Cornell’s women’s cross country team will rely on a mix of experience and youth as the Rams hit the trails this fall.
The Rams bring back four competitors from last year’s regional meet, led by junior front runner Katie Lammers. Lammers enjoyed a break-through 2022 campaign, earning all-Midwest Conference honors with an 11th-place showing at the MWC Championships.
Last spring, Lammers was crowned MWC champion in the 1500-meter run and also secured a pair of all-MWC medals in indoor track.
“Katie’s confidence grew throughout last year. She continued to improve during the track season,” said head coach Jerry Frawley, entering his third season at the helm. “Katie is a national-caliber runner. She will set the pace and tone for our team this fall.”
Frawley also expects significant strides from sophomore Alyza Koppes, who ran 31st at the MWC Championships. Koppes was a five-time all-MWC performer in track and took runner-up in the outdoor 800.
“Alyza has put in an awesome summer and is super motivated,” Frawley said. “With Katie and Alyza, we have strong 1-2 sticks in our lineup.”
Junior Elinor Ascher-Handlin and sophomore Grace Parises return regional experience from a year ago. Senior Cari Pickup also returns to the mix.
The team welcomes five first-year runners to the roster. Freshman Zoe Peesel is among the newcomers who could make an impact.
“With our first-year class, we’ve added great attitudes that will help elevate our culture,” Frawley said. “We’ll have a lot of new faces who will be asked to step up this fall. I expect us to make strides throughout the year.”
The Rams have placed in the top half at the MWC Championships 10 of the past 11 seasons.
The season gets underway Sept. 1 at the Corridor Classic in Cedar Rapids. The women’s race begins at 5:45 p.m. at Seminole Valley Park.
Cornell competes twice this season in Grinnell for the Les Duke Invitational (Sept. 9) and MWC Championships (Oct. 28) and twice in Waverly for the Dan Huston Invitational (Sept. 3) and Midwest Region Championships (Nov. 11). The Rams also travel to the Augustana Invitational Oct. 14 (Rock Island, Ill.) and the Saga Cup (Decorah) Nov. 3.