University of Utah 2010-11 Cross Country Media Guide

September

4 Utah State Open

18 Montana State Invitational

25 Stanford Invitational

October12

University of Nevada Invitational16

NCAA Pre-National Meet 29

MWC Cham

pionshipsNovem

ber13

NCA

A Regional Cham

pionships

Rose Park Golf Course, Salt Lake City

22 NCAA Cham

pionships

SCHEDULE

UTAHUTES.COM

Lucy Yates, SONCAA Qualifi erMW

C Champion

Alyssa Abbott, SR6 tim

e NCAA Qualifi er3 tim

e MWC Cham

pion

Amanda M

ergaert, SO2 tim

e NCAA Qualifi erMW

C Champion

2010 Schedule

Date Opponent Location

Sat., Sept. 4 Utah State Open Logan, Utah

Sat., Sept. 18 Montana State Invite Bozeman, Mont.

Sat., Sept. 25 Stanford Invitational Palo Alto, Calif.

Sat., Oct. 2 Nevada Invitational Reno, Nev.

Sat., Oct. 16 NCAA Pre-National Meet Terre Haute, Ind.

Fri., Oct. 29 MWC Championships Laramie, Wyo.

Sat., Nov. 13 NCAA Regional Salt Lake City, Utah

Rose Park Golf Course

Mon., Nov. 22 NCAA Championships Terre Haute, Ind.

University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, UtahMetro Population: 1,333,914Elevation: 4,657 feet above sea levelPresident: Dr. Michael K. YoungAthletics Director: Dr. Chris HillFounded: 1850Enrollment: 29,251Nickname: UtesColors: Crimson and WhiteMascot: Swoop (Red-Tailed Hawk)Facilities: McCarthey Family Outdoor Track & Field Complex/Olympic Oval, Rose Park Golf CourseWeb Site: www.UtahUtes.comConference: Mountain WestAffiliation: NCAA Division I

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kyle Kepler Alma Mater: Northern Iowa, 1998/2004 OfficePhone:801.585.6858 E-mail: [email protected] 2009 in Review

MWC Finish: 6th/9NCAA Regional Finish: 19th/20Top Utah Individual: Amanda Mergaert 57th, 22:29.5

Table of Contents

Quick Facts and Schedule ........................................ 1The University of Utah ................................................. 2Salt Lake City .............................................................. 3 Utah Cross Country Venues ...................................... 4 Athlete Development ................................................ 52010 NCAA Mountain Regional ............................... 6What They’re Saying About Coach Kepler ............. 7Head Coach Kyle Kepler .......................................... 8-92010 Preview ............................................................... 10-112010 Roster .................................................................. 12The Utes ....................................................................... 13-22Award Winners ........................................................... 232009 Results ................................................................. 24

Credits:The 2010 Cross Country Media Guide was writtern by Connor Malmberg, Communications Student Assistant. Designed and edited by Mike DeVine, Assistant Communications Director. Photography by Steve Wilson, Tom Smart, Scott Pettett, Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Utah Travel Council. Cover design by Mike DeVine.

2010 Utah Cross Country Media Guide

Utah Cross Country Q

uick Facts and Schedule

youtube.com/user/UtahTrack

Follow Utah Track & Field on Twitter at twitter.com/Utah_trackfield

Become a fan of University of Utah Track & Field on Facebook

Follow Coach Kep’s Blog at http://www.utahtrackxc.blogspot.com/

Utah Communications

Director: Liz AbelAssociate Director: Kyle HarrisAssistant Director: Brooke FredericksonAssistant Director: Mike DeVine E-mail: [email protected] OfficePhone:801.581.8997Office Manager: Kate SturgeonStudent Assistant (XC Contact): Connor Malmberg E-mail: [email protected] OfficePhone:801.336.6100

2010 Utah Cross Country Media Guide2

Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Founded in 1850, the University of Utah now encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the towering Wasatch Mountain range. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, and includes an eclectic mix of teaching and research facilities in a park-like setting of trees, fountains, flowering malls and pedestrianwalkways.

Home to a student population of over 29,000, the U offers some 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate majors. Many of the U.’s programs are nationally ranked, including law, pharmacy, architecture, business, engineering and dance.

Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with particular distinction in medicine, genetics and engineering. In 2008-2009, the University received a record-setting $376.7 million in external funding for research. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his work on gene targeting.

The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the University of Utah. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute.

The U. is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences; and its Center for High Performance Computing serves as a link to major aerospace industries, high-tech manufacturers and research companies. The University is tied for first in the nationwithMITin successfully commercializing the discoveries that occur on campus.

The U. provides a lively residential living experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Utah students enjoy unparalleled recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountainbiking,flyfishingandriverrunning.

The U.’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West (metro population 1,333,914) allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. Salt Lake City is home to professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, opera and theater companies, as well as four professional sports teams.

Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Utah is renowned for its research expertise, academic performance and athletic prowess. The U. is the only institution in the Mountain West Conference—and in the state of Utah—to earn a top-tier ranking from the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and has done so for five straight years.

Snapshot of the U.Founded in 1850Research I UniversityTop 100 world ranking190 majors (undergraduate/graduate)2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi

Utah ranks among the

top 35 public research

universities in the nation,

with particular distinction

in medicine, genetics and engineering.

Unive

rsity

of U

tah

2010 Utah Cross Country Media Guide 3

Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The UtesReview

Employment opportunities, culture, quality of life and recreation are some of the reasons why Salt Lake City is consistently named one of the nation’s best cities. In the May 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, Salt Lake City was No. 5 on its list of the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” Forbes Magazine selected Salt Lake City as “The Best City for Jobs” in both 2007 and 2008.

Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake, the city is located in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The lowest point within city boundaries is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake (48 miles wide and 90 miles long) is the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States.

The city is the cultural, financial,educational, technological, commercial, and communications hub of the Intermountain West. Utah was named the most technologically advanced state in the 2008 Digital States Survey. Salt Lake is also home to world-renowned medical and technology industries.

Cultural and ethnic activities flourish inSalt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance.

The annual Sundance Film Festival, which is the largest independent filmfestival in the U.S., attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffsto the area every year. According to P3/Production Update Magazine, Utah is one of the “10 Best States in the Nation for Film.”

Professional sports franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (East Coast Hockey League).

Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, offers an unrivaled blend of metropolitan life and recreational opportunities. With 179,894 residents, Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state and its metro population of 1,333,914 ranks in the top 40 in the United States. Yet Salt Lake City maintains the charm of a small western city.

