Coming off a sixth-place finish at the national championships last year and having five of its letter winners returning, the women's cross country team looked all set for the 1996 season.

Well, this summer the rich got richer when Kristen Parrish decided to bring her speed to Arizona.

"We are very pleased to have her in our program," head coach Dave Murray said. "She is the type of runner that can come in right away and contribute."

Contributing to the team is exactly what's on the freshman's mind.

"I want to do my very best to help bring a championship to Arizona," Parrish said.

Her other goals for this year include steady improvement in her running and gaining a better mentality. Down the road, Parrish said she sees herself improving under Murray's guidance and possibly becoming a All-American.

Born in Portland, Ore., Parrish attended Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash. She ran cross country and track all four years there. She ran the 800 meters in track and took the state title in that event her sophomore year. Near the end of her senior ye ar of track she gave the 1600 meters a try, posting a time of 4 minutes, 52.1 seconds, 11th in the nation.

Many factors went into the decision for Parrish to attend the UA.

"I really liked the (team) here," Parrish said. "They all seem to work well together."

She said she was also impressed with the attitude of Murray, the variety of majors offered at the university and Tucson's weather. She also said she felt that being away from home would allow her to grow as a person.

Parrish points to her family as a contributor to her success.

"They have always been very supportive of me and my running," she said.

The undeclared freshman enjoys being outside, whether it be camping or hiking. She also notes that she takes her schooling very seriously.

Freshman year is always a big adjustment. With a new environment, new people and endless amounts of homework, it can be very overwhelming.

"Right now," Parrish said, "I am taking things one step at a time."

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