sobodas, Liz Tamulawicz, Jasmine Crenshaw, Kathryn Hague, Hailey Justes, and Erica Minier.

"I felt like the one thing our team has been missing the last few years is depth," Schwarting said. "We just haven't been able to absorb an injury or illness. With this recruiting class, we should be building for a very bright future.

"This class of freshman has some real hidden gems," Schwarting added. "Some of the girls will need to become longer distance runners, and some will stay in the middle distances, but that will get sorted out as the season progresses."

The women finished in seventh at conference last season. Schwarting has set the bar higher this season.

"Our GLVC goal is top 3 and our regional goal is top 10," Schwarting said.

Both teams will open their season on Sept. 7th at the Bradley Invite in Peoria, IL