The Best City•Fifth-bestCityfortheNext Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine•“BestCityforJobs,”Forbes Magazine•237daysofsunshineperyear•15percentaveragehumidity•Hostcityforthe2002Winter Olympics

Entertainment•14skiresortswithinanhour’s drive•HometotheSundanceFilm Festival•Fourprofessionalsports franchises•Symphony,opera,theater and dance

Salt Lake International Airport•Fiveminutesfromdowntown•DeltaAirlineshub•23rd-busiestairportintheU.S.

Salt Lake City


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

The Salt Lake Valley and surrounding area is considered to be one of the top 20 running cities in the United States by several of the best running publications and experts. The University of Utah distance running corp has access to some of America’s greatest running trails. These trails consist primarily of dirt, grass, crushed rock, or other runner friendly surfaces. All of these trails are located at elevations ranging from 4,500-8,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains serve as a backdrop to one of America’s most beautiful and cleanest cities -- Salt Lake City.

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley. City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running through downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building and the World Business Center for the Church of Jesus Christ Later-Day Saints.

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley.

The canyon trail includes a path that is primarily dirt and another that is more suitable for biking. Liberty Park is another training favorite among the U’s distance runners. It includes a 1.45 mile woodchip running trail where various workouts are performed. Pipeline Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon which is only 15 minutes from the University of Utah campus. This out-and-back, 11-mile roundtrip trail is located at 6,000 feet elevation. The greenery of the canyon is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks and combines an incredible view of the Salt Lake Valley at trail’s end.

Finally, the running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000-foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and America’s tourist delight - Park City, Utah.

City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building.

The running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000 foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and Park City.

Venu

es


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The UtesReview

The Utah cross country team has a variety of resources available to it to care for both the player’s physical and mental well-being.

The Utes train in the new Alex Smith Strength and Conditioning Facility at the Dee Glen Smith Athletics Center. Smith, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, donated $500,000 as the lead gift for the renovation and expansion of the existing strength and conditioning facility at his alma mater.

The current elite training facility has 16 full racks with Olympic platforms, a large dumbbell training area complete with 12 0-90 degree incline walk-up benches, and a large cardiovascular area complete with treadmills, cross trainers, stair steppers and spin bikes.

The strength and conditioning program concentrates on strengthtraining,speeddevelopment,flexibility,mentaltoughness, conditioning, injury prevention and motivation. Under the direction of Doug Elisaia, the director of strength and conditioning, the cross country program works with Director of Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning Jon Webster.HeisassistedbyKennyRufino.

To care for the athlete’s injuries, the Utah athletics program maintains a partnership with a veteran sports medicine team supervised by Dr. Bob Burks, director of the University of Utah Sports Medicine Center at Red Butte Clinic. The sports medicine staff is headed by director Trevor Jameson and associate trainer Deb Willardson. The cross country team works with Jameson and graduate assistant Hannah Kropf on a daily basis.

Other resources available to Utah cross country runners include a sports psychologist and nutritionist. Athlete Developm

ent


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

2010

NC

AA M

ount

ain

Regi

onal

canal

18

1

16

1

1

12

11

14

Start/Finish

University of Utah Cross Country CourseRose Park Golf Course1385 N Redwood RdSalt Lake City, UT 84116

N

Women's 6K Championship Course…….. 1575m Loop counterclockwise _ _ _ 1425m Loop clockwise_____ 3000m Loop clockwise

W 1mi/3K

W 2mi

W 5KW 1K

W 2K

4K

W 3mi

13

17

canal

18

16

15

12

11

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Start/Finish

University of Utah Cross Country CourseRose Park Golf Course1385 N Redwood RdSalt Lake City, UT 84116

N

Men's 10K Championship Course____ 3000m Loop counterclockwise_ _ _ 1000m Loop counterclockwise____ 2 x 3000m Loop clockwise

M 1K/6K/9KM 1mi

M 2K/5K/8K

M

M 2mi

M 3mi

M 4mi

M 6mi

M 5mi

Starting TimesThe women’s championship will start at 10:30 A.M., followed by the men’s championship at 11:15 A.M.

DirectionsDirections from the North, South, and East:

Follow I-15 to I-80 west. Take I-80 West to Redwood Rd. exit. Go right (north) off of I-80 ramp on to Redwood Rd. Go north 2-3 miles and course will be on right hand side of road.

From the West and SLC International Airport: Follow I-80 East to Redwood Rd. exit. Go left (north) off of I-80 ramp onto Redwood Rd. Go north 2-3 miles and course will be on right hand side of road.

*Just before you get to Rose Park Golf Course there is a small par-3 course (Jordan River) on the right hand side of the road. This is not part of Rose Park so please make sure you continue north on Redwood Rd. Rose Park is clearly marked and we will have some NCAA/U. of U. signage as well.

ParkingReserved team parking for the championships will be available at Rose Park Golf Course. You will need a parking pass to be admitted to this area.

Spectator parking in the golf course lot will be extremely limited. Parking will be available along the road and in the neighborhoods adjacent to the course.

For more information, check:http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/c-xc/

spec-rel/10-xc-reg-championship.html

2010 NCAA Mountain Regional Home PageNov. 13 at the Rose Park Golf Course


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The UtesReview

Trevor JamesonDirector of Sports Medicine •University of Utah

“Coach Kepler is a great coach. He truly cares about all of his athletes and keeps himself well informed on their injuries and limitations. More than any coach I have worked with, he has been able to help his athletes continue to trainandimprovedespitewhatinjuriestheymayhave.Heisabletohelpmotivatehisathletestofindtheirbestandbe self-motivated to work at achieving their best. I consider him a friend and love to work with him and the athletes in his program because they demand so much of themselves.”

Tony BussanHead Cross Country and Track Coach •Webster City Schools, Webster City, IowaPresident of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches

“From the moment he showed up on my front porch as a high school freshman, through an outstanding high school and collegiate running career, to assistant and head coaching duties at the University of Northern Iowa (which included serving as the director of the NCAA Division I Championships) to now leading the up-and-coming Utah program, Kyle Kepler has been a proven winner, team leader, and program developer. His intense commitment to excellence for each individual and the team as a whole allows him to foster the relationships and development among his squads that create excitement and success.”

Beth Wolfgram CSCS, MS, RD, CDSports Nutritionist, University of Utah Athletic Department •Adjunct Faculty University of Utah Division of Nutrition

“[Kepler] is very dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his team and he has made performance related nutrition a priority for his athletes. [Kepler] continues to involve me with the team and individual athletes he is concerned about. He emphasizes an approach that focuses on both the performance of an athlete today, but also the long term health of the athlete. He is a great team player and cares so much about his athletes.”

Robert RaineyUniversity of Utah •Athletics Academic Services

“Since Coach Kepler has been at Utah, all of his teams have had cumulative GPAs above a 3.0. and they have been recognized with All-Academic awards from the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches’ Associations. He truly recognizes the importance of the balance between academics and athletics.”

