Recruitment essential to cross country success

At the Navy Invitational Sept. 16, VCU placed seventh of nine, over Mt. Saint Mary’s and Howard University, and behind George Washington University. Danielle Williams (Virginia Beach/Salem HS) was VCU’s quickest runner, giving the Rams 21 of their 179 points.

In the previous race, the U.Va. Lou Onesty Invitiational, VCU came in ninth of 11. They finished third of three in the University of Richmond Invitational, their very first race of the season.

Coach Tom Black said the team’s primary goal is to focus on achieving personal growth within the team and maximizing each runner’s potential, without ignoring team-building.

“We work towards reaching each runner’s personal best,” Black said. He also said this is a different kind of year, because the team is openly recruiting new members. Right now the roster is low at 45 players.

He said he would rather focus on getting the team to run as quickly as possible and take their skills as far out as they can go.

Black said, “What we have is a good group, and we want to better ourselves and advance higher into

the conference.”

The fate of the women’s cross country team now rests in the hands of a brand new coaching staff.

“Everyone is excited about the changes ahead and looking forward to promoting positive progress,” said Black.

The team’s history is one to learn from. In a seasonal lull, what looks bad now can turn into the experience needed later to have a top-notch veteran team.

Additionally, if the team is recruiting all year long, those experienced players will be able to pass on their knowledge and tact to the new runners who might be fast, but lacking in other abilities which are essential to the success of a cross country team.

The women’s cross country team is participating Friday in the Maymont Cross Country Festival.