2012 Women's Cross Country Season Preview
SWARTHMORE, Pa. – With running on their minds, the 2012 men's and women's Swarthmore cross country programs are gearing up for another successful season. At the 2011 Centennial Championship, the men showcased a third place finish, while the women took sixth place. Both squads enter 2012 with high hopes to challenge perennial Conference powers Haverford and Dickinson.
The women's program graduated many top-five Garnet finishers in 2011, but look to younger members to step up for the challenge. Senior Becky Painter is returning to the squad after a spending last fall abroad and will serve as a team captain along with Rebecca Hammond. Both seniors had strong spring seasons on the track and are looked upon to carry those performances into this fall. Emma Saarel '14 was a consistent top runner in 2011 for the women's side including 26:49.7 to round out the top-five Garnet finishers at the conference championship. Saarel has expectations to reach full potential this season and be a leader of the program. A large group of first-year runners will join Swarthmore in the 2012 season with ample opportunity to showcase their talents.
In his 13th season at the helm, head coach Peter Carroll has brought in his fourth consecutive large and skilled freshmen class, who should flourish under the leadership of the veterans.
The Garnet open the season at the Bryn Mawr Invitational on September 1. Other highlights of the schedule include the Main Line Invite and the Dickinson Long/Short Run. The Centennial Conference Championship, hosted by Dickinson, is scheduled for October 27.