Brad RasmussenGlenwood Girls Track and Field/Cross Country Coach •Glenwood Community Schools (Iowa)

“I met “Kep” while he was an assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa. My two sons and I attended the trackandfield/crosscountrycampatNorthernIowawhilehewasthere.“Kep”andIdevelopedalastingfriendship.His coaching techniques and guidance go far beyond athletics. His personality allows him to get the best from all of the people he meets. He is very loyal to his athletes and coaches and works hard to be the best. It is an honor for me to call him friend and colleague.”

Kari Krook Former student-athlete •University of Northern Iowa

“Coach Kepler is an outstanding coach who is committed to leading his cross country and track and Field teams to the next level. His passion, dedication and patience for the sport of running has and will continue to bring his teams great success. In addition, Coach Kepler’s experience as a former student athlete is an invaluable asset for promot-ing the importance of performing well in the classroom. He is such a great coach, Utah is lucky to have him.”

Cody KrenkaHead Cross Country Coach •Head Track & Field Coach •Elko High School (Nev.) “Coach Kepler is a great coach who has an amazing ability to take a young athlete fresh out of high school and turn her in to a competitive NCAA Division 1 athlete. He realizes that each athlete has different potential and works hard to get each girl to that potential. As a distance coach for 11 years, I have had more than my fair share of athletes compete at the next level and I can honestly say that the distance program under Coach Kepler at the University of Utah is usually my highest recommendation for my female athletes.”

What They’re Saying


Utah Cross Country

Intro..

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Kyle Kepler is heading into his sixth year as the head coach of the UniversityofUtahwomen’scrosscountryandtrack&fieldprograms.Kepler’s organization and attention to detail have allowed him to develop a solid foundation and create a competitive program that has steadily improved each year. In 12 years of coaching at the NCAA Division I level, Kepler has seen 32 conference champions, 128all-conferenceathletes,33regionalqualifiers,23all-regionathletes,21NCAAqualifiers,andnineNCAAAll-Americans.Kepler’sinfluenceonhisathletesisnotjustvisibleonthetrack,butalso in the classroom. The women’s cross country team has been honoredbyUSTFCCCAasAll-Academicfouroutofthepreviousfiveseasons.ThetrackandfieldteamhasbeennamedtoUSTFCCCAAll-Academic team, three of the previous six seasons. The Ute cross country squad earned the 12th-highest team GPA in the country in both 2007 (3.64) and 2008 (3.65).

2009-10In the 2009 cross country season, Kepler guided one of the youngest teamsinthecountrytoasixth-placefinishattheMountainWestConferenceChampionships,withtwofreshmenfinishinginthetop30.AttheNCAAMountainRegionalmeet,fourofUtah’sfivescoringrunners were freshmen. Kepler not only coached the young athletes with a high level of performance, but emphasized the importance ofacademicswithfiveofhiscrosscountryathletesachievingacademic all-conference status.

AttheMWCIndoorChampionships,theUtesfinishedfourthoverallforthesecondconsecutiveyear.Inoutdoortrackandfield,Utahfinishedsixthoverallattheconferencemeet,butscored70ormorepoints for the second straight year.

At the MWC Indoor Championships, Utah’s distance medley team comprised of Amanda Mergaert, Chelsey Kaplar, Lucy Yates, and

AlyssaAbbottwontheirfirstconferencetitlewithatimeof11:38.59.Thedistancemedleyteamfinishednearly11.5seconds faster than second-place BYU, who had won the event nine of the 10 previous years prior to Utah’s victory. Abbottwentontowinherfirstindividualconferencetitleinthe 3,000 meter run (9:55.54) the next day. Mergaert, just a freshman, claimed the runner up spot in the mile run in a new school record time (4:51.21). Sophomore Langley Iverson claimed all conference honors in the high jump. Her clearanceof(5-8.75)gaveherarunnerupfinishaswell.Sarah Grimm (weight throw) and the 4x400m relay team were thirdplacefinishersalsoearningallMWChonors.Utah’sDMRended up ranked 14th in the country at the end of the season after running a school record 11:13.77 at the Notre Dame Last Chance qualifying meet.

TheoutdoorseasonsawAlyssaAbbottclaimUtah’sfirsteverDrake Relays Championship in the 1500m with a time of 4:23.48. She was also the conference champion in that event with a 4:29.98. Grimm broke the school record in the hammer throw with her toss of 207-1.75 at the Mark Falmo Invitational. Grimm-runner up (hammer throw), Kaplar-runner up (400m hurdles), Iverson-third (high jump), and the 4x400 meter relay quartet-third also earned all MWC honors. Kepler helped sophomore Lucy Yates qualify for the NCAA Championships forthefirsttimeinhercareer,inthe800mevent,whereshefinished23rdoverall.Hertime(2:06.21)inthepreliminaryround at the NCAA West Region championships set a new Utah school record.

Betweenindoorandoutdoortrackandfield,Keplerguidedhis athletes to four conference titles and 16 All-Mountain West Conferencehonors.SarahGrimmqualifiedfortheNCAAWestRegion championships and was ranked in the top 10 in the nation for the hammer throw during the last half of the season. Kepler saw eight athletes qualify for regionals under the new qualifyingsystem.Twentyathletesfromthetrackandfieldteam also earned academic all-conference honors.

2008-09The 2008 season was a banner year for Coach Kepler and the Utes. He coached the cross country team to a third-place finishattheMountainWestConferenceChampionships,whichisthehighestfinishinschoolhistory.Enroutetothatthird-placefinish,theUtesdefeateddefendingconference

champion Colorado State. The team also had a top-10 finishintheNCAARegionalMeet, placing sixth overall. Alyssa Abbott (9th) and Chelsea DiGrazia (21st) were named to the NCAA All-Mountain Region team. Abbott advanced to the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships where she placed 76th with a time of 21:00.5, missing all-American status by 19 seconds.

Kyle Kepler Head CoachSixth Year Northern Iowa, 1998/2004

Head

Coa

ch K

yle K

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Utah head coach Kyle Kepler is entering his sixth season at the helm of the Utes.

Intro.

PreviewThe UtesReview


Utah Cross Country

Coach Kep

During the track season, Kepler saw seven all-MWC performers between the indoor and outdoor seasons, and coached two MWC outdoor champions: Shapard and Amanda Feigt. Both qualifiedforregionalsalongwithAbbott,MandieRowellandSusanAtwater.ShapardandFeigtwerealsoNCAAqualifiersduring the 2007 outdoor season.

FeigtwasaUSATrackandFieldnationalqualifierinthe400mhurdleswhereshewasasemi-finalist.Abbottwasjuniornationalqualifierinthe800mrun.

