Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #29 Texas Women
Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #29 Texas Women
Check out the Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 31 cross country teams in the NCAA this season. The No. 29 spot goes to Texas this ye
Check out the Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 31 cross country teams in the NCAA this season. The No. 29 spot goes to Texas this year, and here's why:
JR Hannah Grubb (10:42 3K SC; 16:54 5K)
FR Destiny Collins (4:40 1600; 10:00 2 Mile; 16th at '15 World Youth 3K)
SR Mary Beth Hamilton (2:06 800; 4:27 1500)
SO Meghan Lloyd (9:43 3K; 16:45 5K)
Impact Freshmen/Transfers:
Destiny Collins via Temecula, CA (4:40 1600; 10:00 2 Mile; 16th at '15 World Youth 3K)
Abby Guidry via Kingwood, TX (4:53 1600; 10:34 3200)
Skyler Bollinger via Temecula, CA (4:58 1600; 10:41 3200)
Georgia Burner via The Woodlands, TX (5:01 1600; 10:47 3200)
Analysis:
Last year was the first time since 2012 that both the Longhorn men and women qualified for the NCAA championships. While the program's two last-place finishes weren't ideal, the 2016 women's squad shows promise with a talented crop of newcomers on their roster. Connor Ward, last year's top finisher, is the only member of their 2015 South Central Regional runner-up squad who won't be returning this fall.
Leading the Longhorns in 2016 will be senior Sandie Raines. After a disappointing cross country season, the All-American bounced back this spring and won her second consecutive Big 12 5K title, along with a runner-up finish in the 10K. After competing at the NCAA outdoor championships in the 5K, she now has her sights set on leading the veteran Longhorns and an impressive incoming freshman class back to the Big Dance this fall.
At the top of the list of star-studded newcomers is this year's California state champion, Destiny Collins, from Great Oak High School. Collins already has experience competing against international talent and the crop of elite high schoolers. At the 2015 Brooks PR Invite, Collins was runner-up to Anna Rohrer by only one second. Look out for Collins to make an instant impact for this Longhorn squad when championship season rolls around.
Previously:
#31 Minnesota Women
#30 Florida Women
Probable Top Five:
SR Sandie Raines ( 9:10 3K; 15:48 5K; 1st at '15 Big 12 XC; 21st at '16 NCAA Outdoor 5K)JR Hannah Grubb (10:42 3K SC; 16:54 5K)
FR Destiny Collins (4:40 1600; 10:00 2 Mile; 16th at '15 World Youth 3K)
SR Mary Beth Hamilton (2:06 800; 4:27 1500)
SO Meghan Lloyd (9:43 3K; 16:45 5K)
Impact Freshmen/Transfers:
Destiny Collins via Temecula, CA (4:40 1600; 10:00 2 Mile; 16th at '15 World Youth 3K)Abby Guidry via Kingwood, TX (4:53 1600; 10:34 3200)
Skyler Bollinger via Temecula, CA (4:58 1600; 10:41 3200)
Georgia Burner via The Woodlands, TX (5:01 1600; 10:47 3200)
Analysis:
Last year was the first time since 2012 that both the Longhorn men and women qualified for the NCAA championships. While the program's two last-place finishes weren't ideal, the 2016 women's squad shows promise with a talented crop of newcomers on their roster. Connor Ward, last year's top finisher, is the only member of their 2015 South Central Regional runner-up squad who won't be returning this fall. Leading the Longhorns in 2016 will be senior Sandie Raines. After a disappointing cross country season, the All-American bounced back this spring and won her second consecutive Big 12 5K title, along with a runner-up finish in the 10K. After competing at the NCAA outdoor championships in the 5K, she now has her sights set on leading the veteran Longhorns and an impressive incoming freshman class back to the Big Dance this fall.
At the top of the list of star-studded newcomers is this year's California state champion, Destiny Collins, from Great Oak High School. Collins already has experience competing against international talent and the crop of elite high schoolers. At the 2015 Brooks PR Invite, Collins was runner-up to Anna Rohrer by only one second. Look out for Collins to make an instant impact for this Longhorn squad when championship season rolls around.
Previously:
#31 Minnesota Women
#30 Florida Women