2011 utah cross country media guide

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The University of Utah

The University of Utah athletics program will begin its membership in the prestigious Pac-12 Conference beginning in 2011-12. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah now encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the towering Wasatch Mountain range. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, and includes an eclectic mix of teaching and research facilities in a park-like setting of trees, fountains, flowering malls and pedestrian walkways.

Home to a student population of over 29,000, the U. offers some 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate majors. Many of the U’s programs are nationally ranked, including law, pharmacy, architecture, business, engineering and dance.

Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with particular distinction in medicine, genetics and engineering. In 2009-2010, the University received a record-setting $450.6 million in external funding for research. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his work on gene targeting.

The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the University of Utah. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute.

The U. is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences; and its Center for High Performance Computing serves as a link to major aerospace industries, high-tech manufacturers and research companies. The University is tied for first in the nation with MIT in successfully commercializing the discoveries that occur on campus.

The U. provides a lively residential living experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Utah students enjoy unparalleled recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing and river running.

The U.’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West (metro population 1,130,293) allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. Salt Lake City is home to professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, opera and theater companies, as well as four professional sports teams.

Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of is renowned for its research expertise, academic performance and athletic prowess. The U. is the only institution in the state of Utah—to earn a top-tier ranking from the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and has done so for five straight years.

SNAPSHOT OF THE U.• Founded in 1850• Research I University• Top 100 world ranking• 190 majors (undergraduate/ graduate)• 2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi• Pac-12 Conference member starting in 2011-12

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Salt Lake City

Consistently cited as one of the nation’s most livable cities, Salt Lake City ranks high for its employment and cultural opportunities, quality of life and recreation. In the May 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine Salt Lake City was No. 5 on its list of the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” Forbes Magazine selected Salt Lake City as “The Best City for Jobs” in both 2007 and 2008.

Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake, the city is located in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The lowest point within city boundaries is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake (48 miles wide and 90 miles long) is the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States.

The city is the cultural, financial, educational, technological, commercial, and communications hub of the Intermountain West. Utah was named the most technologically advanced state in the 2008 Digital States Survey. Salt Lake is also home to world-renowned medical and technology industries.

Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance.

The annual Sundance Film Festival, which is the largest independent film festival in the U.S., attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffs to the area every year. According to P3/Production Update Magazine, Utah is one of the “10 Best States in the Nation for Film.”

Professional sports franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (East Coast Hockey League).

Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, offers an unrivaled blend of metropolitan life and recreational opportunities. With 183,171 residents in the city limits and a metro population of 1,333,914, Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state.

THE BEST CITY

• Fifth-best City for the Next Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine• “Best City for Jobs,” Forbes Magazine• 237 days of sunshine per year• Host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics

ENTERTAINMENT

• 14 ski resorts within an hour’s drive• Home to the Sundance Film Festival• Four professional sports franchises• Symphony, opera, theater and dance

SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Five minutes from downtown • Delta Airlines hub• 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S.

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Pac-12 Here We ComeIn July of 2011, the University of Utah moved into the Pac-12 Conference. Utah formally accepted an invitation to join the conference as its 12th member on June 17, 2010, a week after Colorado made its announcement. In doing so, Utah and Colorado became the conference’s newest members since 1978.

Eugene, Ore.UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

Los Angeles

UCLA, USC

Tempe, Ariz.ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Corvalis, Ore.OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

San Francisco

STANFORD UNIVERSITY,

CAL BERKELEY

SeattleUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Tucson, Ariz.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Pullman, Wash.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Boulder, Colo.COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Salt Lake CityUNIVERSITY OF UTAH

THE BEST CITY

• Fifth-best City for the Next Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine• “Best City for Jobs,” Forbes Magazine• 237 days of sunshine per year• Host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics

ENTERTAINMENT

• 14 ski resorts within an hour’s drive• Home to the Sundance Film Festival• Four professional sports franchises• Symphony, opera, theater and dance

SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Five minutes from downtown • Delta Airlines hub• 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S.

UTAHUTES.COM

Utah cross country student-athletes have access to some of the finest support services and facilities in the nation.

Sports Medicine

The Utah Experience Strength and

Conditioning

Student-

Athlete Support Services

Academic

Support Services


2011 Schedule

Date Opponent Location

Sat., Sept. 3 Utah State Open Logan, Utah

Sat., Sept. 10 Nevada Twilight Reno, Nev.

Fri., Sept. 16 BYU Autumn Classic Provo, Utah

Sat., Sept. 24 Stanford Invitational Stanford, Calif.

Sat., Oct. 1 UNLV Invitational Las Vegas, Nev.

Sat., Oct. 15 Chile Pepper Invitational Fayetteville, Ark.

Sat., Oct. 29 Pac-12 Championships Phoenix, Ariz.

Sat., Nov. 12 NCAA Regional Championships Provo, Utah

Mon, Nov. 21 NCAA Championships Terre Haute, Ind.

University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Metro Population: 1,333,914

Elevation: 4,657 feet above sea level

Interim President: Lorris Betz

Athletics Director: Dr. Chris Hill

Founded: 1850

Enrollment: 30,819

Nickname: Utes

Colors: Crimson and White

Mascot: Swoop (Red-Tailed Hawk)

Facilities: McCarthey Family Outdoor Track & Field

Complex, Olympic Oval, Rose Park Golf Course

Web Site: www.UtahUtes.com

Conference: Pac-12

Affiliation: NCAA Division I

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kyle Kepler

Alma Mater: Northern Iowa, 1998/2004

Office Phone: 801.585.6858

E-mail: [email protected]

2010 in Review

MWC Finish:

NCAA Regional Finish:

Top Utah Individual: Amanda Mergaert

57th, 22:29.5

Credits:The 2011 Cross Country Media Guide was writtern by Connor Malmberg, Communications Student Assistant. Designed and edited by Mike DeVine, Assistant Communications Director. Photography by Steve Wilson, Tom Smart, Scott Pettett, Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Utah Travel Council. Cover design by Mike DeVine.

Follow Utah Track & Field on Twitter at twitter.com/Utah_trackfield

Become a fan of University of Utah Track & Field on Facebook

Follow Coach Kep’s Blog at http://www.utahtrackxc.blogspot.com/

Utah Athletic Communications

Associate AD/Director: Liz AbelAssociate Director: Kyle HarrisAssistant Director: Brooke FredericksonAssistant Director: Mike DeVine E-mail: [email protected] Office Phone: 801.581.8997Office Manager: Kate SturgeonStudent Assistant (XC Contact): Connor Malmberg E-mail: [email protected] Office Phone: 801.336.6100

Watch memorable races atyoutube.com/UtahTrack

The Salt Lake Valley and surrounding area is considered to be one of the top 20 running cities in the United States by several of the best running publications and experts. The University of Utah distance running corp has access to some of America’s greatest running trails. These trails consist primarily of dirt, grass, crushed rock, or other runner friendly surfaces. All of these trails are located at elevations ranging from 4,500-8,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains serve as a backdrop to one of America’s most beautiful and cleanest cities -- Salt Lake City.

