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Red Hawks Optimistic For 2009
Men
Last year the Red Hawks were one of the youngest teams in America, having no returning athletes with more than one year of college running experience, while also lacking any returning All-Conference performers. This season they have 10 returning athletes, with three juniors (Michael Dussault, Jason Smith, Ben Worcester) returning as All-Midwest Conference performers. Entering his 12th season as head coach, Robert Duley’s teams have been one of the most consistent and successful programs in Wisconsin and in the Midwest Conference.
The men have had 10 consecutive first division finishes in the Wisconsin Private College championships and have seen unprecedented success over this period of time, winning the Wisconsin Private College championships four times (2002, 2005, 2007, and in 2008). Their 10 year run of first division finishes in the MWC is the best in school history. Prior to Coach Duley’s arrival, the Red Hawks had just five first division finishes, a period that goes back to 1938.
The 2009 edition of Ripon men’s cross country will have a very familiar look, as Dussault (All MWC and 2nd team All-State), Smith (All MWC and 1st team All-State) and Worcester (All MWC and 1st team All-State) will be the cornerstones of the team.
"Mike, Jason, and Ben are a nice starting point when building this year’s team," Duley said.
The supporting cast is very strong as well. Veteran junior runners Lucas Felten, Cody Jolin and sophomores AJ Thew, Jared Jorgensen, Robert Ottesen and Derek Wallace provide quality depth to the program.
"On paper this team looks to be very strong, especially in the junior class and I like our experience and depth throughout the team," said Duley. "AJ had a nice track season last spring and I think he’s ready to take the next step and Lucas and Cody are also much stronger runners than a year ago."
First-year runners looking to make an impact on the team are junior Jamie Reese and freshmen Cory Zimmerman and Trenton Cherco.
"Although out for the first time, Reese should develop as a distance runner as the year progresses after having two very nice years as a long sprinter for us in track," said Duley. "Zimmerman had a nice high school career and should make an immediate impact on the team."
The key to the Red Hawk’s season will be the development of the four through ten runner spots.
"If we have the quality depth that I think we will have, we will compete with the best," Duley said.
Women
The Red Hawk women will have a different look this season with a blend of veterans and first-year athletes. Leading the way will be senior Jessica Davey, who has earned three consecutive All-Midwest Conference honors. This fall she hopes to join a select group that includes only Dave Billings and Gina Baker as four time All-Midwest conference performers. She was also the individual champion at the Wisconsin Private College championships while leading the Red Hawks to a second place team finish.
Other returners that will be counted on to give the Red Hawks solid performances are senior Gwendolyn Casey, juniors Laura Reuling and Brooke Zank and sophomores Nikki Weichbrod, and Alaina Nesbitt, who will be sidelined with an MCL injury to start the season. Coach Duley looks at this group as a major key to this season’s success.
"We need for each of our experienced runners to move up and fill the holes left by graduated seniors Brittany Dick and Erin Beggs," Duley said.
Both Dick and Beggs had outstanding careers as Red Hawk distance runners. Dick was a three-time All- Midwest conference performer, twice named All-State and was an NCAA National qualifier. Beggs made second team All-State on two occasions. They were also both excellent team leaders and students, helping the Red Hawk women receive National All-Academic honors with the third highest Division III GPA in the nation.
Help must also come from first-year runners Lauren Colette, Shelby Dukes, Michelle Matter, Rebecca Ostrowski and Katie Williams.
"For us to have a successful year, we will need help from our first-year runners," said Duley. "In order to replace Brittany and Erin we will need a collective team effort and I look for this team to get stronger as it gains more meet experience. Our goal for the women, like the men, is to finish each year in the first division at the Private College Championships and at the Midwest Conference Championships and hopefully compete for a title."
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