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Balanced Red Hawks Look to Build Off 2006 and Tradition
Men
The Red Hawk men’s cross country team enters the 2007 season poised for a run at the MWC title. This should come as no surprise to those who have followed the cross country program over the past eight years. The Red Hawks have been among the best and most consistent Wisconsin Private College and Midwest Conference programs during that time.
The men have had eight consecutive first division finishes in the Wisconsin Private College championships. The Red Hawks have seen unprecedented success over that period of time, winning their only Wisconsin Private College championships (2002 and 2005). Their eight year run of first division finishes in the MWC is the best in school history. Prior to head coach Robert Duley’s arrival, the Red Hawks only had five first division finishes, a period that goes all the way back to 1938. The 2007 season could be the best ever, thanks to a balance of established veterans and a solid recruiting class.
Leading the way will be seniors Bryan Schneider (2005 & 2006 All-Conference), Harrison Smith (2006 All-Conference), and Jim Hein (2005 All-Conference). Only Dave Billings and Mark Nolan have earned more All-Conference titles than Schneider, who can tie Nolan’s mark with an All-Conference selection this year. Hein and Schneider have also earned first team All-State honors in 2005 and 2006, respectively, while Smith was a second team selection in 2006.
"Our seniors have a great opportunity to lead what could be the best men’s team in school history," Duley said.
This marks the first time in school history that the Red Hawks return three All-Conference runners in the same season.
"What makes these three so special is they have a passion for running, are very competitive, and want to be the leaders of a great team. They will make the others around them be the best they can be," Duley said.
The optimistic outlook does not end with the three seniors. Sophomore Andy Peck (2006 third team All-State) was consistently in the Red Hawk top five last season.
"Andy had a very good track season and I look for him to continue his progress this fall," Duley said.
To have a great 2007 season the Red Hawks will have to replace Aaron Kammer and Mike Treder, who were both four-year letter winners for the Red Hawks and consistently battled for team spots four through seven over their careers. The team is also hoping to get some help from first year runners Jason Smith and Ben Worcester, who each were a sub ten minute two-miler in high school. Michael Dussault, Lucas Felton, and Cody Jolin will also be looked at to bolster the team in their first years. Senior Youssef Azmani, junior Peter Azmani, and sophomores Brian Fatla, and Matt Skoflanc are also expected to contribute.
"You can never have enough depth. If one or more of our unknowns can step up, we would be very strong. I’m hoping that some of our returning veterans can make a solid push for a top five spot on the team, which would make us very tough to beat," Duley said.
Women
The women’s team had their most successful season in school history last year, which was highlighted by the their first ever Wisconsin Private College championship. They also placed second place in the MWC championships, which was the best finish in the program’s history.
"I knew we had the chance to be good last year, but they exceeded my expectations. We always had someone step up and help out. It was a very fun year," Duley said.
Returning from that team are the top four runners, Brittany Dick (a two-time All-Conference runner and NCAA National qualifier), Jessica Davey (2006 All-Conference), Rebecca Duley (2004 All-Conference) and Erin Beggs. All four earned All-State honors in 2006, with Dick earning first team, while Davey, Duley, and Beggs were selected to the second team. It won’t be easy to have a repeat of the last season, but Dick, Davey, Duley, and Beggs give the Red Hawks a great nucleus to build on.
"We are starting with a very good top four in our line-up, which will be very similar to our men’s team," said Duley. "I believe Dick, Davey, Duley, and Beggs are all capable of cracking the top ten in the MWC"
Dick will be the anchor of the experienced team, and has a chance to join select company in Ripon College history. With an All-Conference selection, Dick will join Lori Stich, Abby Williams, and Alice Saunders as three-time All-Conference selections. That would be one shy of Gina Baker, who is the only four time All-Conference performer in Ripon College history.
"Brittany is one of the hardest working and competitive athletes that I’ve ever been around," said Duley. "She is a great example to the rest of the team and should be a top three runner in the MWC."
In addition to the top four runners, the team will also be strong at positions five through seven. Senior Sara Kussmann and sophomores Sarah Leeman and Gwendolyn Casey are experienced and talented runners who could make a difference in 2007.
"I look for someone from this group to step forward and make an impact. All three have showed they have the ability to be good college runners. I would not be surprised if each competes for a top five position on the team," Duley said.
The Red Hawks also have several incoming runners who could make an impact during their first season with the team. Some of the first year performers who will have a chance to make difference are Erin Bavery, Kelly Biallas, Laura Reuling, Megan Wuske, and Brooke Zank.
"In order for us to repeat last season’s success, we will need help from our newcomers. They will add much needed depth and I hope they can push for a top five spot as well," said Duley. "They definitely are a key to our success, both this year and in the future, which looks very bright at Ripon College."
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