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley. City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running through downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building and the World Business Center for the Church of Jesus Christ Later-Day Saints.

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley.

The canyon trail includes a path that is primarily dirt and another that is more suitable for biking. Liberty Park is another training favorite among the U’s distance runners. It includes a 1.45 mile woodchip running trail where various workouts are performed. Pipeline Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon which is only 15 minutes from the University of Utah campus. This out-and-back, 11-mile roundtrip trail is located at 6,000 feet elevation. The greenery of the canyon is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks and combines an incredible view of the Salt Lake Valley at trail’s end.

Finally, the running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000-foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and America’s tourist delight - Park City, Utah.

City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building.

The running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000 foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and Park City.

VenuesQuick Facts/ScheduleStrength and

Conditioning

UTAHUTES.COM

Alyssa Abbott R-Sr. Reno, Nev. Galena H.S.Brooke Casagranda Sr. Elko, Nev. Elko H.S.Andrea Chavez Fr. Ogden, Utah St. Joseph’s H.S.Megan Combe Jr. Salt Lake City, Utah Skyline H.S.Alexis Davis Sr. Aurora, Ohio Aurora H.S.McKenzie Dean R-So. Pahrump, Nev. Pahrump H.S.Nikki Dotter So. East Wenatchee, Wash. Eastmont H.S.AuraLea Fain So. Billings, Mont. Senior H.S.Susannah Hurst Fr. Salt Lake City, Utah East H.S.Amanda Mergaert Jr. Shelby Township, Mich. Utica H.S.Lauren Mills Fr. Aurora, Colo. Smoky Hill H.S.Macee Nielson Fr. Monticello, Utah Monticello H.S.Nicole Rietz Fr. Billings, Mont. West H.S.Alex Shaw-Villagrana Fr. Ogden, Utah St. Joseph’s H.S.Katelyn Stringfellow R-Fr. Salt Lake City, Utah Highland H.S.Hilary Troutner Jr. Provo, Utah Timpview H.S.Rebekah Winterton So. Salt Lake City, Utah Skyline H.S.Lucy Yates R-Jr. St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, UK St. Albans Academy

Roster

Front Row (L to R): Macee Nielson, Brooke Casagranda, Hilary Troutner, Rebekah Winterton, Alex Shaw, Amanda Theobald (Graduate Assistant Coach)Middle Row (L to R): Susannah Hurst, McKenzie Dean, Alyssa Abbott, Katelyn Stringfellow, Lauren Mills, AuraLea Fain, Hanah Kropf (Athletic Trainer)Back Row (L to R): Kyle Keper (Head coach), Nikki Dotter, Lucy Yates, Andrea Chavez, Amanda Mergaert, Nicole Rietz, Megan Combe, Kassi Harmon (Volunteer Assistant Coach)

RosterAfter a successful campaign in 2010, the University of Utah women’s cross country team looks to continue momentum into the 2011 season as it moves into the Pac-12 Conference. Now in his seventh year as head coach, Kyle Kepler will lead a very talented group into the most elite conference in the country.

“Everyone that is associated with our program is very excited about our move to the Pac-12,” said Utah head coach Kyle Kepler. “The Pac-12 has an incredible level of support for Olympic Sports that will benefit our program. If current and former Pac-12 student- athletes comprised a country, they would have combined to finish sixth for gold medals, among all the countries at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.”

The Utes enter the 2011 season with greater depth than they have had in previous years. Senior Alyssa Abbott received a medical hardship from the NCAA, which gave her an extra year of eligibility that will boost the team’s talent and experience. As an NCAA Championships qualifier in 2008, Abbott adds veteran leadership to a group with six freshmen slated to compete for Utah.

“Alyssa brings an experience to our team that only being in the program and competing at the NCAA Championships since her freshman year can bring,” Kepler said. “She brings a quiet confidence that I think will be passed on to the rest of our group throughout the season. She does things the right way every day and understands the process of improving as a distance runner is long term. She is a leader by example.”

Junior Amanda Mergaert had a break-out year in 2010. Mergaert was the top finisher for the Utes in every race of the season and qualified for the NCAA Cross Country Championships, where she finished 45th overall, seconds shy of earning All-American status. Mergaert’s success carried into the 2011 track season, where she broke her own school-record three times in the mile. Mergaert qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships and finished 14th overall in the 1500m race.

“Amanda has had some great experiences in her first two seasons,” said Kepler. “She has done a great job of listening and becoming a leader. She has started to understand that to reach her goals requires patience and a balance of preparation and relaxation. The expectations are certainly high, but I know that any expectations I have will be well below what she expects from herself.”

Working out hard in the offseason, junior Hilary Troutner has earned her way into the top group of runners for the Utes. In the first two meets of the 2011 season, Troutner finished in the top three spots for Utah.

With a year of collegiate experience, the sophomore class brings a vast array of talent and depth to the Utes roster this fall. Rebekah Winterton had a solid freshman season that ended with a fifth-place finish in the five-kilometer at the U.S. Junior National meet.

The quartet of Winterton, AuraLea Fain, Nikki Dotter, and McKenzie Dean (returning from injury in 2010) has coach Kepler excited about the level of performance the Utes will pose this season.

“With a full year of college running and classes behind them, [the sophomore class] should be able to achieve more with less stress. Less stress usually leads to better results,” Kepler said.

In the offseason, Kepler announced the addition of six freshmen who bring a variety of talent and more ability than the team has seen in years past.

“We have a talented and enthusiastic group of freshmen,” Kepler said. “This is probably the most notable distance group we have been able to recruit in my time here at Utah. They have high expectations and expect to help move this program into the Pac-12.”

The combination of Abbott and Mergaert will give the Utes a good opportunity to compete with the upper echelon of teams in the Pac-12. With the departure of Jenny McCune, who is on an LDS Mission, the Utes will need younger athletes to step up to fill the number three gap.

“On paper, this could be the best cross country team Utah has ever had. With Alyssa and Amanda we have two runners who can compete with any of the top runners in this league,” said Kepler. “Our success in the Pac-12 will likely hinge on how our three-through- seven runners perform as a group.”

With the departure from the Mountain West Conference, the Utes have their work cut out for them. However with the talent and experience that the team has this year, the coaches and student-athletes have high expectations to compete with the upper echelon of teams in the country.

“We understand the stakes are much higher and the competition is much stiffer. However, we are counting on those things to help us continue to move our program towards becoming a regular contender for the Pac-12 and NCAA titles,” said Kepler.

