Season Preview for Cross Country

Returning four runners from a year ago, the Cowley College women’s cross country team is looking forward to the 2009 season.

Sophomores Cecilia Burley and Robin Ray lead the list of returnees. Both Burley and Ray ran well in their first season with the team as they each earned all-conference and all-region honors. Burley was also named a Coaches Association All-American as a freshman.

Cowley head coach Vince DeGrado is excited about what Burley and Ray can accomplish as sophomores.

“Cecilia and Robin had good years last year and I think they will be a force to reckon with this season,” DeGrado said. “They have been incredible to work with and I think they have a chance to be top-five runners at regionals.”

Also returning to the team is Marvia Lewin, who placed 15th in the conference as a freshman, and Jessica Dyer.

Although Cowley will have to make up for the loss of Jessica McLeod, who was the team’s top finisher at the 2008 conference/region meet, Purity Cheryiout should help ease the sting of the loss of McLeod as she will be competing in her first season with the cross country team after running for the Lady Tiger track team during the 2009 outdoor season.

Cheryiout has worked hard to return to top form following a knee injury.

“She is very talented and now that her knee is healed she will run well for us,” DeGrado said.

The Lady Tigers placed second in the conference and third in the region during the 2008 season, while also placing 10th nationally.

Along with the returning athletes, Cowley added Arkansas City High School teammates Valerie Bland and Elly Adamson. They also added Bailey Hawkins, Leigh Ann Omarkhail, and Cassy Kendrick.

Bland had an extremely successful high school career, while Hawkins was a four-time state qualifier in track and cross country at Western Heights High School.

“I feel like we have the potential to have the best cross country season in Cowley women’s history,” DeGrado said.

Bland and Omarkhail, from Altamont, are expected to make an immediate impact.

“I think those two will make a push to be among our top-six runners,” DeGrado said.

Kendrick was Burley’s teammate at Ponca City High School and will be a solid addition to the team. Adamson, who was a teammate of Bland’s at Arkansas City High School, rounds out the squad.

“Elly will be a huge surprise to herself and a lot of people,” DeGrado said.

Having depth was something Cowley lacked a year ago. This season, DeGrado will have to make tough decisions as to who his top runners will be.

“Staying healthy will be the key,” DeGrado said. “If we can stay healthy we will make a deep run. Our goal is to win conference and region championships.