Sept. 6, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois women's cross country team opens its season, Friday, at the Bradley Invitational in Peoria, Ill.

The team will compete against 10 others from the area, including Division-I contenders Bradley, Indiana State and Northern Iowa.

Huskie Head Cross Country Coach Mark McConeghey is optimistic about the upcoming season.

"As a team, I think we're going to perform better than last year," he said.

Part of McConeghey's strategy involves coaching his team to run more as a group, with a goal of only 30 seconds difference between the first and fifth place finisher.

"In cross country, if you run as a pack you're probably going to do better," McConeghey said.

The second-year head coach is confident his team can do well, though his team lacks an All-American candidate.

"You don't have to have superstars to win meets," McConeghey said, expressing confidence in his current group.

Part of his optimism stems from the strides his runners have taken since last season.

"Stacy Rosch (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) is our only senior, and I expect her to be much improved," he said. "Allison Grissom (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) will be much improved as well."

McConeghey also said he is looking forward to strong performances from junior Megan Ginter (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie) and freshman Sunsea Shaw (South Bend, Ind./Riley).

The Huskies will take on the 5,000 meter course at 6:15 p.m. with hopes of starting the 2007 season on the right foot.