The World Championships are over and the international track season is drawing to a close. As quickly as Usain Bolt runs 100 meters the cross country season is upon us. Summer training has ended and many miles have been run. So now it is time for the racing to begin but letÂ’s look back at what happened last year before looking forwards at what might happen in Evansville, Indiana.

Last yearÂ’s DII XC Nationals was raced in Slippery Rock, Penn. The temperatures were freezing and there was slow on the ground. These conditions made for a slick course that a few competitors spun out on. On the menÂ’s side, Chico StateÂ’s Scott Bauhs was the winner in the time of 30:23 over AdamÂ’s StateÂ’s Aaron Braun (30:36) over the 10k course. In the team competition it was Adams States taking home top honors with 67 points over their rival Western (88) followed by Chico (120). In the womenÂ’s race, Seattle PacificÂ’s Jessica Pixler(20:59) took her second National title over the freshman phenom, ShippensburgÂ’s Neely Spence (21:27). Adams State took their 6^th team title with 79 points. They were followed by Grand Valley (102), and Western State (183).

Past performances can be indictor for future performances. I am going to highlight a few teams to keep an eye on this season that will make an impact at Nationals. Though history does not always repeat itself and I am sure there will be plenty of surprises this 2009 XC season.

MenÂ’s teams
Adams State- Last year’s winners are looking for a repeat performance this season. They return their one-two punch in Aaron Braun and Brian Medigovich who both finished in the top 5. Braun was runner-up last year at XC Nationals and is coming off a very strong track season. Braun and Medigovich both competed at USA Nationals this past summer.  They will open with Joe I Vigil Invitation on Sept.5.

Western State- The ever constant rival with Adams State is looking to have a strong season. They will return their top runner Ian Donnan who was fourth last year at XC Nationals. Some notable recruits include David Flynn and Glen Watts. They will meet up with Adams State at the Joe I Vigil on Sept. 5.

Harding- Daniel Kirwa returns and could possibility run better in warmer conditions. They return the majority of their top seven from last yearÂ’s sixth place squad. They will open on August 28^th at the Arkansas State tech meet.

 
Queens- Last yearÂ’s surprise seventh place team returns their top runner, Michael Crouch. Will their coach, Scott Simmons be able to work his magic and have them finish higher? They open on Sept.5 at Appalachian State.

 
Colorado School of the Mines- This teams has the buzz on the letsrun boards as the dark horses in DII this season. With a large roster and talent they might be able to do it. They open on Sept. 4 at the UCCS Rust Buster.
Others: Minnesota State-Mankato, Abilene Christian, Grand Valley State and Western Washington.

WomenÂ’s Teams
Adams State-They lose one of their top runners in Heather Wood. They will return the rest of their squad including Lavenna Mullenbach. They have won six straight titles and will be looking to continue this trend. They will open with Joe I Vigil Invitation on Sept.5^th

Grand Valley State- Led by Megan Macertini, they placed six runners in the top 30 at last yearÂ’s National championships. They will lose Kelly Gibbons but will return the rest of their top seven. They will open up at Hope Vanderbilt Invite on Sept. 5^th.

Western State- They will lose Lisa Thomas who was instrumental in last yearÂ’s third place but will return the rest of the squad and are looking to finish in the top five. They will open up with the Joe I Vigil invitational on Sept. 5.

Seattle Pacific-They have created their own one-two punch with Jessica Pixler and Jane Larson and the gap between them is looking to become even closer. Jessica Pixler the National champion is back and will continue to lead her team. They will return all of their top seven. They will open up on Sept. 5.

Shippensburg- Neely Spence led her team to a very successful 2008 XC season last year. They return the rest of the squad and with the rapid success they have accomplished in the past two years from being 12 in the PSAC to being in the top ten at the National Championships, they are looking to improve yet again. They open up on Sept. 5^th at their alumni meet.

Other teams- Chico State, Augustana (SD), Minnesota-Duluth, and Alaska Anchorage

Pre Nationals will be run on September 26 in Evansville, Indiana and is hosted by University of Southern Indiana. Teams that will be there include: Brescia, Indiana Tech, Lock Haven, UC-San Diego, Abilene Christian, Harding, Stone Hill, Carson Newman, Southern Indiana, Ferris State, Clayton State and Wisconsin Parkside.