The Shawnee State University Women’s Cross Country Team is looking forward to what could be the most successful team in school history.  First year head coach Eric Putnam, picks up a squad that is returning four of its top seven runners from last year’s team, with the addition of a promising recruiting class to start his women’s cross country coaching career at Shawnee State University. 

Eight runners return from last year’s squad including junior Star Emmert (Jackson, OH).  Emmert became cross country’s first All-American as she finished 20^th at the NAIA National Championship Meet last season.  Also back for the Bears are juniors Trisha Kruegar (Versailles, OH), who earned 2^nd Team All-AMC honors last season and Jen Liming (Guysville, OH).  Returning sophomores include Amber Hosier (Springfield, OH), Ashley McCray (Waverly, OH), Heather Waugh (New Boston, OH), Alli Voorhees (Springfield, OH) and Amanda Faulkner (Kingston, OH). 

Six freshmen appear on the Shawnee State roster including Missy White (Peebles, OH), Chelsea Fouch (Lancaster, OH), Lisa Franzen (Waverly, OH), Michelle Hilborn (Painesville, OH), Kayla Hutchins (Sugar Grove, OH), and Alicia Niedermeier (Williard, OH).  Hutchins is a two-time All-Ohio runner in track and field in the 800-meter run and White was a state qualifier in cross country last fall.  Other additions to the team include senior Tia Walling (Sylvania, OH) and Youngstown State transfer Lisa Davies.  Davies was a state champion in the 3200-run in 2003.   

“This is the most talented team that we have ever started a season with at Shawnee State for the women’s cross country team,” said Coach Putnam.  “Coach Mangus put in countless hours and laid a tremendous foundation putting this team together.  I hope we can build on that foundation and make him very proud.  I honestly feel that we will have underachieved if we do not reach nationals as a team this season.” 

The Bears face a competitive schedule which begins with the Shawnee State Invitational and includes the Ohio University Bobcat Invitational, Greater Louisville Invitational, All-Ohio Invitational, AMC and NAIA Region IX Championships at Tiffin, OH, and the NAIA National Cross Championships at Louisville, KY. 

2005 Outlook