The leaves have yet to change but fall sports are beginning. This weekend, collegiate athletes across the nation are attending preseason camps or moving back onto campus. With the unofficial start of the fall cross-country season, it is time to preview what is to come and to speculate the outcome. There are sure to be new names, faster times, and plenty of excitement in this upcoming season. (Readers are encouraged to post constructive and respectful comments).

The Division II National Cross Country championship will take place on November 22 and will be held by Slippery Rock University at Coopers Campground in Pennsylvania. It is certain that a new champion will be crowned in the men’s race since last year’s winner, Abilene Christian’s Nicodemus Naimadu, graduated. The two potential runners who look poised to take this year’s title are last year’s second place finisher, Adams State’s Aaron Braun, or Chico State’s Scott Bauhs, who made the USA men’s world cross country team and competed in the USA Olympic Trials in the 10k.  Without their top runner, and with the retirement of Coach Derek Hood, it will be interesting to see if Abilene Christian’s men team can repeat with another team title. Either team that tied for second last year, Adams State or Western, could step up and take it.  As the season progresses, we are sure to see more runners and teams added to the list of potential national champions.

Last year’s women’s champion, Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler, is coming off an injury from this previous track season, while second place finisher, Abilene Christan’s Winrose Karunde, is coming off a successful spring season winning both the DII title in the 10k and the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Still, it could prove to be a tight race between these two competitors. Last year’s women’s team champion, Adams State, lost three of their top runners to graduation, including their top finisher Tanya Gaurmer. Last year’s second place team was Seattle Pacific, who lost their head coach Doris Heritage; however, Heritage has agreed to stay on as assistant coach for the 2008 season. Grand Valley, Chico State, and Cal State Los Angeles were all in the top five last year and could potentially vie for the team championship.

The season’s early meets are often a good indicator of which teams and individuals will be contenders for the national titles.   The Memphis Twilight (September 13) is one of the earlier meets of the season and should provide a good look at many of the southern DII schools, including Harding and University of Alabama Huntsville. The Stanford Invitational (September 27) is one of the most prestigious meets of the season and will give us an opportunity to see such west coast teams such as Chico State and Seattle Pacific. Moving into the mid-part of the season, there are several key meets that should give us a good indication of how teams are progressing.  The OSU Cowboy Jamboree (October 4), hosted by Oklahoma State University, will gather many of the strong southwest teams, including Abilene Christian and New Mexico Highlands.  The Slippery Rock Invitational (October 4) will be an important benchmark. As I stated earlier, Slippery Rock will be hosting the DII Nationals XC championships this year making the Slippery Rock Invitational the place where many teams will preview the national course. These teams include UC San Diego, Augusta State, and Lockhaven.