2011 Outlook


What They’re SayingKyle Kepler is heading into his seventh year as the head coach of the University of Utah women’s cross country and track & field programs. Kepler’s organization and attention to detail have allowed

him to develop a solid foundation and create a competitive program that has steadily improved each year. In 13 years of coaching at the NCAA Division I level, Kepler has seen 32 conference champions, 143 all-conference athletes, 40 regional qualifiers, 25 NCAA finals qualifiers, and nine NCAA All-Americans. Kepler’s influence on his athletes is not just visible on the track, but also in the classroom. The women’s cross country team has been honored by USTFCCCA as All-Academic four out of the previous five seasons. The track and field team has been a USTFCCCA All-Academic team during four of the previous seven seasons with a 2011 GPA of 3.29.

2010-11In the 2010 cross country season, Kepler led a very young Ute squad to a fifth-place finish at the Mountain West Conference Championships. Kepler served as meet director last season when the Utes hosted the 2010 NCAA West Regional, which received great reviews from critics and coaches from around the region. Under Kepler’s guidance, sophomore Amanda Mergaert took advantage of her home course and ran to a ninth-place finish and qualified for the NCAA Championships, where she finished 45th overall.

The 2011 indoor track and field season, saw the Utes finish fifth at the MWC Indoor Championships. Junior Langley Iverson finished second in the high jump at the conference championships and qualified for the NCAA Championships with a mark just shy of a school-record. Iverson cleared the six-foot barrier twice throughout the season en-route to a 17th-place finish at the NCAA Championships. The distance medley relay team comprised of Alyssa Abbott, Alyssa Johnson, Lucy Yates, and Mergaert ran a new school-record time of 11:11.71 and earned a second-place finish at the Alex Wilson Invitational. That quartet was 13th in the country and just missed qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Throughout the indoor season, Kepler oversaw the Utes break three school records, including the mile three different times by Mergaert.

The success the Utes experienced during the indoor season carried over to the outdoor season where Kepler saw his athletes break three more school records: including the five-kilometer (Abbott), which had not been touched in over 23 years, as well as Angela Kaplar (100m hurdles), and Abbott and Mergaert (mile). Mergaert qualified for the NCAA Championships and finished 14th in the 1500m race. At the Drake Relays, the Utah distance medley relay earned the school’s first ever Drake Relay championship with a school-record time of 11:17.09. Abbott and Mergaert finished second and third in the 1500 meter run with Abbott’s time (4:19.73) breaking the 30-year-old school record. Mergaert would go on to break that record with her winning performance of 4:16.57 at the NCAA Regional Championships. Brianna LeRoy scored in five events (Heptathlon, 100m hurdles, Long Jump, Javelin, and High Jump) at the conference meet to lead the Utah effort in its final appearance at the MWC Outdoor Championships.

Kyle Kepler Head CoachSeventh Year Northern Iowa, 1998/2004

Trevor JamesonDirector of Sports Medicine • University of Utah

“Coach Kepler is a great coach. He truly cares about all of his athletes and keeps himself well informed on their injuries and limitations. More than any coach I have worked with, he has been able to help his athletes continue to train and improve despite what injuries they may have. He is able to help motivate his athletes to find their best and be self-motivated to work at achieving their best. I consider him a friend and love to work with him and the athletes in his program because they demand so much of themselves.”

Tony BussanHead Cross Country and Track Coach • Webster City Schools, Webster City, IowaPresident of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches

“From the moment he showed up on my front porch as a high school freshman, through an outstanding high school and collegiate running career, to assistant and head coaching duties at the University of Northern Iowa (which included serving as the director of the NCAA Division I Championships) to now leading the up-and-coming Utah program, Kyle Kepler has been a proven winner, team leader, and program developer. His intense commitment to excellence for each individual and the team as a whole allows him to foster the relationships and development among his squads that create excitement and success.”

Beth Wolfgram CSCS, MS, RD, CDSports Nutritionist, University of Utah Athletic Department • Adjunct Faculty University of Utah Division of Nutrition

“[Kepler] is very dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his team and he has made performance related nutrition a priority for his athletes. [Kepler] continues to involve me with the team and individual athletes he is concerned about. He emphasizes an approach that focuses on both the performance of an athlete today, but also the long term health of the athlete. He is a great team player and cares so much about his athletes.”

Robert RaineyUniversity of Utah • Athletics Academic Services

“Since Coach Kepler has been at Utah, all of his teams have had cumulative GPAs above a 3.0. and they have been recognized with All-Academic awards from the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches’ Associations. He truly recognizes the importance of the balance between academics and athletics.”

Brad RasmussenGlenwood Girls Track and Field/Cross Country Coach • Glenwood Community Schools (Iowa)

“I met “Kep” while he was an assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa. My two sons and I attended the track and field/cross country camp at Northern Iowa while he was there. “Kep” and I developed a lasting friendship. His coaching techniques and guidance go far beyond athletics. His personality allows him to get the best from all of the people he meets. He is very loyal to his athletes and coaches and works hard to be the best. It is an honor for me to call him friend and colleague.”

Chelsea DiGraziaFormer University of Utah Track/Cross Country Athlete

“I was a walk-on my freshman year when we were under the supervision of a different coach and was introduced to Coach Kep my sophomore year. Under the excellent coaching and supervision of Kep I dropped my mile time by 25 seconds, broke the school record in the mile and ran my way to an all region spot in cross country. Kep had the ability to assess each runner’s individual talents and devloped appropriate workouts accordingly. I trusted my training from Coach K and knew that if I did what he was asking, I was going to run fast. He was always attentive to each individual runner’s needs and spent time coaching each girl on the team. I feel that Kyle has a great ability to take any runner, assess their strengths and weaknesses and then train them into the best shape of their lives. He is attentive to injury and does not force training through ailments, which is key in sports like cross country and track where overuse and abuse is so common. I know that I am not alone in these opions about his coaching and have had many successful teammates who would agree. Kep took a cross country team (my sophomore year) who could barely finish a workout and turned them into a 3rd place finisher at the conference meet (my senior year) with two runners making all region and one runner making nationals. Even after my running career finished, I have watched Kep’s cross country and track programs continue to improve each year with more athletes making it to big caliper meets like Nationals every season.”

Cody KrenkaHead Cross Country Coach • Head Track & Field Coach • Elko High School (Nev.) “Coach Kepler is a great coach who has an amazing ability to take a young athlete fresh out of high school and turn her in to a competitive NCAA Division 1 athlete. He realizes that each athlete has different potential and works hard to get each girl to that potential. As a distance coach for 11 years, I have had more than my fair share of athletes compete at the next level and I can honestly say that the distance program under Coach Kepler at the University of Utah is usually my highest recommendation for my female athletes.”

