JACKSON - There is no denying that the 2011 Millsaps Men's and Women's Cross Country team is young, but youth will be a key to turning a down program into a competitive and winning team. The Majors welcome back five runners (three men, two women) and bring in 10 total newcomers as they look to make a statement this season.
“We have a very special and committed team this year,” says third year Head Coach Andy Till. “The runners are seeking Arete which is a virtue meaning Excellence. Each runner is committed to being the very best runner, scholar, and teammate they can be. “
On the women's side, the Majors welcome back two key runners in sophomores Haley Brown and Courtney Aymett. The two girls were a one-two punch for Millsaps last season as they finished first and second among their team at every event. Both finished in the top 30 numerous times throughout the season including two top five finishes for Brown.
“We want to make a statement this season in conference,” states Aymett. “In the past, we have always finished low in the standings, but we believe that this year, that will change.”
As the women bring back their top runners, they also welcome in a huge recruiting class of five freshman girls and one newcomer.
“We are all excited about the freshman class, our mission last year was to bring in the right runners to this program, not just the fast one,” explains Till. “It was difficult and very stressful but we pulled it off and the track & field team played a huge role in the recruitment process. We would not be where we are today without track & field.”
Sophomore Sara Sacks was a committed 800m runner in track & field last spring and has joined the cross country team. In the offseason, she began base training for the 3000 meter steeplechase. She looks to be a key addition to the team.
The Majors lost freshman Jenna Johnson for the season due to an injury. However, they do welcome Maria Vasser, Sara Humbert, Melinda Soloman, and Mikeala Thurber, who will make contributions to cross country as well as track & field.
“We have to continue to work hard and stay committed to our team and program,” added Aymett. “As long as we continue to work together and stay focused, there isn't anything we can't accomplish.”
On the men's side, a core of three freshman look to lead the men in sophomores Thomas Silas, Will Napier, and Chris Duck. The men struggled to compete last year due to low numbers, but thanks to a strong recruiting class, they are ready to run and make an impact immediately.
“The first thing (the freshman) bring are numbers, last year we were down a runner and had to recruit another athlete just to make us eligible to run in conference, but they also bring a new and exciting energy to the team,” says Duck. “Their athleticism is astounding and their mental strength is fantastic, especially for how they will be training and running. When they race they will be able to push themselves harder than they ever have before.”
Till goes on to add, “They came in on the first day and bonded as if they'd known each for years.”
The four new runners include Patrick Lacombe, Travis Hebeler, Ben Parva, and Sam Martin. Each made huge impacts in their high school's success a year ago and look to bring that success to Millsaps. All four also plan to run an event in track & field.
“The goal is to run as a close pack, what I mean by that is the closer we run together, the better our scores are,” adds Duck. “When you run as a pack you gain a sort of energy from your teammates, it pumps you up to run faster.”
The Majors open things up on September 1st at the Mississippi College Opener at Choctaw Trails. The teams then hit the road as they will travel to the Loyola Wolfpack Invitational on September 10th and the Golden Eagle Classis at Southern Miss on September 23rd. The Majors finish up their season with two runs at Choctaw Trails in October before the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships on October 29th in Sewanee, Tennessee.
“We now have the runners to win a conference championship but it will take time to build them from the ground up. I believe that we'll need to continue our family atmosphere and team concept so that each athlete feels connected,” an ecstatic Till says. “There are going to be great challenges ahead for our young runners, but we will try to stay focused on the big picture and seek excellence in all we do.”
GoMajors is previewing all the fall sports this week for Team Preview Week. Join us tomorrow as we will look check out the 2011 men's soccer team.
