2009-2010 Team

WTC women’s cross-country squad returns just one runner from last year’s squad, Nelly Towett (Kenya) who was injured during the 2008 season. Gone is Keeley Adams, academic All-American and national qualifier for the NJCAA championship meet. The good news is the fact that the Lady Westerners should have their strongest team in school history.

Coach Hicks projects the top four varsity spots will be filled by some impressive freshmen. Jessica Rodriquez (Winters, TX) was heavily recruited after finishing third at the class 1-A state track meet in the 1,600 meters last spring. Another state track qualifier is Amanda Drake (Diboll,TX) who qualified in the 800 meters. Morgan Reynolds (Lindale, TX) and Cristal Zuniga (Hico,TX) should also battle for the top positions on the team, according to Coach Hicks.

The other varsity spot looks to be wide open. Towett, Stephanie Pavlok (New Waverly, TX), Mandy Watkins (Blooming Grove, TX), Tabitha Kearse (Copperas Cove, TX) and Samantha Stomphorst, a native of The Netherlands who competed at Mansfield High School in Texas last year, should all be in the mix.

According to Coach Hicks, the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) and the Region title should come down to a battle between WTC, South Plains, El Paso Community College, and New Mexico Junior College. The women’s cross-country team opens at home on September 5th as they host the Western Texas College Six Shooter meet at the golf course on the college campus. Coach Hicks and the women’s cross-country team have their sights on the NJCAA national championship meet in Peoria, Illinois on November 14th.