UTAHUTES.COM

2011 Outdoor Track:Ran the 1600m split of the school-record setting distance medley relay team that clocked a time of 11:17.09 to win the first relay championship in school history at Drake Relays … earned all-conference honors with second-place finish in the 1500m at the MWC Outdoor Championships … finished 25th overall in the 1500m race at the NCAA Regional Championships … earned All-District VIII Track and Field and Cross Country First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America for her fourth consecutive year … started season with 30th-place finish in the 5,000m (16:31.54) at the Stanford Invite … broke a 23 year school-record in the 5000m with a time of 16:17.86 at the Mt. Sac Relays … finished second in the 1500m (4:19.72) at Drake Relays to break a 30 year old school record … finished third in the 1500m at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational with a time of 4:23.83.

2011 Indoor Track:In season debut, finished in first place in the 3000m with a time of 9:56.31 at the Bronco Open … clocked a personal-best time of 9:30.12 in the 3000m at the Flotrack Husky Classic … finished fifth at the MWC Indoor Championships in the 3000m … ran 1200m leg of distance medley relay team that set a school-record time of 11:11.71 at the Alex Wilson Invitational.

2010 XC:Medical redshirt.

2010 Outdoor Track:Won the 1500m MWC title by nearly two seconds with a time of 4:29.98 … set a new personal-best in the 1500m event at the Drake Relays, where she claimed first place after finishing in 4:23.48 (ranks second all-time in Utah school history) … named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII Track and Field and Cross Country First Team … received Academic All-District honors for third straight year … earned All-MWC Team honors… received MWC Scholar Athlete Award and Academic All-MWC honors.

2010 Indoor Track:Member of distance medley team, which set a new school record and won the conference title with a time of 11:38.59 … won the three-kilometer event at MWC Indoor Championships with a time of 9:41.57 (altitude adjusted) … claimed first place in the one-mile with a personal-best time of 4:55.08 (third-best time on Utah’s all time list) at the Bronco Invite … at the Husky Invitational she set a lifetime best in the 3000m with a time of 9:34.17… ran the 1600m leg of distance medley relay team that set a school record time of 11:13.77 at NCAA Last Chance Qualifier.

Senior (2009):Redshirt season.

Junior (2008):Set a new personal best and qualified for nationals at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships after finishing in 20:52.4 and earning ninth place overall … at the NCAA National Championships, finished 76th out of 255 competitors (21:00.5) and missed All-American status by 19 seconds … competed at the NCAA Pre-Nationals meet (6K) with a 21:14 time for a 41st-place finish … placed fourth overall at the Mountain West Conference Championships (6K) with a time of 21:37 … started the season at the Stanford Invite with a 31st-place finish after completing the course in 22:20.

Sophomore (2007): Utah’s top finisher at the 2007 NCAA Regional Championships for a 24th-place finish (21:41.3) … also earned Utah’s top finish (20th) at MWC Championships with a 22:37 finish … in the Chile Pepper Invitational, ran a 22:19 for 57th place … opened the season with a 21st-place finish at the Montana State Invitational with a 17:53 run ... earned the MWC Scholar-Athlete award.

Freshman (2006):Led the team with a 22nd-place (22:48.2) finish at the MWC Championships ... also the team’s top finisher at the NCAA Regional meet (46th, 22:45.9) ... claimed 85th at the Chile Pepper Invite, clocking the event in 22:24 ... took 16th (24:00.6) at the Utah Fall Twilight and fifth (16:06) at the season-opening Reno Chase Race.

High School: All-region and all-state in cross country (2002-05) ... four-time all-region and all-state selection in track and field ... state runner-up 800 m dash, 1600m and 3200m at the 2006 state track and field meet ... helped team to Nevada state championship in track and field in 2006.

Personal: Daughter of John and Juli Abbott ... brother runs track at Washington State University … majoring in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis on exercise physiology ... born April 5, 1988.

Alyssa AbbottR-Sr. • Reno, Nev.•Galena H.S.

Brooke CasagrandaSr. • Elko, Nev. • Elko H.S.

2011 Outdoor Track: Did not compete.

2011 Indoor Track:Did not compete.

2010 XC:Set a season best three-mile time of 21:03 at the Montana State Bobcat Invitational … clocked a time of 24:07 at the 5K Nevada-Reno meet.

2010 Outdoor Track:Redshirt.

2010 Indoor Track:Competed in the one-mile with at time of 6:19.15 at the Bronco Invitational … at the Mountain States Games, she finished with her best indoor time of the season (6:17.56).

Sophomore (2009):Opened the season at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) for a 46th-place finish with a 21:06.7 … participated in the Fleet Feet Invite (3 mi.) with a time of 21:12 for 103rd … competed at the Bob Firman Invitational (5k), crossing the finish line at 21:28.75 for 58th.

Freshman (2008):Redshirt season.

High School:Personal bests include 5000m run in 19:41, 3200 m run in 11:37, 1600m run in 5:28, 800m run in 2:27 … earned the Wendy’s High School Heisman award … 2008 class valedictorian … graduated with an advanced diploma … member of the Key Club, National Honors Society and student council … also participated in soccer and basketball.

Personal:Daughter of Curtis and Randi Casagranda … majoring in Biology … hobbies include hiking, biking, and fishing … born December 1, 1989.


Andrea ChavezFr. • Ogden, Utah• St. Joseph’s H.S.

Megan CombeJr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Skyline H.S.

High School:Member of the four-time 1A Utah state champion cross country team … finished fifth at the state cross country meet … individual state champion in the 800m … ran anchor leg of the state championship 1600m relay team … earned second place at the state cross country meet during her junior season … earned Southwest conference honors in track and field … named 1A girl runner of the year by coaches in Utah track and field.

Personal:Daughter of Javier and Amada Chavez … majoring in sports psychology … hobbies include reading and spending time with family … born August 23, 1992.

2011 Outdoor Track:Medical redshirt.

2011 Indoor Track:Medical redshirt.

2010 XC:Set a season-best 5K time of 21:42 (12th place) at the Nevada-Reno meet … finished with a six-

kilometer time of 23:01.7 at the NCAA Pre-National meet … completed the 6K NCAA Region Championships course in 23:05.2 … earned Academic All-MWC honors.

2010 Outdoor Track:Finished first overall and set a new 800-m personal-best time of 2:13.37 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational … clocked a personal-best 4:39.82 (fourth overall) in the 1500m at the Robison Invitational … earned 12th place at BYU Invitational in the 800m (2:19.02).

2010 Indoor Track:At Iowa State Classic, set a then-personal-best time in the 800m event with a time of 2:21.42 … finished sixth overall in the 800m at the Montana State Games (2:24.10) … in the preliminary round at the MWC Indoor Championships, she clocked a new personal-best time of 2:20.70.

Freshman (2009):Finished 23rd at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) after completing course with a time of 18:31.7 … competed at the Bob Firman Invitational (5k) for a time of 19:21.75 and 27th place … placed 20th with a time of 21:34 at the WAC Preview Invitational (5k) … participated at MWC Championships (6k) for a time of 23.49.4 and a 43rd-place finish … earned academic MWC honors.

