mrr82 wrote:
That makes a lot of sense...sit out 3 and 4 so two guys who without a disaster WON'T be racing at nationals can get some more racing experience before ncaa's....That's the dumbest thing i think i've heard so far.
i don't know, maybe the racing experience will carry over to like, next year or something?
I predict Laura or Jackie Zeigel will win and then strip at some celebration party.
mrr82, go play with your spear and stay out of things you know nothing about. Duke did something that makes perfect sense if the 3 and 4 are slightly banged up or were a bit stale last week. Giving next year's varsity a taste of big meet racing is smart when you know your team regional win is automatic.
they looked like they were racing it to me. in my opinion, it wasn't just the fact that it turned into a kicker's race at the end that caused bierbaum to not grab the win. but, eh, who knows what'll happen.
no chance cack will win nats though.
Lambie walked away from Hastings at Regionals. 30 seconds and didn't look tired. Didn't even look like she needed to push. It was amazing to see. She will be in that top pack, if not leading it home.
After watching regionals I have to agree that Lambie looks really good. She was just cruising and looked effortless.
I will have all of my fingers and toes crossed for a Lambie victory.
GO ARI!!
Lambie is the most talented runner in that race, period!
Cack Ferrell could surprise a lot of people...definately has as good of a shot as any of the three four Ivy women. Sherf seems to be having a weaker year though, so she may be out of the running-- but still could post a top 10
Shannon Wommack from UTC... nothing worse than 5th
I beg to differ. Lambie has talent, but she has NOT proven herself to be the most talented runner in that race.
There is a lot of talent that will be running NCAA's. Unlike past years, there really isn't any clear cut favorite to win. I think there are 5 people who will battle for the win. They all won their regionals with superior times and seem to be getting stronger as the season comes to an end:
Mitchell
Wommack
Rowbury
Lambie
Nillson
Should be very exciting to see
if you don't think that Caroline B. has a chance to win then you are crazy!
I am waivering on Bierbaum because she seemed to falter at Regionals and she was beaten by Mitchell at Pre-Nats. Clearly she has the talent, but her performances this year and especially last week-end have put some doubts in my mind about her ability to win.
Does she have a chance at winning? Absolutely!
Amy Hastings....
FWIW, I wouldn't put too much stock in Bierbaum's regional performance. Last year she took fourth in the regional, losing to Kim Smith, Fiona Crombie and Lindsay Donaldson.
Bierbaum was instructed to run with her teammate. I heard her coach repeat it to her twice when they were on the line.
goduke wrote:
Duke has 8 healthy, strong, confident women ready to race in Terre Haute. I predict they will dominate the NCAA field like they have been doing all season long.
I can't wait to see the Duke women standing on the podium holding Duke's first ever NCAA cross country championship trophy!
Go Duke
I'm with you GoDuke, and I'll be there in Terre Haute to cheer for them too !!!!!
Steve Barnes
Duke Track '65
mrr82 wrote:
goduke wrote: Duke sat out their #3 and #4 runners at regionals so their #8 and 9 runners could get some more racing experience before NCAA's.That makes a lot of sense...sit out 3 and 4 so two guys who without a disaster WON'T be racing at nationals can get some more racing experience before ncaa's....That's the dumbest thing i think i've heard so far.
I thought the Dukies were racing with girls, women, young ladies, females...etc...not guys? two guys? that should be against the rules, they should have to run in the men;s race
Lets see if you look at the top finishers at EACH region (yup i even looked at south central and midwest!) There is a top 30, which looks like it will really be a battle between.
Victoria Mitchell, Arianna Lambie (but she is young and inexperienced), Shannon Rowbury (can she shake Horowitz?), Stephanie Madia (finally out of Huddle's shadow), Caroline Bierbaum, and Liza Pasciuto (best sophomore in the country?). Others who will play a role Shannon Wommack (may run like Brianna did in 2002), Angela Homan as she has been here a lot before, and Amy Hastings if she feels good, and the surprised from Minnesota!
I think that in the end it she who runs a smart race and doesn't do any stupid stuff the day before.
Imagine how nasty Duke would be if they had managed to hold onto Beirbaum? That could have been one of the greatest NCAA women's teams of all time. I guess there is a always the could've beens...