Women
Although the women will be losing the skills of 2005-06 record holders Ginger Polich and Julia Rucker, most of the team will be returning. Senior Shauneen Garrahan, who was named the NCAA steeplechase champion and mile runner-up, is back to lead the Jeffs to victory. The junior class adds much to the team as well. Comprised of strong middle-distance and long-distance runners such as NCAA Competitors Kim Partee, Heather Wilson and Katie Moravec, Amherst's depth appears to be one of its largest assets. The team is set to place highly in the 800-meter run, 10,000-meter run and everything in between.
Also back for the Jeffs is a slew of sophomores, including Kate Silverman, Nicole Andersen, Elise Tropiano, Jenny Mancino, Carly Levensen and Zandra Walton, who was one of the NESCAC's top middle-distance runners last year. Rounding out the team are many promising first years, including Amanda McGinn, who looks impressive on hurdles and jumps, Sophie Galleher, Jennifer Rybak, Molly Toomey and Catherine Knuff.
The team also features a talented crop of sprinters. Led by senior tri-captains Maria Millard and Hanna Campbell, the sprinters look to have another strong season. They will have support from a strong sophomore and incoming class.
"I think this season is going to be remarkable," said Millard. " Our cross country team just took second at nationals by the smallest margin in history and our sprinters, who are in excellent shape, have been running some rugged workouts. We've got plenty of strong runners from last year and some wicked tough freshmen who will contribute a lot to the team."
Although the team will experience a significant loss in terms of talented personnel, they are determined to succeed. "Despite losing ... Ginger Polich and Julia Rucker to graduation, we return a very strong team that will be helped by a good number of freshmen," said Garrahan. "As long as we remain healthy, this year's team has the talent, strength, and heart to have one of the best seasons ever. The team's goals are clear, according to Garrahan: "a top-three finish at Division III New Englands" and "having a record number of runners compete at nationals and receive All-American honors."
Men
Unlike the women, the men hardly lost anyone to graduation. With a strong middle-distance group comprised of seniors and All-American honorees, John Babbott and Sam Hayman, the Jeffs are poised to again be a huge competitor in the NESCAC. Also leading the team will be school record-holder Tomas Morrissey '08. For the sprinters, junior Steve Shashy will lead the way. Another asset for the Jeffs is a promising first-year class that includes Carlyle Eubank, Daniel Myner and Eric Holaday.
The Jeffs will also have the pleasure of having middle-distance runner Jack Kiley '09 healthy for a full season. Fellow sophomore Harrison Lakehomer should also contribute hugely to the team's overall success. He is coming off a strong cross country season, and will definitely be one of the team's top distance runners.
"With the return of several key upperclassmen and a strong freshman class, we should be much stronger and deeper in the mid-distance and distance events than last year's team," said Kiley. With solid training, several individuals and relays could place well in invitationals such as the Open New Englands and compete at the national championships come mid-March.
"We have a really big, talented freshman class this year. That's the most exciting thing for me," stated Babbott. With talented returners and first-years, the Jeffs seem ready to again be major players in the league and region.