Considering there wasn't even technically an official women's cross country team assembled last year, the fruits of Ashford Head Coach Tyson Graham's recruiting can't be overlooked as he prepares to field his first squad in 2009.
Preseason practice is already underway and Graham is already anticipating the fall opener on Sept. 1 at the Augustana Early Opener.
"My big goal this year for my girls is to be competitive within the conference as a first-year program," Graham said. "As far experience goes on the college level goes, they don't have it, but it will come soon."
Graham's newcomers will all be competing for pride of the developing program, also doubling up for track and field duties for the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Senior and projected captain Nichole Salazar of Minooka, Ill., will be counted upon to provide leadership and has experience from last year running in a few cross country events. Also a former two-time NJCAA First-Team softball All-American at Joliet Junior College, she is the only member in Graham's unit with prior college experience.
"Nichole is really enthusiastic to run, is motivated and really wants to do well," Graham said. "She will definitely counted upon for team leadership this fall."
Graham went on to mention that rookie Ashley Murray of Mason City has impressed and will also play a leadership role -- high praise for an incoming freshman. She will be competing in the 800-meter and mile runs when the indoor track and season approaches.
"Ashley was captain of her high school track and field/cross country teams and shows very good character at all times," he said. "As far as a team leader, she will be huge for us and has the most experience of all the newcomers."
Keep an eye out for Rockford, Ill., product Nkemdilim "Kemi" Okwumabua, who Graham expects to make some serious noise in her first year despite not running a cross country event from the seventh grade. She will also display her versatility for the indoor track season in the winter, projected to run in anything from the 600, 800 and 1,000-meter runs.
"Once she gets in race mode, Kemi is going to want to get out in front with the leaders," Graham commented. "The dynamics of running are changing and the world-class 800-meter runners are built like Kemi and she's going to be successful. I'm hoping that she can finish top five in the conference and advance to nationals."
Fellow newcomers Chhutani Berry of Chicago and junior Olivia Canales of Sterling, Ill., are back into the sport after a hiatus for personal reasons.
Canales originally walked on at Ashford for shot put duties on the track and field team as a freshman before deciding to serve her country in the U.S. Army reserves and spent time in the Middle East.
"Olivia has a newfound passion for running and you can tell she wants to be better," Graham. "She's a coach's dream, works hard on a daily basis and will do anything you tell her. (Sterling) Newman (Catholic) is a really good distance high school and we're glad she's on our team."
Berry doubles as a high jumper and distance runner in track and field, while expecting to participate in a few relays in addition to her high-jump duties.
"Chhutani basically wants to get into shape for track season," Graham added. "She works hard in practice and you can see she's getting the hang of it by improving every day."
"The culture of our cross country team is changing in a positive way," Graham summed up. "They are enjoying each other's company hanging out together all the time and just are a fun group. They are a true example of how much positive thinking can change performance in meets and practice."