High School:Personal bests include the 1600m in 5:13, 800m in 2:16, 400m in 58 seconds … set a career high in the 5000m as a senior with a time of 19:25 … lettered four years in cross country and three years in track and field … team captain for cross country and track and field during the 2008-09 season … member of the cross country varsity team (9th-12th grade) and varsity track team (10th-12th grade).

Personal:Daughter of John and Laura Combe … undecided on major … hobbies include hiking and traveling … born January 10, 1991.

UTAHUTES.COM

Senior (2010):Redshirt.

Junior (2009): Completed Utah State Open (3 mi.) with the time of 18:44.8 for 27th place ... competed at Chile Pepper Invite (6k), crossing the line at 117th with a time of 23:31.92 ... ran at the MWC Championships (6k) and finished 69th place with a time of 25:37.8 ... achieved Academic MWC honors.

Sophomore (2008): Competed in the Montana State Open, finishing the three-mile course in 19:20 ... suffered an ankle sprain during the Mountain West Conference Championships, but finished in 25:26.

Freshman (2007): Competed in the MWC Championships for a 40th-place finish with a 24:02 run ... participated in the NCAA Championships for a 23:49 finish and 101st place ... in the BYU Invitational, ran a 20:14 race for a 42nd place finish ... opened the season with a 35th-place finish (20:00) at the Utah State Open ... earned the MWC Scholar-Athlete award ... maintained a 4.0 GPA.

High School: Four-time all-conference cross country runner and a two-time all-conference track athlete ... won four letters in both cross country and track ... won the Ohio High School Athletic Associate Student Athlete Award ... class salutatorian.

Personal: Daughter of Tim and Julie Davis ... born February 23, 1990.

Alexis DavisSr. • Aurora, Ohio • Aurora H.S.

McKenzie DeanRS-So. • Pahrump, Nev. • Puhrump H.S.

2011 Outdoor Track:Did not compete.

2011 Indoor Track:Did not compete.

2010 XC:Did not compete.

2010 Outdoor Track:Did not compete.

2010 Indoor Track:Competed in one meet during the indoor season, where she posted a personal-best time of 5:52.31 in the mile at Bronco Invitational.


High School: Personal bests include 3200m in 11:47, 1600m in 5:16, 800m in 2:20, 400m in :58, and the 5000m in 18:46 … eight-time state champion: 3200m (3), 1600m (1), 800m (1), cross country (2) and team champion (1) … team MVP in 2008 and 2009 … MVP of the Virgin Valley Track and Field Invitational in 2009 … Las Vegas Track Classic winner in the 3200m run … Virgin Valley overall winner in cross country … UNLV Winter Break Meet winner in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m events … 5000m winner at the University of Oregon Twilight … winner of the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m events at the Hillsboro Oregon Twilight … Las Vegas Review Journal Athlete of the Year for cross country in 2007 and 2008 … made the Southern Nevada Honor Roll from 2006-2009.

Personal: Daughter of Deborah Carle and Scott Dean … born March 11, 1991 … majoring in Mass Communication with an emphasis in broadcast journalism and Sports Psychology.


Nikki DotterSo. • East Wenatchee, Wash. • Eastmont H.S.

AuraLea FainSo. • Billings, Mont. •Senior H.S.

2011 Outdoor Track:Did not compete

2011 Indoor Track:Set personal-best 3000m altitude- adjusted time of 10:41.12 at Mountain States Games … clocked a lifetime-best one mile time of 5:06.17 at the Flotrack Husky Classic … finished second overall in the 800m at the Wildcat Tune-Up (2:21.02) … capped season off with a 28th-place finish

in the 3000m race at the MWC Indoor Championships.

2010 XC:Set a new personal-record time of 22:55.8 (6K) at the NCAA Region Championships… finished 19th (17:49.7) in first-ever collegiate cross country race … crossed the finish line with at time of 24:31.4 (50th) at the MWC Championships.

2010 Outdoor Track:Finished sixth overall in the 800m (2:18.64) at the Weber Twilight … set an outdoor personal record time of 2:17.94 (800m) at the Mark Faldo Invitational … posted a time of 2:19.79 at Robison Invitational … clocked a personal-best 400m time of 59.66 at the BYU Invitational.

2010 Indoor Track:In the 800m event, she posted a season-best time of 2:17.82 at the MWC Indoor Championships … at Iowa State Classic, clocked a 2:18.75 that earned her 33rd overall … recorded a season-best 400-meter time of 1:00.14 (fourth place) at Mountain State Games.

High School:Won individual 2008 state championship in 800m event … member of the 2007 women’s state championship team … member of all-city team for soccer … personal bests include: 2:13 (800m), 5:07 (1600m), and 56.7 sec. (400m) … played on soccer team for four years.

Personal:Daughter of Ed and Carolyn Dotter … born September 7, 1990 … majoring in Elementary Education and intends to become a kindergarten teacher … second of four children.

2011 Outdoor Track:At the Arizona State Invitational, she finished 15th in the 5000m with a time of 18:21.14 … clocked a 10-kilometer time of 37:30.09 at Mt. Sac Relays … earned 16th at MWC Outdoor Championships in the 10-kilometer race with a time of 41:16.25.

2011 Indoor Track:Finished seventh overall in the 3000m with a time of 10:48.81 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5000m time of 17:49.91 at the Flotrack Husky Classic, which ranks 11th all-time in

school history … earned 17th place at the MWC Indoor Championships in the 5000m.

2010 XC:Finished ninth place (21:13) at the Nevada-Reno meet … season best (6K) performance at NCAA Pre-National meet with a time of 23:21.4 … posted a 33rd- place finish in her first collegiate race … clocked a time of 23:40.6 at NCAA Region Championships.

High School:Three-time all-state cross country selection … six-time all-state track and field honoree … high school team won state championship freshman and senior years … member of 2006 team that competed at Nike Team Nationals … lettered all four years in track and cross country … personal bests include: 18:01 (3 mi.), 2:18 (800m), 5:17 ( 1 mi.), 11:33 (3200m), and 36:23 (10k) … member of National Honors Society and Environmental Club … graduated with academic honors.

Personal:Daughter of Bruce and Patty Fain ... has four siblings … majoring in Exercise Sport Science … intends to become a Physicians Assistant … hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, singing and slack lining … born September 12,1991.

UTAHUTES.COM

High School:Four-time state qualifier in track and cross country … placed fourth in the 1600m and fifth in the 3200m her junior season at the 4A State Championships … won region cross country championship and placed third at state championships … made the Footlocker All-West Second Team and finished 22nd overall at the national meet … broke the indoor state record in the 3200m with a time of 11:01 … won state championships in the 1600m, and 3200m her senior season … earned the performance of the year award in track … won the 3200m at the Great

Southwest track meet after her high school season ended.

Personal:Daughter of JoAnn and Wendell Hurst … born July 27, 1993 … has two older brothers and one younger sister … major is undecided.

Susannah HurstFr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • East H.S.