2005-06The 2005 cross country runners also thrived under Kepler’s direction.WhiletheUtesfinishedseventhattheMWCchampionships, he saw three personal-best performances from his team at the 6km conference championship meet.

Kepler also guided two athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Track and FieldChampionshipsin2006.VanessaMortensenqualifiedinthe hammer throw and just missed All-America accolades with a10th-placefinish(190-7),whileFeigtwasafirst-timequalifierin the 400m hurdles (1:00.7). In addition to the four new school marks in 2006, Kepler, a Webster City, Iowa native, also helped his athletes set 144 new personal bests.

When 2006 was all said and done, he saw four of his athletes (Feigt twice, AJ Roby and Mortensen) garner all-conference accolades, upping his career total of all-conference athletes to 80. In addition to the all-conference honors, Kepler mentored another 19 conference champions.

Inhisfirstseason,Keplersawthreeathletesandhis4x100mrelayteam all set new school marks. Among the top performances in school history were Feigt’s 3,880-point performance in the pentathlon, Mortensen’s 205-foot throw in the hammer and Roby’s 47-3.5 effort in the shot put.

PersonalPrior to coming to Utah, Kepler served as Northern Iowa’s head men’s and women’s cross country coach and assistant track andfieldcoachfortwoseasons.

He was on staff at UNI for a total of seven years, serving as an assistantcrosscountrycoachforfiveyearspriortobeingnamedhead coach in 2003. Kepler was named the Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2003 after leading the Panthers to an MVC title. The Panthers won 12 MVC titles among cross country and indoor and outdoor track during his tenure with the Panthers.

Kepler has coached nine NCAA Division I All-America athletes and has had 20 of his athletes qualify for the NCAA Cross Country or Track and Field Championships. He served as the meet manager for the 2003 NCAA Cross Country Championships and Pre-Nationals meet. Kepler was also named the meet director of the annual A. D. Dickinson Relays, one of the largest high school indoor meets in the nation.

Kepler was a varsity athlete at University of Northern Iowa. Hetookpartinbothcrosscountryandtrackandfieldforthe Panthers, serving as a team captain during the 1997-98 schoolyear.Asanathlete,KeplerwasamemberoffiveMVCchampionship teams. He earned all-conference honors nine times during his collegiate career, was a two-time all-region cross country selection and a six-time Academic All-MVC honoree.

Kepler holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Northern Iowa. He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 2004 and graduated with a bachelor’s in secondary education-geography in 1998.

Head Coach Kyle Kepler

Thesuccessfulmomentumtransferredintothetrackandfieldseason as Kepler coached his athletes to 135 new personal bests betweentheindoorandoutdoorseasons.Theteamfinishedfifthat the MWC Outdoor Championships. Senior Chelsea Shapard won the 400m hurdles for the third consecutive year, while junior Sarah Grimm and true freshman Langley Iverson won the hammer throw and high jump titles, respectively. Seven Utes were named to the all-conference team in four events.

Kepler and his staff coached two athletes (Shapard and Grimm) to the NCAA Track and Field National Championships. Shapard went on to qualify and compete at the 2009 USA Track and FieldOutdoorChampionships,finishing21stoverall.Iversonalsoqualifiedandcompetedatthe2009USATrackandFieldJuniorNational Championships.

2007-08In 2007, Kepler coached the cross country team to an improved fifth-placefinishintheMWCChampionships,includingthreetop-25finishers.AttheNCAAMountainRegionChampionships,Abbottfinished24thoverallandwasnamedtotheNCAAAll-Mountain Region team as a sophomore. Kellie Anderson and LaurenEndersenalsogarneredtop-50finishesattheNCAARegional Championships.

On the track, Shapard broke her own school record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 58.07 at the Arkansas Twilight. She also went on to win her second consecutive MWC 400m hurdle title. Shapard was named to the All-West Region Team after a third-placefinishattheNCAAWestRegionChampionships.AttheNCAAChampionships,sheadvancedtothesemifinalsandfinished15thoverall.

JosefinBerghadapodiumfinishattheMWCChampionshipswhere she was an All-MWC performer after placing third with ahammerthrowof182-3.ShequalifiedfortheNCAAWestRegional Championships and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Track and Field Championships, where she placed 22nd overall with a throw of 185-10.

TheUtesfinishedsixthintheoutdoorMWCChampionshipsandseventh at the indoor MWC Championships.

2006-07During the 2006 cross country season, Kepler guided freshman Abbotttoatop-25finishattheMWCChampionships(23rd)andatop-50finishattheNCAAMountainRegionChampionships(46th). After only a year under Kepler’s coaching, the Utes improved to sixth-place in the team standings.

The Utes have excelled on the course and in the classroom under Kepler’s guidance.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

The University of Utah cross country team begins the 2010 season with high expectations. The young Utes will use last years experience combined with veteran leadership to become a contender in the top echelon of the Mountain West Conference.

Despite having the youngest roster in the league lastseason,theUteswereabletofinishsixthattheconference meet. At the MWC Championships in 2009, six of Utah’s eight athletes that participated were freshmen. In the 2010 season Utah will be returning seven of those athletes as well as senior Alyssa Abbott, who is coming off a redshirt year in 2009.

Not only will the 2010 squad include many veterans from last season, it will also have four new freshmen. With that combination, the 2010 cross country season looks very promising for the University of Utah.

“Last year we were young and everything was a teaching moment. We are still very young, but this year we have a veteran presence at the meets, in Abbott that we did not have last year,” said Kepler.

This season, Kepler will be relying on the now veteran runners to lead the team and also help the new freshmen have an impact.

“This year we also have some talented freshmen coming in, most of whom have had good summer workouts,” said Kepler.

In the MWC Preseason Coach’s Poll, Utah was picked to finishinfourthplace(receiving37points).

“Afterlastyear’ssixth-placefinish,thatshowsrespectfrom the coaches, because they know what we have returning this year,” said Kepler.

In 2009, Abbott was named to the USTFCCCA Division I Scholar Athlete of the Year list and is a five-timeNCAAWestRegionqualifieronthetrack.Duringthe2008season,AbbottqualifiedfortheNCAA Championships after placing ninth at the region championships. Despite an IT band injury, Abbottfinished76thoutof255participantsintheNCAA National Championship race (6k) with a time of 21:00.5, barely missing All-American status by 19 seconds.

Earlierthatseason,AbbottfinishedfourthattheMWCChampionshipstoearnfirst-teamAll-MWChonors. The coaches decided to redshirt her for the 2009 cross country season in order to allow her IT band to fully recover. This year Abbott looks to improve on her time and lead Utah to a successful season.

