Cougars to Compete at NCAA Cross Country Championships

PROVO -- BYU men's and women's cross country teams will finish their 2002 seasons in Terre Haute, Ind., at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships Monday, Nov. 25, 2002.

The number one ranked women's team is coming off a strong win at the Mountain Regional Meet. They have won every meet this season and are looking to defend last year's national title.

Three of the seven runners competing are All-Americans in cross country. Redshirt freshman Kassie Andersen has won three races this season and is a BYU favorite. Michaela Mannova, who placed fifth at nationals last year, won the Mountain Regional race on November 16.

The 10th ranked men's team is looking to improve on last year's 12th place finish at nationals. This year, they placed third at Mountain Regionals behind NAU and the University of Colorado.

BYU's top runner, Kip Kangogo, has won every race but regionals this year. At regionals, he raced with a strained hamstring and finished 28th, but he is expected to be at full strength for nationals. Senior Lewis Jones finished first for the Cougars at the regional meet.

BYU ROSTER

Women's Team

Kassi Andersen Fr. Provo, UT

Jaime Cottle Sr. Kearns, UT

Nan Kennard Sr. Bountiful, UT

Jessie Kindschi Sr. Bismarck, ND

Michaela Manova Jr. Czech Republic

Katie Martin Sr. Fremont, CA

Breanne Sandberg Fr. Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA

Men's Team

Matt Adams So. Heber, UT

Steve Barrus Jr. Clovis, CA