Amanda MergaertJr. • Shelby Township, Mich.•Utica H.S.

2011 Outdoor Track:Finished fifth in the 800m with a time of 2:08.06 at the Stanford Invitational … earned seventh overall in the 1500m with a lifetime-best performance of 4:23.51 at the Mt. Sac Relays … clocked a personal-record 800m time of 2:07.38 for first place at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational … ran 1200m leg of distance medley relay that set a school-record time of 11:17.09 to earn school’s first ever relay champion at Drake Relays … finished third in the 1500m at the MWC Outdoor Championships … clocked a school-record 1500m time of 4:16.57 to finish first place at the NCAA Regional Championships … concluded season with 14th-place finish at the NCAA

Championships in the 1500m race.

2011 Indoor Track:Broke the school-record mile time in season debut with a time of 4:46.40 at the New Mexico Invitational … at Bronco Open, set a personal-best 800m time of 2:08.78, which earned first place … finished second in the mile at the MWC Indoor Championships with a time of 4:52.00 … broke her own school record for the third time in the mile with a time of 4:44.00 at the Alex Wilson Invitational … posted a lifetime-best 1600m split of 4:40.7 on the school-record setting distance medley relay team.

2010 XC:Finished 45th at the NCAA Championships, which was five places shy of All-American honors … posted personal-record and a ninth-place finish (20:45.2) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … earned All-Region recognition from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association … finished first for Utah in every meet she competed in during the season … in season debut, finished 18th overall (21:19) at the 6K Stanford Invitational … earned first career MWC Athlete of the Week honors for performance at Stanford Invitational … finished first overall at Nevada-Reno meet with a time of 19:36.

2010 Outdoor Track:Earned sixth (2:09.82) in her 800m heat at the NCAA West Regional … at the Payton Jordan Carnival Invitational, set a personal-record 800m time of 2:07.99 … posted a 4:30.19 (third place) at the Stanford invitational, her first time running the 1500m event … finished first place in the 800m (2:10.28) at the Willie Williams Classic … finished fifth in the final round of the 1,500m run with a time of 4:35.37 in the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Junior Championships … earned Academic All-MWC honors.

2010 Indoor Track:Ran the 1200m leg (3:27) of distance medley relay that set a school record time (11:13.77) … finished second place and set a school record time of 4:51.21 in the mile run at the MWC Indoor Championships ... won conference title as a member of the distance medley relay that clocked a 11:38.59 (ranks second in MWC Championships history) … placed first overall in the mile at the Iowa State Classic with a time of 4:56.02 … set a personal-best time of 2:14.51 in the 800m for first place at the Mountain State Games … finished fifth at Bronco Invite in the mile run … ran the 1200m leg of distance medley relay team that set a then- school-record time of 11:13.77 at NCAA Last Chance Qualifier.

Freshman (2009):First Utah runner to cross the finish in final four meets of 2009 season … earned academic all-conference honors … finished 13th with a time of 17:59.8 at the Utah State Open (3 mi.) … completed WAC Preview Invite (5k) third overall with a time of 20:17 … season best 6k time at the Chile Pepper Invite with a time of22:07.47 for 32nd place … finished NCAA Mountain Regional 57th with a time of 22:29.5.

High School:Personal bests include 400m dash in :58 and 800m run in 2:15 … earned third place in the 800m run at 2008 State Track Meet and fifth-place in 2009 … member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and National Youth Leadership program … McDonald’s Athlete-Scholar and Utica Academic Scholar.

Personal:Daughter of Dan and Sharon Mergaert … majoring in health sciences … hobbies include biking, reading and traveling … born September 4, 1991.


Lauren MillsFr. • Aurora, Colo. • Smoky Hill H.S.

Macee NielsonFr. • Monticello, Utah • Monticello H.S.

High School:Earned first team all-city three straight years … qualified for state cross country meet four years … personal-best times include: 800m (2:22), 1600m (5:16), 3200m (11:34), and 5000m (18:44) … age-group winner at Mt. Evans Ascent in 2010 … earned AP scholar, Faculty Scholarship Award, and Honor Roll accolades … academic all-state in track.

Personal:Daughter of Bill and Lisa Mills … majoring in Meteorology with desire to work at the National

Weather Service … hobbies include: playing the guitar, running, and singing … inspired by Bernard Lagat and Nick Symonds.

High School:Two-time state champion in cross country ... four-time state champion in track including three titles in the 3200m and one in the 1600m. … member of the state championship medley team her freshman season … set a 1A Utah State record in the 3200m with a time of 11:04.01 … invited to Great Southwest Invitational three consecutive years … earned all-state honors in cross country and track four years … four-time school MVP in track and three-time MVP in cross country … earned 1A runner of the year honors two times.

Personal:Daughter of R.T. and Lea Ann Nielson … born October 27, 1992 … majoring in chemistry.

UTAHUTES.COM

Nicole RietzFr. • Billings, Mont.• West H.S.

Alex Shaw-VillagranaFr. • Ogden, Utah • St. Joseph’s H.S.

High School:Four-time state qualifier in cross country … finished fourth at the state cross country championships in junior and senior seasons … earned team’s MVP award three consecutive years … received All-State accolades 12 times (eight in track and four in cross country) … earned eight Academic All-State awards … personal bests include: 400m (58.6 seconds), 800m (2:14), 1600m (5:03), 3200m (11:28), and three mile (18:01) … member of National Honors Society.

Personal:Daughter of David and Suzanne Rietz … born September 13, 1992 … majoring in exercise sports science with a minor in nutrition.

High School:Finished first at cross country state championships and was the state champion in the 1600m during her junior season … team won four straight cross country and three consecutive track & field state championships … earned all-state recognitions 16 times (four cross country and 12 track & field) … personal bests include: 3200m (11:24), 800m (2:22), and the 1600m (5:13).

Personal:Daughter of Ernest Villagrana and Christina Shaw … majoring in Athletic Training … hobbies include: snowboarding and soccer … wants to become a physical therapist.


2011 Outdoor Track:Earned 18th in the 1500m at the UVU Invite with a time of 5:09.04 … clocked a fourth-place finish time of 19:02.61 in the 5000m at the Robison Invitational … finished fourth in the 5000m with a time of 19:42.29 at the BYU Twilight.

2011 Indoor Track:Finished 23rd in the mile at the Snake River Open with a time of 5:48.93 … clocked a second-place finish in the open 3000m with a time of 11:10.67 at the Mountain States Games … finished

first overall in the mile race with a time of 5:30.64 at the Wildcat Tune-Up … finished 12th at the Bronco Open with a time of 10:49.95 in the three kilometer race.

2010 XC:Redshirt.

High School:All-state cross country selection three years in a row … academic all-state … team captain for two years … region champion in cross country … fourth place overall at state cross country meet … personal records include 18:08 (3 mi.) and 19:35 (5k) … Highland High School Female Athlete of the Year 2009 … Senior Highland Ram award 2010 … three time region champion in 1600m … region champion in track and field for the 3200m , 4x400, and medley relay … was class valedictorian with a 4.0 cumulative GPA … also played volleyball … member of National Honor Society.

