Following encouraging performances late in the 2014 season, Auburn’s cross country teams will look to continue their success in 2015.
The men’s team had strong finishes at the SEC Championships and NCAA South Regional, finishing third as a team and placing two runners in the top 10 at both events.
Both of those runners, Ty McCormack and Kane Grimster, graduated, leaving Redatu Semeon as the lone senior and leader of the men’s team.
Several freshmen were asked to contribute in 2014, and seventh-year coach Mark Carroll said their improvement will be key in 2015.
“That experience will help them tremendously,” Carroll said. “The big thing for the men’s side is to get better every race and keep improving.”
The women had a disappointing ninth-place finish at the SEC Championships, but the team had a successful season overall in 2014.
Molly McKenna had a strong freshman season in 2014, earning a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team and the All-South Region team.
While McKenna will be counted on to lead the team, the women will be balanced, as the team returns its top five finishers from the SEC Championships.
“The good thing about having so many returnees is that we don’t have to rely on one person to lead us,” Carroll said. “They are able to push each other and make each other better.”
Carroll expects to see vast improvements from the women’s team this season.
“All the girls have really improved year after year so heading into their junior years, they know the process,” Carroll said. “They have been training well in the summer, so I am excited to see how they all compete this season.”
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