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Red Hawks Hope To Build On Tradition in 2008
Men
With all 14 athletes on the roster either in their first or second year of college running, the Red Hawks are one of the youngest Division-III teams in America. The expectations for success, however, remain the same as always, which is to compete for Wisconsin Private College and Midwest Conference championships. This should come as no surprise to those who have followed the cross country program over the past nine 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 nine consecutive first division finishes in the Wisconsin Private College championships. The Red Hawks have seen unprecedented success over that period of time, winning the Wisconsin Private College championships three times (2002 , 2005, and 2007). Their nine-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 had just five first division finishes, dating back to 1938.
The 2008 edition of men’s cross country will have a very different look with Bryan Schneider (All-Conference in 2005, 2006, and 2007), Harrison Smith (All-Conference in 2006 and 2007), and Jim Hein (All-Conference in 2005 and 2007) having graduated. That trio led Ripon to two Private College championships and the highest pair of MWC finishes in school history.
"It's not possible to replace Bryan, Harrison, and Jim. Not only were they great runners, but they were also great students and excellent leaders. They were very passionate about running and knew how to compete and their performances alone set them apart from any class ever to compete in cross country at Ripon. These three men have left a legacy that will be hard for any single class to duplicate," said Duley.
The cupboard is hardly bare however, as the Red Hawk men have several talented returning athletes and a deep first-year recruiting class. Sophomores Jason Smith (Stevens Point, Wis./Stevens Point Area), Michael Dussault (Antioch, Ill./Antioch), Ben Worcester (Chicago, Ill./UIC Lab School), and Lucas Felten (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) were solid four through seven runners in 2007 and return with their eyes set at leading the team in 2008. Another sophomore, Cody Jolin (Altoona, Wis./Altoona) also returns as one of the team's top runners.
"These young men can be the next great class at Ripon College," said Duley.
Help will also come from Michael Buroker (Sr., Jefferson, Wis./Jefferson), a track distance runner who is out for cross country for the first time. Freshmen A.J. Thew (Niagra, Wis./Niagra) and Jon Ah Tou (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North) had very solid high school careers and look to compete for a top five spot. Additional depth will be provided by first-year recruits, Brett Beckmann (Algoma, Wis./Algoma), Jared Jorgensen (Glidden, Wis./Glidden), Brandon Kasubaski (Berlin, Wis./Berlin), Robert Ottesen (Neshkoro, Wis./Westfield), Derek Wallace (Madison, Wis./West), and Andrew Wepner (Weyauwega, Wis./Weyauwega-Fremont).
"We have nice numbers on the men’s team and should have as much depth as we have ever had. Even though we are very young, we will have the chance to be very good," Duley said. "I really like the potential of this team and we will compete with the best at each meet."
Women
In 2006 the Red Hawk women had the most successful season in school history, winning their first ever Wisconsin Private College championship, while also finishing a program-best second at the MWC championships. They slipped a bit last season, but look to be as good as ever in 2008.
With the return of seniors Brittany Dick (Amherst, Wis./Amherst) and Erin Beggs (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central), junior two-time All-Conference performer Jessica Davey (Berlin, Wis./Berlin), and sophomores Laura Reuling (Eagle River, Wis./Northland Pines) and Brooke Zank (Beloit, Wis./Turner), the Red Hawks have a strong nucleus to build the team around.
Dick, who missed all of last season with a stress fracture, is a two-time All-Midwest Conference runner and NCAA National qualifier. She is expected to once again compete for the top spot in the PCC and MWC championships, while also giving the Red Hawks excellent experience and leadership at the top of the Ripon lineup, along with Davey and Beggs.
"I like those three for their leadership and athletic abilities. They are quality student-athletes who embody what Ripon distance running is all about, well rounded excellence," said Duley.
Having a repeat of the 2006 season will not be easy, as the team will have to replace graduated seniors Rebecca Duley and Sarah Kussmann. Duley will be particularly difficult to replace as she was a two-time MWC All-Conference performer.
Dick and Davey could join Lori Stich, Abby Williams, and Alice Saunders as three time All-Conference performers this season, which would be one behind Gina Baker, who is the only women's four-time All-Conference performer in Ripon history.
"I believe Brittany, Jessica, and Erin are all capable of cracking the top ten in the MWC," said Duley.
Reuling and Zank give the Hawks additional collegiate cross country experience, while first-year recruits Alina Jordan (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North), Alaina Nesbitt (Sturgeon Bay, Wis./Southern Door), Katrina Schauland (Lewiston, Minn./Onalaska Lutheran), Emily Sheeks (Sussex, Wis./Hamilton), and Nikki Weichbrod (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) will provide much needed team depth.
"The women’s team is different than the men from a depth standpoint. We don’t have as many athletes in numbers, but I expect them to be just as competitive," Duley said. "Like the men though, the women will really need help from the first-year athletes. I believe several will push for a top-five spot. If they do that, we will have a very good team and maybe the best ever."
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