Not far behind Abbott will be rising sophomores Amanda Mergaert, Jenny McCune and Lucy Yates. Last year all three were put into leadership roles, despite being freshmen. They were able to gain experience at the collegiate level that will make them key contributors this season.

Mergaerthadastrongfinishtolastyear’sseasonwhich she hopes will continue into the 2010 season. SheledtheUtesinthefinalfourmeetsoftheseasonincludingathird-placefinishattheNevada-Reno Invitational (5k) with a time of 20:17. Mergaert would not only have a good freshman year in crosscountrybutalsodidverywellintrack&field.During the indoor season, she ran the lead leg of Utah’s MWC champion distance medley relay andalsofinishedastherunner-upinthemile.InJune,Mergaertfinishedfifthinthefinalroundofthe1,500-meter run with a time of 4:35.37 at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track & Field Junior Championships.

Yates will also be one to watch in the 2010 season. Intrack&field,Yatesfinished23rdatthe2010NCAA Championships in the 800m event.

Alyssa Abbott (above) and Amanda Mergaert (right) return to lead Utah Cross Country in 2010.

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Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep

Yates returned to her native England this summer, where she won the English Under-23 800-meter title. After a summer of training, Yates will get another chance to make it to the 2010 NCAA Championships, only this time it will be in cross country.

Kepler will also be looking for contributions from McCune. She had a steady freshman year and will be a solid contender for the number two spot behind Abbott.McCuneledtheteaminthefirstthreemeetsofthe2009season.Shefinished11thwithatimeof17:56.8attheUtahStateOpen,herfirstcollegiatecompetition.

This year the cross country team will enjoy a great deal of depth. In addition to the top runners from last year. The Utes return sophomore Megan Combe, sophomore Chantel Hunt and senior Alexis Davis. Freshman AuraLea Fain, Alexis Laws, and Rebekah Winterton could make an immediate impact. They all come from outstanding championship high school programs.

At the end of the 2010 season, Utah has a distinct advantage for athletes to qualify for the NCAA Championships. The Utes will compete at NCAA Mountain Region Championships on their home course in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“This will be a great opportunity for our athletes to qualify on our home turf,” said Kepler. “And now everyfiveyearswewillhostNCAARegionals,whichguarantees every Utah athlete at least one chance in their career to qualify in front of our loyal fans.”

Utah will begin its season competing at the Utah State Open, in Logan, Utah.

The Utes will then have a week off to polish up before competing in the Bobcat Invitational, Stanford Invitational and Nevada-Reno Dual.

ThefinalfourmeetsoftheseasonincludetheNCAAPre Nationals, MWC Championships, NCAA Regional Championships in Salt Lake City, and conclude with the NCAA Championships.

The 2010 team has the key ingredients for a successful year. With solid talent returning from last returning from last year and the great veteran presence of Abbott, this year looks to be a promising season for the Utes.

Check the cross country homepage at www.utahutes.com for up-to-date information on the team and for Coach Kepler’s blog at http://www.utahtrackxc.blogspot.com/.

Jenny McCune will compete for the No. 2 spot during the upcoming season.

Preview

Lucy Yates qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 800-meter race last spring.

Megan Combe will be a part of a strong core of sophomore runners for the Utes.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Name Yr. Hometown Previous School

Alyssa Abbott R-Sr. Reno, Nev. Galena H.S.

Brooke Casagranda Jr. Elko, Nev. Elko H.S.

Megan Combe So. Salt Lake City, Utah Skyline H.S.

Alexis Davis Sr. Aurora, Ohio Aurora H.S.

McKenzie Dean So. Pahrump, Nev. Pahrump H.S.

Nikki Dotter Fr. East Wenatchee, Wash. Eastmont H.S.

AuraLea Fain Fr. Billings, Mont. Senior H.S.

Chantel Hunt So. Window Rock, Ariz. Navajo Pines H.S.

Alexis Laws Fr. American Fork, Utah American Fork H.S.

Jenny McCune So. Sandy, Utah Alta H.S.

Amanda Mergaert So. Shelby Township, Mich. Utica H.S.

Rachel Schmalzle So. Hawley, Pa. Wallenpaupack H.S.

Carly Selleck Sr. Billings, Mont. Senior H.S. /Montana State

Kate Stringfellow Fr. Salt Lake City, Utah Highland H.S.

Hilary Troutner So. Provo, Utah Timpview H.S.

Adrienne Wilson R-Fr. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Resurrection Catholic S.S.

Rebekah Winterton Fr. Salt Lake City, Utah Skyline H.S.

Lucy Yates So. St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, U.K. St. Albans S.S.

Alyssa AbbottReno, Nev.Galena H.S.

Alexis DavisAurora, OhioAurora H.S.

2010 Utah Cross Country Seniors

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Carly SelleckBillings, Mont.Senior H.S.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep

Senior (2009): Redshirt season.

Junior (2008):SetanewpersonalbestandqualifiedfornationalsattheNCAAMountainRegionChampionshipsafterfinishingin20:52.4and earning ninth place overall … at the NCAA National Championships,finished76thoutof255competitors(21:00.5)andmissed All-American status by 19 seconds … competed at the NCAA Pre-Nationals meet (6K) with a 21:14 time for a 41st-place finish…placedfourthoverallattheMountainWestConferenceChampionships (6K) with a time of 21:37 … started the season at theStanfordInvitewitha31st-placefinishaftercompletingthecourse in 22:20.

Sophomore (2007): Utah’stopfinisheratthe2007NCAARegionalChampionshipsfora24th-placefinish(21:41.3)…alsoearnedUtah’stopfinish(20th)atMWCChampionshipswitha22:37finish…intheChilePepperInvitational, ran a 22:19 for 57th place … opened the season with a21st-placefinishattheMontanaStateInvitationalwitha17:53run ... earned the MWC Scholar-Athlete award.

Freshman (2006):Ledtheteamwitha22nd-place(22:48.2)finishattheMWCChampionships...alsotheteam’stopfinisherattheNCAARegional meet (46th, 22:45.9) ... claimed 85th at the Chile Pepper Invite, clocking the event in 22:24 ... took 16th (24:00.6) at the Utah FallTwilightandfifth(16:06)attheseason-openingRenoChaseRace.

High School: All-region and all-state in cross country (2002-05) ... four-time all-regionandall-stateselectionintrackandfield...staterunner-up800 meter dash, 1600m and 3200m at the 2006 state track and fieldmeet...helpedteamtoNevadastatechampionshipintrackandfieldin2006.

Personal: Daughter of John and Juli Abbott ... brother runs track at Washington State University … majoring in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis on exercise physiology ... born April 5, 1988.

