Cross Country Teams Are in New Mexico
10/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Oct. 26, 2001
On Thursday, the men and women's cross country teams left the Academy to travel to Albuquerque for the Mountain West Conference championships.
Along the way, just south of Raton Pass, head coach Mark Stanforth found a deserted road, safe from traffic, and 18 runners departed the vans. Coach set his stopwatch and down the road the runners went. This is not unusual, it happens almost every time the Falcons take a road trip. Thirty minutes later the teams, led by team captains David Romero, Al Kelly and Lara Coppinger return. After a 15-minute cool down it's back in the vans and they're on their way. An hour later, assistant coach Captain Jennifer Lyons pulled off I-25 in Santa Fe and located a restaurant. After a good meal, it was back on the road headed for Albuquerque and a good night sleep.
On Friday, the teams had the day to themselves, a chance to study, take in a movie and have a good lunch before departing for the pre-meet workout. Just before loading up in the vans, the team takes a few minutes to listen to the piano playing talents of David Romero and Brian Carpenter. Once at the meet course, Paradise Hills Golf Course, the Falcons take a practice run, plan strategy, and check their equipment-shoes and spikes. After the workout, they will have the chance to spend some time with family and enjoy a team meal.
On race day, the Falcons will share a team breakfast and then depart for the meet-the goal to finish in the top three.
The Academy runners in Saturdays' championship will be Elissa Ballas, Coppinger, Jean Taylor, Brandess Pardue, Stephanie Cornell, Anne Chumlea, Cindy Dawson and Mary Uhler. In the men's race will be Romero, Carpenter, Chris Acs, Ben Payne, Jim Blech, Luke Mostoller, Rudy Taute and Brian Dumm.
Team and individual results will be posted on the Mountain West Conference web site.
