GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College women's cross country team has claimed eight Midwest Conference titles in the 11 years, and the Pioneers are hoping for more in 2015.
 
Grinnell had five runners earn all-conference honors last season, and four return. They are Alosha Southern '17 (seventh place), Paulina Campbell '16 (eighth),  Emma Luhmann '18 (15th) and Clare Roberts '16 (17th).
 
"This year's team is similar to last year in that we don't have any superstars, but instead we are really deep," said Grinnell coach Evelyn Freeman. "That is our strength and one reason we defended our conference title last year. I believe we're as deep, if not deeper, this year.
 
"We have a solid 11 or 12 people vying for scoring positions," she added. "It's competition, but a healthy competition. This team has meshed very well."
 
Besides those mentioned, others in that top group include Toni Androski '16, Emma Zimmerman '18, Whitney Teagle '18, Shannon Young '17, Anna Ahrens '19 and Samantha Kubica '16.
 
Freeman added that Andrea Baumgartel '19 and Marie Kolarik '17 are also moving up quickly.
 
"We have very strong leadership," said Freeman. "We have five captains and they all work together. They contribute to our leadership model."
 
That makes Freeman expect another big season. "Our top goal is to keep progressing and get better as individuals and as a team," she said. "We want to defend our conference title, but as the conference gets tougher, others are also vying for the championship. I know Cornell and St. Norbert will be good."
 
Freeman was happy with the team's first meet at Central College. "Our plan was to run the first two miles at a threshold pace and then they were free to go. It was wickedly hot, but the runners looked great."