Cross country team optimistic for fall

The men's side lost No. 1 runner Abdi Abdirahman, as well as fellow senior Jeff McLarty. The women's team hopes to rebound after they lost Pacific 10 Conference female athlete of the year Amy Skieresz and walk-on senior Brooke Murphy.

Head coach Dave Murray said no one can replace Skieresz and Abdirahman.

"Losing both of our number one runners really hurts," Murray said. "But we have many athletes capable of stepping up and filling in."

Last year's freshman surprise, Tara Chaplin, who was the No. 2 runner for the team, is expected to take over Skieresz's spot.

"We are expecting big things from Tara this season," Murray said.

Maia Wright and Kristen Parrish are two other returning runners who will help lead the Wildcats.

"Despite missing early season races, Maia really came through at the end of the season to give us needed depth," Murray said.

The men's team is also hoping for big things from returning runners. Returning is senior Micheil Jones, the No. 2 runner for most of the season, and he did not even compete at the NCAA Tournament due to an injury.

"Jones was a solid number two all season, and he showed signs of being the best," Murray said.

Also coming back for the men's squad are seniors Jeremy Lyon and Brent Pederson and junior David Lopez.

"David was a great surprise last season," Murray said.

Junior Tom Prindivlle is also returning after redshirting last season. The Wildcats are expecting several top notch recruits to help the program. Incoming freshman Wade Juntunen of Grand Forks, N.D., is the state's cross country champion the last two years.

Murray also is hoping to have several transfers from junior colleges and other Division I schools. But until they have signed a letter of intent, Murray could not comment about them due to NCAA regulations.

Joshua McClain can be reached at Joshua.McClain@wildcat.arizona.edu