Guide Front Pages - Georgia State University Athletics

Georgia State Cross-Country -Track & FieldWomen’s Cross Country and Track & FieldLooking for Big Finishes in 2006-07The Georgia State women’s cross country team will rely on its upperclassmen to provide leadershipand experience, as well as young talent to push the Panthers to new heights in 2006.In 2005 the team excitingly claimed third at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships, wherethey vied against a deep field of opposition, and advanced to Regional competition. The Panthers also claimedthird at the UNC Wilmington Invitational and second at their home meet, the Georgia State Invitational.In 2006 State is looking to finish even better in the CAA.The team and head coach Jessica Raby, who begins her 12th season at the helm, will be counting onseniors Brittany Holland and Liz Stanford to guide a talented recruiting class. Holland, who finished 20that the CAA Cross Country Championships by running a 23:31 in the 6K and claimed fifth-place in the 800mat the CAA Track Championships, will use her experience in both cross country and track to assist the youngerrunners. Stanford, a member of the Atlantic Sun All-Freshmen team in 2003, is returning to peak form afterbattling injuries. Stanford has received numerous academic accolades during her career as a Panther.“Our seniors lead by example, both athletically and academically,” Raby said. “These girls are alwayspositive and have put in an invaluable amount of time helping Georgia State and they will continue to do thatby teaching our younger athletes.”Other top runners returning for the Panthers include: junior Rachel Hannah, who finished first forthe State in the NCAA South Regional with a 22:53 for 6K and claimed 22nd at the CAA Championships,junior Alex Friel, who placed 22nd at the UNCW Invitational, junior Ashley King, who ran a season best23:49 for 6k at the NCAA South Regional, and sophomore Stephanie Poore, who placed 23rd at the CAAChampionships meet.The 2006 Panthers squad will feature three new talents. Janel Blancett comes to Georgia State fromLakeside High School in Chamblee where she was an Honor Roll student and team MVP for 2004 and 2005.Hayley Conger joins the Panthers as a transfer from WestGeorgia, where she was named All-Gulf South Conference afterfinishing in 8th place at the Conference Championship. CaitlinPrice was an Honor Roll student at Ancaster High School inOntario, where she placed 10th in her province at the OFSAACross-Country Championships in 2005.The Georgia State women’s track and field team, whichis ripe with talent, is looking for at least a top-three finish in theColonial Athletic Association, and head coach Eric Campbell,who enters his fifth season, says an outright victory is notunrealistic.The Panthers are also aiming to record a top-10 finish in the NCAA East Regional and hope toqualify 10 or more student-athletes to compete in the NCAA Championships, hopefully including the school’sfourth 4x100m relay team in five years.The Panthers return five runners who recorded top-five finishes at the Colonial Athletic AssociationChampionships in April and feature an improved distance group.Amongst the talented returning runners are senior hurdler Sheriee Willis, who won both the 100 and400m hurdles at the CAA Championships, junior sprinter Denice Vance, who set a personal record in the200m (24.05) in the 2005-06 season and was a member of the NCAA East Region qualifying 4x100m relayteam, and junior sprinter Adaku Ezeonwuka, who was a key member of the same relay team and alsorecorded her personal best in the 200m last season (24.66).The Panthers are excited about the additions of multiple recruits, including Alexandra Rosefort, ajunior transfer from Mississippi State, and freshman Charell Lawson. Rosefort set personal bests in thetriple jump and long jump in 2005-06, with 38’02’’ and 18’05’’, respectively. Lawson was a Georgia highschool state champion in the 200 and 400m.-21-