Alyssa Abbott Sr.•Reno,Nev.•Galena H.S.

The Utes


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Sophomore (2009):OpenedtheseasonattheUtahStateOpen(3mi.)fora46th-placefinishwith a 21:06.7 … participated in the Fleet Feet Invite (3 mi.) with a time of 21:12 for 103rd … competed at the Bob Firman Invitational (5k), crossing thefinishlineat21:28.75for58th.

Freshman (2008):Redshirt season.

High School:Personal bests include 5000m run in 19:41, 3200 meter run in 11:37, 1600m run in 5:28, 800m run in 2:27 … earned the Wendy’s High School Heisman award … 2008 class valedictorian … graduated with an advanced diploma … member of the Key Club, National Honors Society and student council … also participated in soccer and basketball.

Personal:Daughter of Curtis and Randi Casagranda … majoring in Biology with plans toattendmedicalschool…hobbiesincludehiking,biking,andfishing…born December 1, 1989.

Freshman (2009):Finished 23rd at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) after completing course with a time of 18:31.7 … competed at the Bob Firman Invitational (5k) for a time of 19:21.75 and 27th place … placed 20th with a time of 21:34 at the WAC Preview Invitational (5k) … participated at MWC Championships (6k) foratimeof23.49.4anda43rd-placefinish…earnedacademicMWChonors.

High School:Personal bests include the 1600m in 5:13, 800m in 2:16, 400m in 58 seconds … set a career high in the 5000m as a senior with a time of 19:25 … letteredfouryearsincrosscountryandthreeyearsintrackandfield…teamcaptainforcrosscountryandtrackandfieldduringthe2008-09season … member of the cross country varsity team (9th-12th grade) and varsity track team (10th-12th grade).

Personal:Daughter of John and Laura Combe … undecided on major … hobbies include hiking and traveling … born January 10, 1991.

Brooke CasagrandaJr.•Elko,Nev.•Elko H.S.

Megan CombeSo.•SaltLakeCity,Utah•Skyline H.S.

The

Utes


Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep

Junior (2009):Completed Utah State Open (3 mi.) with the time of 18:44.8 for 27th place …competed at Chile Pepper Invite (6k), crossing the line at 117th with a time of 23:31.92…ranattheMWCChampionships(6k)andfinished69thplacewithatime of 25:37.8 … achieved Academic MWC honors.

Sophomore (2008):CompetedintheMontanaStateOpen,finishingthethree-milecoursein19:20…sufferedananklesprainduringtheMWCChampionships,butfinishedin25:26.

Freshman (2007):CompetedintheMWCChampionshipsfora40th-placefinishwitha24:02run…participatedintheNCAAChampionshipsfora23:49finishand101stplace…intheBYUInvitational,rana20:14racefora42ndplacefinish…openedtheseasonwitha35th-placefinish(20:00)attheUtahStateOpen…earnedtheMWC Scholar-Athlete award … maintained a 4.0 GPA.

High School: Four-time all-conference cross country runner and a two-time all-conference track athlete ... won four letters in both cross country and track ... won the Ohio High School Athletic Associate Student Athlete Award ... class salutatorian.

Personal: Daughter of Tim and Julie Davis ... born February 23, 1990 ... majoring in pharmacy.


High School: Personal bests include 3200m in 11:47, 1600m in 5:16, 800m in 2:20, 400m in :58, and the 5000m in 18:46 … eight-time state champion: 3200m (3), 1600m (1), 800m (1), cross country (2) and team champion (1) … team MVP in 2008 and 2009 … MVP of the Virgin Valley Track and Field Invitational in 2009 … Las Vegas Track Classic winner in the 3200m run … Virgin Valley overall winner in cross country … UNLV Winter Break Meet winner in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m events … 5000m winner at the University of Oregon Twilight … winner of the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m events at the Hillsboro Oregon Twilight … Las Vegas Review Journal Athlete of the Year for cross country in 2007 and 2008 … made the Southern Nevada Honor Roll from 2006-2009.

Personal: Daughter of Deborah Carle and Scott Dean … born March 11, 1991 … majoring in Mass Communication with an emphasis in broadcast journalism and Sports Psychology.

Alexis DavisSr.•Aurora,Ohio•Aurora H.S.

McKenzie DeanSo.•Pahrump,Nev.•Pahrump H.S.

The Utes


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

High School:Competedontrackandfieldteam…wonstatechampionshipin800-metereventin2008and2009… member of the 2007 women’s state championship team … member of all-city team for soccer … personal bests include: 2:13 (800m), 5:07 (1600m), and 56.7 sec. (400m) … played on varsity soccer team for four years.

Personal:Daughter of Ed and Carolyn Dotter … born September 7, 1990 … majoring in Elementary Education with the desire and intends to become a kindergarten teacher … second of four children.

Nikki DotterFr.•EastWenatchee,Wash.•Eastmont H.S.

AuraLea FainFr.•Billings,Mont.•Senior H.S.

High School:Threetimeall-statecrosscountryselection…six-timeall-statetrackandfieldhonoree…highschoolteamwonstatechampionshipduring freshman and senior years … member of 2006 team that competed at Nike Team Nationals … lettered all four years in track and cross country … personal bests include: 18:01 (3 mi.), 2:18 (800m), 5:17 ( 1 mi.), 11:33 (3200m), and 36:23 (10k) … member of National Honors Society and Environmental Club … graduated with academic honors.

Personal:Daughter of Bruce and Patty Fain... has four siblings … majoring in Exercise Sport Science … intends to become a Physicians Assistant … hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, singing and slack lining … born September 12,1991.

The

Utes


Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep

Freshman (2009):Competed at Fleet Feet Invite (3 mi.) with a time of 19:10 for 45th … best 5k time of the season was 20:15.85 for 43rd place at the Bob Firman Invite …finished66thatMWCChampionshipswithatimeof 25:15.7.

High School:Personal best in 5000m cross country run is 19:20 …

has personal bests of: 2:27 in the 800m, 5:25 in 1600m and 12:14 in the 3200m run … earned most valuable runner for Navajo Pine High School for four years … earned Navajo Times Cross Country Female Runner of the Year … earned 2A 3200m state champion in 2006 … graduated as senior class valedictorian.

Personal:Daughter of Delores Hunt … majoring in Business Administration … hobbies include baking, cooking, shopping, camping, hiking, and riding ATV’s … born March 7, 1990.

Chantel HuntSo.•Crystal,N.M.•Navajo Pines H.S.

High School:All-Statehonoreefouryearsinarow…finishedintop10atthestatemeetfouryearsinarow…teamwon state championship … voted team most valuable player four all four years of high school … took firstplaceinseniorraceatthe2009FootlockerChampionships...competedindistanceeventsontrackandfieldteam.