Personal:Daughter of Brent & Laurie Stringfellow … born February 17, 1992 …youngest of five siblings … hobbies include playing piano, reading and playing the guitar … majoring in mathematics.

Katelyn StringfellowRS-Fr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Highland H.S.

Hilary TroutnerJr. • Provo, Utah • Timpview H.S.

2011 Outdoor Track:Clocked an 18:49.23 in the 5000m to earn third place at the Robison Invitational … finished third overall in the 5000m race with a time of 19:13.01 at the BYU Twilight.

2011 Indoor Track:Finished 25th in the mile with a time of 5:50.82 at the Snake River Open … earned fourth place in the open 3000m with a time of 11:10.67 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5:39.20 in the mile for fourth place at the Wildcat Tune-Up.

2010 XC:Redshirt.

2010 Outdoor Track:Finished third at the Robison Invitational with a time of 19:25.02 in the 5000m event … posted a personal-best 1500m time of 4:59.00 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational … in her season debut, ran a 5:12.50 (1500m) at the BYU Invitational.

2010 Indoor Track:Ran a season-best mile time of 5:47.27 at the Bengal Shoot Out… at the Bronco Invitational, finished with a personal-best time of 11:19.51 in the 3000m… clocked a 3000m time of 11:27.07 (10th place) at the Mountain States Games.

Freshman (2009):Finished 36th at Utah State Open (3 mi.) with a time of 19:35.8 … season-best three-mile time was at Fleet Feet invitational with a time of 19:26 for 54th place … competed at MWC Championships (6k) with a time of 24:46.8 for 61st.

High School:Personal bests include the three-mile in 18:07, 1600m in 5:23.01 and 3200m in 11:35.74 … placed second in the 2008 Foot locker West Regional Senior Race … state qualifier in the 1600m and 3200m and 1600m medley relay … region champion in the medley relay, running the 800m … team captain for two years on track team and senior captain on the cross country team … MVP in track and cross country … Rookie of the Year in cross country during junior year.

Personal:Daughter of Stacy and Brent Troutner … majoring in elementary education … hobbies include painting, drawing, biking, camping and hiking … born January 24, 1991.

UTAHUTES.COM

2011 Outdoor Track:Set a personal-record in the 1500m at the UVU Invitational with a time of 4:49.20 … finished with a personal-best 10-kilometer time of 36:05, which ranks seventh all-time in school history at the Mt. Sac Invitational … earned 15th in the 10-kilometer with a time of 39:40.72 at the MWC Outdoor Championships …clocked a five-kilometer personal-best time of 17:19.00 and finished fifth overall at the U.S Outdoor Track & Field Junior Championships.

2011 Indoor Track:Finished third overall in the three-kilometer race at the Mountain States Games with a time of 10:34.26 … posted the eighth best five-kilometer time in school history with a 17:33 at the Husky Classic … ran a personal-best three-kilometer time of 10:07.90 at the Husky Classic … earned 21st in the three-kilometer and 12th in the five-kilometer races at the MWC Indoor Championships.

2010 XC:Earned a third-place finish at Nevada-Reno meet with a time of 20:14 (5k) … finished 18th overall at the three-mile Montana State Bobcat Invitational with a time of 18:04 … in season debut at the Utah State Open, completed the course in 18:13.6 (3 mi.) … achieved a time of 22:33.0 (80th) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships.

High School:All-state two years in a row for cross country … lettered four years in cross country… letters in track and field ... personal best statistics include 19:09 (3 mi.), 2:23 (800m), 5:28 (1 mi.), and 11:41 (2 mi.) … member of National Honors Society … was flyer on cheerleading squad that placed first at regionals and fifth at nationals.

Personal:Daughter of Reed and Sherri Winterton…major is undecided…hobbies include dental assisting, organizing and playing the piano…born April 19, 1992.

Rebekah WintertonSo. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Skyline H.S.

Lucy YatesRS-Jr. • St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, UK• St. Albans Academy

2011 Outdoor Track:Finished third in the 800m with a season-best time of 2:06.71 at the Stanford Invitational … set a personal-best in the 1500m with a time of 4:26.47 for 15th place at Mt. Sac Relays … earned eighth overall in the 800m at the MWC Outdoor Championships … ran the 800m split of the distance medley relay that set a school-record time of 11:17.09 and earned the school’s first ever Drake Relay Champion.

2011 Indoor Track:Finished first in the 800m at the New Mexico Invitational with a time of 2:09.26 … ran personal-best 400m time of 57.20 at Bronco Open … earned second place overall in the 800m at the MWC Indoor Championships … ran the 800m portion of the school-record setting distance medley relay that finished with a time of 11:11.71 to finish second overall at the Alex Wilson Invitational.

2010 XC:Did not compete.

2010 Outdoor Track:Finished 23rd overall (2:15.43) in the 800m event at the NCAA Championships … was runner-up in the first round at the NCAA Preliminary meet with a school-record 800m time of 2:06.21that beat her previous personal-best by one second … clocked an 800m time of 2:08.12 that earned her fourth place at the MWC Outdoor Championships … in season debut, set a personal-best time of 4:31.07 (1500m) for second overall at the Willie Williams Classic … took first place in the 800-meter (2:07.82) race at the Aviva England Under 23 Championships and World Trials.

2010 Indoor Track:Set 800m personal best at the NCAA Last Chance Qualifier … her performance earned her third place in the meet and was the second-fastest in school history … ran the 800m leg of distance medley relay team that set a school record time of 11:13.77 at NCAA Last Chance Qualifier … finished seventh overall at the MWC Indoor Championships with an 800m time of 2:12.21 … won conference title as a member of the distance medley relay that clocked a 11:38.59 at a time that ranks second in MWC Championship history … clocked a time of 2:07.6 at the Husky Invitational for 11th place overall.

Freshman (2009):Because of long summer track season, did not start season until WAC Preview (Oct. 10), where she finished 19th overall with a time of 21:32 … completed MWC Championships with a time of 24:07.3 for 48th place … in track and field, finished 23rd at the 2010 NCAA Championships in the 800m event.


High School:South England 1,500 meter champion in 2006 … came in second in the South England Indoors in 2007 … English Schools finalist from 2004 through 2008 … earned a second-place finish for South England 800m race in 2008 … personal records include 2:09 for 800m and 4:36 for 1,500m run.

Personal:Daughter of Peter and Rosemary Yates … majoring in history … born April 23, 1990.


