Sept. 22, 2004
SAN DIEGO - Despite losing four of its top-seven runners from a year ago, this season's Aztec cross country team is expected to rely heavily on its depth. Three of the top five runners at the last year's season-ending NCAA West Regional Meet return to the Montezuma Mesa and the newcomers should make an immediate impact on the 2004 team.
Under coaches Rahn Sheffield and Jennifer Nanista, the Aztecs are poised to improve from a season ago in a conference that includes four-time national champion BYU.
"We would like to finish in the middle of the pack at the (Mountain West) Conference championships," Nanista said. "Our strength will be our depth. If we can stay consistent and keep the group running as a pack, we'll do well."
Junior captain Christal Cuadra is the top returning Aztec from a season ago. Cuadra was the top-Aztec finisher at the Cal State Fullerton Invitational and placed in the No. 2 spot in five of her eight races.
"Christal is showing herself to be a leader and is our team captain," Nanista said. "She worked hard in the summer and is in great shape heading into the season."
Sophomores Sara Cates and Christian Fairing are the other returning letterwinners for SDSU. Cates finished No. 4 on the team at the NCAA west regional meet and fifth in the UC Riverside and Pre-Mountain West Conference meets, while Fairing was the No. 4 finisher on the team twice and fifth on the squad five times in 2003.
Also returning to the Montezuma Mesa is senior Emily Joller, juniors Jackie Duncan and Jamillah Titus and sophomores Ali Baker and Celeste Tyson.
Three newcomers joining the squad include freshmen Brookie Dettermann, Briana Powell and Anne Vieira.
"Brookie (Dettermann) did well at camp (Big Bear, Calif.) and at our first meet (third on team)", said Nanista. "She challenges herself to be in the front in every workout and I think her hard work will pay off. The other freshmen will also come into their own by the end of the season."
The 2004 Aztec cross country schedule is highlighted by three home meets, including the Mountain West Conference championship, set for Oct. 30, at Morley Field. This is the first time San Diego State has played host to the MWC meet in the league's six-year history.
The Aztecs were suppose to play host to last year's MWC championship meet, but the fires and poor air quality in the San Diego area forced the move to Albuquerque, N.M.
"We'll have a fighting chance since we know our course so well," said Nanista. "It's nice to be at home and we'll get an opportunity to train on the course throughout the season. Also, the weather will be nice and we won't have to deal with freezing temperatures like in the past."