Personal:Daughter of Roger and Tracy Laws … major is undecided … hobbies include snowboarding and drawing … second oldest of six children … born June 26, 1992.

Alexis LawsFr.•AmericanFork,Utah•American Fork H.S.

The Utes


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Freshman (2009):FirstUtahrunnertocrossthefinishinfinalfourmeets of 2009 season … earned academic All-MWChonors…finished13thwithatimeof 17:59.8 at the Utah State Open (3 mi.)… completed WAC Preview Invite (5k) third overall with a time of 20:17 … season-best 6k time at the Chile Pepper Invite with a time of22:07.47for32ndplace…finishedNCAAMountain Regional 57th with a time of 22:29.5.

High School:Personal bests include 400m dash in :58 and 800m run in 2:15 … earned thirdplaceinthe800mrunat2008StateTrackMeetandfifth-placein2009… member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and National Youth Leadership program … McDonald’s Athlete-Scholar and Utica Academic Scholar.

Personal:Daughter of Dan and Sharon Mergaert … majoring in health sciences … hobbies include biking, reading and traveling … born September 4, 1991.

Amanda MergaertSo.•ShelbyTownship,Mich.•Utica H.S.

The

Utes

Freshman (2009):LedUtahinfirstthreemeetsoftheyear…finished30thattheMWCChampionships(6k)with a time of 22:55.0 … competed at NCAA Mountain Regional (6k) and crossed the line 92ndwithatimeof23:13.5…infirstcollegiaterace, she led the team with an 11th- place finishforatimeof17:56.8attheUtahStateOpen(3mi.)…herbest5ktime,shefinished21st with a time of 19:06.91 at Bob Firman

Invitational … earned academic all-conference honors.

High School:Personal bests include the 5000m run in 19:40, 1600m in 5:12.96 and the 800m in 2:17.77 … earned Female Athlete of the Year during her senior year … holds the 4x400m relay school record … lettered all four years in track and soccer … won three consecutive state soccer championships with the Alta High School soccer team … graduated with a 4.0 GPA … was a member of the academic all-state team for cross country, track, and soccer.

Personal:Daughter of Mark and Liz McCune … uncle Dean Hamilton ran the 800m for the University of Utah … undecided on a major … hobbies include horseback riding, gardening, playing guitar and snowboarding … born September 27, 1990.

Jenny McCuneSo.•Sandy,Utah•Alta H.S.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep

Junior (2009):Startedseasonwitha16th-placefinishatUtahState (3 mi.) after completing course in 18:13.5 … after competing in the Utah State Open, Selleck sustained an injury that ended her season.

Sophomore (2008):Set a personal best at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships 6K with a time of 23:03.5

…contributedtoUtah’sthird-placefinishattheColoradoStateOpen(18th,20:19.6)…finishedtheMWCChampionships6Kin23:57.

At Montana State

Freshman (2007):Missed fall season due to a stress fracture.

High School:Placed third in 2004 state cross country championships … placed seventh in 2006 state cross country meet … top freshman and MVP in 2003 … Most Inspirational in 2005 … captain in 2005-2006 … set the Billings West High School State Record in 2004 for the two-mile (11:18) … two-mile state champion 2006-2007 … member of the champion 2006 state class AA track team and back-to-back swimming champion team (2004-2005) … holds the Riverfront Home Course Record 17:42 (2004) … also participated in swimming and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal:Daughter of Thomas and Richelle Selleck … majoring in physical education with plans to go into teaching physical education … hobbies include running, reading and swimming … born on April 13, 1989.

Carly SelleckSr.•Billings,Mont.•Billings West H.S.

The Utes

Freshman (2009):Finished third for Utah at Fleet Feet Invite (3 mi.) with a time of 19:01 and 40th place overall … was fourth Ute across the line at the NCAA Mountain Regional (6k) with a time of 24:38.2 for 125th overall … best 6k time came at the Chile Pepper Invite with a time of 23:49.86 for 134th place.

High School:Personal bests include the 5000m run in 18:45 and

the three-mile in 18:25 … set a career best of 5:14 in the 1600m and 11:35 in the3200mrun…four-timedistrictrunner-upandstatequalifier…four-timeall-region team … Lackawanna League Runner of the Year 2006 through 2008 … Times Tribune All-Region Runner of the Year from 2006 to 2008.

Personal:Daughter of Ronald and Mary Schmalzle … hobbies include biking and skiing … majoring in biology with plans to attend medical school … born October 2, 1990.

Rachel SchmalzleSo.•Hawley,Pa.•WallenpaupackH.S.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Freshman (2009):Finished 36th at Utah State Open (3 mi.) with a time of 19:35.8 … season-best three mile time was at Fleet Feet invitational with a time of 19:26 for 54th place … competed at MWC Championships (6k) with a time of 24:46.8 for 61st.

High School:Personal bests include the three-mile in 18:07,

1600m in 5:23.01 and 3200m in 11:35.74 … placed second in the 2008 Foot lockerWestRegionalSeniorRace…statequalifierinthe1600mand3200mand 1600m medley relay … region champion in the medley relay, running the 800m … team captain for two years on track team and senior captain on the cross country team … MVP in track and cross country … Rookie of the Year in cross country during junior year.

Personal:Daughter of Stacy and Brent Troutner … majoring in Elementary Education … hobbies include painting, cooking, biking, camping and hiking … born January 24, 1991.

Hilary TroutnerSo.•Provo,Utah•Timpview H.S.

Freshman (2010):Will redshirt.

High School:All-state cross country selection three years in a row…academic all-state … team captain for two years … region champion in cross country … fourth place overall at state cross country meet … personal records include 18:08 (3 mi.) and 19:35 (5k) … Highland High School Female Athlete of the Year in 2009 … won Senior Highland Ram award in 2010 … three-time region champion in 1600m trackandfield…regionchampionintrackandfieldforthe3200mand4x400medleyrelayandmedley relay … was class valedictorian with a 4.0 cumulative GPA… also played volleyball … and

was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal:Daughter of Brent & Laurie Stringfellow … born February 17, 1992 … youngest of six siblings…hobbies include playing piano, reading and playing the guitar.

Kate StringfellowFr.•SaltLakeCity,Utah•Highland H.S.

The

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Utah Cross Country

Intro.


Coach Kep


High School:Member of the 4x400m team that won a bronze medal in 2007 at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) … placed 12th in the OFSAA cross country meet in 2006 … MVP in cross country for four years.

Personal:Daughter of Stu and Janine Wilson … majoring in secondary education … hobbies include running, camping, snowboarding and traveling … born September 18, 1991.

Adrienne WilsonR-Fr.•Kitchener,Ontario,Canda•Resurrection Catholic S.S.

