Amanda Heller was a major bright spot for the young MSOE Raiders women's cross country team, as she placed 15th overall at the Northern Athletics Conference women's cross country championships. Her finish earned her recognition as an All-NAC honorable mention selection.
Once again, Amanda Heller led all Raiders finishing in 145th place with a time of 25:13 over the six-kilometer course. Heller was followed by Emily Schmeling (201, 26:55), Laura Anthony (203, 26:57), Erin Haefs (211, 27:20), Linnea Elliott (274, 31:10) and Tanzania Sewell (277,31:54)
After major strides were made with the women's cross country program in 2007, the team looks to grow and improve on last season's Northern Athletics Conference third place mark. Head Coach Larry Gardner will find the road tough to replace four year all conference star Heather DeLany. He will also have to find replacements for graduating seniors Leah Leja and Libby Nowak. All three seniors received conference honors last year at the 2007 NAC championships.
Looking to return to the team and continue where she left off is sophomore Emily Schmeling. Schmeling finished the NAC championship in 25th place receiving NAC honorable mention honors. Laura Anthony (Dubuque, Iowa / Hempstead) returns to participate and use her last year of eligibility in cross country.
Although the team only returns two from last year's squad, they reload with four new freshmen ready to join the ranks of past Raider harriers. Linnea Elliott, Amanda Heller Leigh Ann Pochowski and Tanzania Sewell are expected editions to the Raider roster.
Transfer Erin Haefs (Crystal, Minn. / Gustavus Adolphus College) also joins the MSOE team looking to add depth to the Raider contingent.
The season gets underway with the Carroll College on Saturday September 6. Other important meets include the prestigious Loyola Invitational on Saturday Sept. 27 and the Wisconsin Private Schools Invitational on October 18 at Dretzka Park in Milwaukee, Wis. The season cumulates with the NAC championship on Nov. 1, held in Mequon Wisconsin, followed by the NCAA regional on November 15 hosted by Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill.
