OREM — Normally one wouldn't think that running several miles a day when it's nearly 100 degrees outside is a good idea, but many people generally don't think that running is a good idea under any circumstances.
The men's and women's cross country teams at Utah Valley would have something to say about that notion, as they are preparing for their first meet at the end of the month.
Head coach Scott Houle is high on both teams, especially the men's, which has struggled with its depth in past years. Not this year though, as Houle said several runners are coming off their LDS missions and redshirt years and should be ready to go.
"The boys will be a closer team," Houle said. "Not in just being close on the team, but in running together."
Even though the men have lost one of their stars, Joe Bendoski, to graduation, Chase Englestead appears ready to take on the role of team leader. Houle said that the junior should do well, considering his performance in 2006: Englestead had second- and third-place finishes in his first season.
Houle isn't writing off the women, despite losing Kirsten Barney and Bekah Poppinga to graduation. He said the women are likely a better team than the men's team, but not by much. "They have been together a little longer," Houle said.
The women bring several returning runners after losing some stars of their own. Senior Aisha Mitchell from Ghana is returning after taking a few years off from cross country. Also back is Mary Nothum, who had three top-five finishes in her freshman year in 2006.
A few new recruits round out the team, including Aleina Eisenhauer from Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Phoenix. She comes from a state championship high school program.
Even though there are some newcomers, Houle likes the fact that there are some veterans around with at least a year under their belts. "They understand running in college and it is a little bit different," Houle said.
Houle also is proud of the runners' academic records. "We know that they will be eligible," Houle said.
Houle also added that his team doesn't use athletics as an excuse to not do their schoolwork. "They use it (cross country) to have fun," he said. "They are serious about school."
UVSC quick hits
KEY RETURNEES: On the women's side, Mary Nothum is back for her sophomore year after finishing in the top five in three meets in 2006. Senior Aisha Mitchell from Ghana is also returns after taking the past few years off. The men feature sophomore Chase Englestead, who is their star this year. Englestead had a second- and third-place finish during the 2006 season.
NEW RECRUITS: Aleina Eisenhauer comes to Utah Valley from Phoenix after helping her high school team win the Arizona 5A Division 2 title. The men have several runners coming off of missions and redshirt years.
KEY LOSSES FROM LAST YEAR: Joe Bendoski, Kirsten Barney and Bekah Poppinga all graduated.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Wolverines do not host any meets in 2007.
2007 schedule
Aug. 31 — at Utah State, Logan
Sept. 8 — BYU Autumn Classic, Provo
Sept. 16 — Montana State Invitational, Bozeman, Mont.
Sept. 29 — Roy Griak Invitational, St. Paul, Minn.
Oct. 13 — SUU Color Country Invitational, Cedar City
Oct. 27 — Independent Championships, Brownsville, Texas