The Utes

High School:All-State two years in a row for cross country … lettered four years in cross country … received two lettersintrackandfield...memberofNationalHonorsSociety…wasaflyeroncheerleadingsquadthatplacedfirstatregionalsandfifthatnationals.

Personal:Daughter of Reed & Sherri Winterton … major is undecided … hobbies include dental assisting, organizing and playing the piano … born April 19, 1992.

Rebekah WintertonFr.•SaltLakeCity,Utah•Skyline H.S.


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Review

Freshman (2009):Because of long summer track, did not start season until WAC Preview (Oct.10),whereshefinished19thoverall with a time of 21:32 … com-pleted MWC Championships with a time of 24:07.3 for 48th place … in trackandfield,finished23rdatthe2010 NCAA Championships in the 800m event.

Freshman (2008):Redshirt.

High School:South England 1,500 meter champion in 2006 … came in second intheSouthEnglandIndoorsin2007…EnglishSchoolsfinalist2004-08…earnedasecond-placefinishforSouthEngland800mrace in 2008 … personal records include 2:09 for 800m and 4:36 for 1,500m run.

Personal:Daughter of Peter and Rosemary Yates … majoring in history … born April 23, 1990.

Lucy YatesR-So.•St.Albans,Hertfordshire,U.K.•St. Albans Academy

The

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Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The UtesReview

AIAW All-Americans

1981 Jill Molen

1981 Carla Pittelkour

1981 Mary Lou Sedgwick

NCAA Qualifiers

1982 Jill Molen 25th*

1987 Celsa Bowman 16:48.80 23rd*

1999 Johanna Nielsen 17:49.40 72nd

2004 Elise Greenwood-Bahr 21:45.10 79th

2008 Alyssa Abbott 21:00.50 76th

* denotes NCAA All-American

NCAA All-Region Performers since 1998

2008 Alyssa Abbott, Chelsea DiGrazia

2007 Alyssa Abbott

2004 Elise Greenwood-Bahr

1999 Johanna Nielsen

1998 Johanna Nielsen

MWC All-Conference Performers

1999Johanna Nielsen (First Team)

2002Charity Vernon (Second Team)

2003Elise Greenwood-Bahr (First Team)

2004Elise Greenwood-Bahr (First Team)

2008Alyssa Abbott (First Team)Chelsea DiGrazia (Second Team)

Chelsea DiGrazia earned NCAA All-Academic recognition and All-MWC honors in 2008.

Jill Molen is Utah’s only two-time national meet qualifier, running in the AIAW Nationals in 1981 then the NCAA Championships in 192.

Award W

inners


Utah Cross Country

Intro.

PreviewCoach Kep

The Utes Utes Review

MWC Cross Country Championship Results

1. New Mexico ........................ 24

2. BYU ........................................ 45

3. Colorado State ................... 64

4. Air Force ............................. 124

5. Wyoming ............................ 165

6. Utah ....................................195

7. TCU ..................................... 196

8. San Diego State ................ 207

9. UNLV ................................... 210

NCAA Mountain Region Cross Country Championship Results

1. Colorado ................................. 482. Texas Tech ............................... 533. BYU .......................................... 1144. UTEP ........................................ 1165. New Mexico .......................... 1206. Colorado State ..................... 1457. Northern Arizona .................. 1768. Utah Valley ............................ 2619. New Mexico State ................ 26210. Southern Utah ..................... 26611. Weber State ........................ 30812. Montana ............................. 34813. Air Force .............................. 37614. Utah State ........................... 38115. Idaho State ......................... 39216. Nevada ............................... 42617. Wyoming ............................. 46318. Montana State ................... 49719. Utah ......................................52220.Northern Colorado ............... 551

2009

Res

ults

University of Utah Women’s Cross Country 2009 Meet-By-Meet Results

Utah State Sept. 5

Montana State Sept. 19

Bob Firman Sept. 26

Univ. of Nevada Oct. 10

Chile Pepper Invite Oct. 17

MWCChampionships

Oct.31

NCAA Regional Nov. 14

3mi 3mi 5K 5K 6K 6K 6KAlyssa Abbott RS-Sr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Brooke Casagranda So. 21:06.7/ 46th 21:12/ 103rd 21:28.75/ 58th DNR DNR DNR DNR Megan Combe Fr. 18:31.7/ 23rd 19:16/ 47th 19:21.75/ 27th 21:34/ 20th 23:19.73/ 98th 23:49.4/ 43rd DNR Alexis Davis Jr. 18:44.8/ 27th 19:09/ 44th 19:44.62/ 36th 21:19/ 16th 23:31.92/ 117th 25:37.8/ 69th DNR McKenzie Dean RS-Fr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Samantha Gaffney Jr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Kacee Hildebrandt So. 18:31.0/ 22nd DNR 20:03.87/ 40th 22:31/ 24th DNR DNR DNR Chantel Hunt Fr. 19:22.1/ 34th 19:10/ 45th 20:15.85/ 43rd 21:25/ 17th 24:25.06/ 185th 25:15.7/ 66th DNR Jenny McCune Fr. 17:56.8/ 11th 18:16/ 22nd 19:06.91/ 21st 20:42/ 9th 22:46.95/ 62nd 22:55.0/ 30th 23:13.5/ 92nd Amanda Mergaert Fr. 17:59.8/ 13th 18:55/ 37th 19:28.29/ 30th 20:17/ 3rd 22:07.47/ 32nd 22:53.1/ 28th 22:29.5/ 57th Sydney Osmun Sr. 19:28.1/ 35th 19:27/ 55th 19:57.87/ 39th 21:17/ 15th 23:22.76/ 102nd 24:43.6/ 60th 24:16.4/ 119th Zoe Roy Sr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Rachel Schmalzle Fr. 18:50.1/ 29th 19:01/ 40th 19:34.46/ 33rd DNR 23:49.86/ 134th DNR 24:38.2/ 125th Carly Selleck Jr. 18:13.5/ 16th DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Chelsea Shapard Sr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Hilary Troutner Fr. 19:35.8/ 36th 19:26/ 54th DNR DNR DNR 24:46.8/ 61st 24:57.7/ 129th Adrienne Wilson Fr. DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR DNR Lucy Yates RS-Fr. DNR DNR DNR 21:32/ 19th 23:18.76/ 95th 24:07.3/ 48th DNR

2009 Team Finish 3rd of 3 6th of 13 5th of 6 3rd of 3 13th of 37 6th of 9 19th of 20 2008 Team Finish 3rd of 3 5th of 8 DNR DNR DNR 3rd of 9 6th of 18

Documents

University of Utah 2010-11 Cross Country Media Guide