Women's Cross Country Ranked No. 13 In the Nation
10/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Oct. 24, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State women's cross country team is ranked No. 13 in the country, as released in the latest U.S. Track and Cross Country Coaches Association poll. The women jumped eight spots from their previous No. 21 ranking, after a sixth-place finish at the Pre-NCAA Meet on Oct. 14.
"Movement in the poll isn't something that surprises coach (Walt) Drenth or myself," MSU associate head coach Rita Arndt-Molis said. "We felt we had a really good cross country team from the start and we didn't have time to prove it when the earlier polls were released."
"The polls are more accurate across the board now," Arndt-Molis added. "Placing sixth at the Pre-National Meet, racing competitively at the Griak Invitational, and knowing that we've still got more room to move, we're confident we can continue to move up in the rankings."
The Spartans have placed sixth or better at each of their four meets this season, and are set to make their sixth-straight national meet in November. Michigan State has now turned its focus to the Big Ten Championships, hosted by Indiana at the IU Cross Country Course on Oct. 28.
"There are five Big Ten teams ranked in the top 13 in the country right now," Arndt-Molis stated. "There is no other conference that even comes close to that. We feel lucky to a part of such a strong conference and among such great company."
Arndt-Molis attributes much of Michigan State's success to the attitude and commitment of the athletes.
"I think the best thing about this group of young women is they feel a real strong sense of commitment to each other," Arndt-Molis said. "They are not worried about themselves as much as they are worried about their role within the team."