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Stanford Women Look to Strike a Balance Against Familiar Foes

Stanford Women Look to Strike a Balance Against Familiar Foes

Nov 17, 2011 by Kevin Selby
Stanford Women Look to Strike a Balance Against Familiar Foes
Heading into Monday’s NCAA Championships, Stanford’s first year women’s coach Patti Sue Plumer’s task in preparing the Cardinal squad will similar to what she has faced throughout the season.  The Cardinal coach balances preparation of important newcomers and reliable veterans.

Stanford has run as many as four true freshman in their top seven at different points throughout the season.  All are familiar names that built great resumes in the high school ranks.  National championship and record holder Ashling Cuffe has consistently been in the top four for her team, but her best race probably came in her collegiate debut at the Stanford Invitational (2nd overall).  Ali Billmeyer was Stanford’s fifth at Wisconsin, and Molly Mc Namara and Mary Kate Anselmini have also raced at major competitions throughout the season.

Balancing these freshman are veterans that carry the duty of low placing for Stanford to land a place in the top 10.  Junior Kathy Kroeger (2nd at Pac 12s, 7th at the regional) has lead her team throughout the season.  She holds two All-American certificates in the 5000 meters and looks to earn her first in cross country.  Senior Stephanie Marcy is also looking for a first All-American CC award after earning honors twice at 10000 meters.

Stanford has tremendous talent.  Though their team is young, they all have run at high levels throughout their careers.  Most important, they have battled some of the nation’s best at the conference and regional championships They placed third in both races.  Though Stanford’s 1-5 gap has been over a minute most of the season, they have been in tight team battles.

Strong front running and a tight pack are essential for the 13th ranked Cardinal.  Those two elements could equate to as much as a 5 team placing difference considering the number of teams looking to challenge them.

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