MWC Cross Country Championship Results

1. New Mexico ........................ 20

2. Colorado State ................... 60

3. BYU ........................................ 72

4. Air Force ............................. 132

5. Utah ....................................139

6. Wyoming ............................ 141

7. San Diego State ................ 214

8. UNLV ................................... 216

9. TCU ..................................... 219

NCAA Mountain Region Cross Country Championship Results

1. New Mexico ............................ 532. Texas Tech ............................... 553. Colorado .................................. 594. BYU ......................................... 1565. Colorado State ..................... 1756. Montana ............................... 2157. UTEP ........................................ 2188. Weber State .......................... 2439. Idaho State ........................... 25210. Utah Valley .......................... 28711. Southern Utah ..................... 29112. Utah ......................................30713. New Mexico State .............. 31314. Air Force .............................. 33515. Northern Arizona ................ 34716. Wyoming ............................. 35817. Utah State ........................... 36418. Nevada ............................... 48619. Montana State ................... 536

Utah State- Sept. 4

The Utah women’s cross country team began its season with a five-kilometer race at the Utah State Open in Logan, Utah. The Utes finished with 83 points, earning them third place overall. Leading Utah was Jenny McCune, who posted a time of 17:36.4 for ninth place. Crossing the line shortly after in her first collegiate race was Nikki Dotter with a time of 17:49.7 (19th).

The last three scoring spots for the Utes were claimed by freshmen. AuraLea Fain finished 33rd with a time of 18:09.2, while Alexis Laws completed the course 34th with a time of 18:13.1. Rebekah Winterton rounded out the top-five finishers with a time of 18:13.6 (35th). Sophomore Chantel Hunt claimed 66th with a time of 20:11.3. Utah’s Brooke Casagranda finished with a time of 21:22.0, earning her 69th.Competing as unattached athletes were Alexis Davis with a time of 19:40.9 (60th) and Hillary Troutner finished 65th with a time of 20:09.2.

Montana State- Sept. 18

The Utes finished up the three-mile course at the Montana State Bobcat Invitational by earning fifth place with 131 points. In only her second collegiate race, Dotter led the Utes with a 13th-place finish (17:52). McCune completed the course just behind Dotter, with a time of 18:00.0 (15th), improving on her time at Montana State in 2009 by 16 seconds.

Winterton completed the course in 18:04, earning her 18th place. Crossing the line for 23rd place (18:12) was Laws, which gave the Utes four runners in the top-25 finishers.

Hunt rounded out the top-five finishers for Utah, clocking a 20:20 and 77th overall. Brooke Casagranda finished shortly after with a time of 21:03 (94th).

Stanford Invitational- Sept. 25

Utah claimed 10th (268 points) in team standings at their first six-kilometer race of the season. In her season debut, Amanda Mergaert finished first for the Utes and 18th overall with a personal record time of 21:19. Her performance earned her MWC Athlete of the Week honors. McCune crossed the line with a time of 22:20 for 54th place. Dotter was the next Ute to complete the course, with a time of 22:39 to claim 70th place.

Winterton finished the course in 22:41 for 73rd. Rounding out the top five runners for the Utes, was Laws with a time of 23:00 (92nd).

Megan Combe (23:23) and Fain (23:31) finished 108th and 115th respectively for the Utes.

As a team the average finishing time was 14 seconds faster than the last time the Ute woman ran at Stanford in 2008 when they placed sixth as a team.

Nevada-Reno Meet- Oct. 2 (triangular “chase race”style)

Utah’s runners dominated the Nevada-Reno Meet, claiming first overall as a team and also the top four individual spots. Mergaert led Utah, with her first collegiate victory, finishing the 5k course in 19:36 earning her first place overall. McCune and Winterton both finished with the time of 20:14, but McCune was awarded second place and Winterton was given third. Laws posted a time of 20:21 for fourth. Also, finishing in top 10 was Fain, who clocked a time of 21:13 for ninth overall.

Utah’s Combe finished 12th with a time of 21:42. Also Hunt (23:29) and Casagranda (24:07) finished 20th and 21st respectively for the Utes.

NCAA Pre-Nationals meet- Oct. 16

Utah overcame a slow start to finish 33rd at the six-kilometer NCAA Pre-Nationals meet. The Utes tallied 812 team points, in the White Race, edging Washington State by 14 points. The Utes also finished ahead of Utah Valley, Air Force, and Southern Utah. Mergaert led the Utes for the third consecutive race. She set a new personal-record time by completing the course with a time of 21:05.8, which earned her 32nd overall.

Crossing the line second for Utah was McCune with a time of 22:22.9, which was good for 165th. Winterton set a new personal-record time with 22:29.7, placing her 176th. Claiming the 219th spot with a time of 23:00.8 was Laws. The final Ute to earn team points was Combe with a time of 23:01.7 (220th).

Dotter (23:09.9) and Fain (23:21.4) finished 232nd and 245th for the Utes, respectively.

MWC Championships- Oct. 29

The Utah women’s cross country team earned a fifth-place finish at the MWC Championships. The Utes finished with 139 points and edged host Wyoming, who finished with 141 points.

Mergaert led the Utes, posting a time of 22:06.1 for seventh-place. After the meet, Mergaert received First-Team All-MWC honors and became only the third runner from Utah to accomplish this feat since Utah joined the MWC in 1999.

Finishing second for the Utes and 28th overall, was Laws with a time of 23:20.0. McCune claimed the 31st spot with a time of 23:31.8. Winterton crossed the line with the time of 23:46.8, giving her 35th overall. Combe completed the course with a time of 24:17.0 for 46th-place. Dotter finished with a time of 24:31.4 (50th overall).

The Utes total time for scoring runners was 1:57:23.3, which was over a minute faster than their performance at the 2009 MWC Championships.

2010 ReviewFinishing second for the Utes and 28th overall, was Laws with a time of 23:20.0. McCune claimed the 31st spot with a time of 23:31.8. Winterton crossed the line with the time of 23:46.8, giving her 35th overall. Combe completed the course with a time of 24:17.0 for 46th-place. Dotter finished with a time of 24:31.4 (50th overall).

The Utes total time for scoring runners was 1:57:23.3, which was over a minute faster than their performance at the 2009 MWC Championships.

NCAA Mountain Region Championships- Nov. 13

Led by Mergaert’s performance, the Utes claimed 12th overall at the six-kilometer event. Utah tallied 307 points, which placed them six points ahead of New Mexico State (313).

Mergaert completed the course with a new personal record time of 20:45.2 (9th). Her time was faster than the previous course record (20:52.7). Mergaert’s effort qualified her for the NCAA Championships.

McCune finished second for the Utes after posting a time of 22:03.3 (52nd). McCune set a new personal- record by more than 17 seconds.

Laws finished third for the Utes with a time of 22:31.2 (77th). Winterton (22:33.0) and Dotter (22:55.8) finished 80th and 92nd overall. Combe clocked a 23:05.2 (100th) and Fain finished 119th (23:40.6), respectively for the Utes.

NCAA Championships- Nov. 22

Mergaert became the second Utah athlete in three years to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She finished the six-kilometer course 45th out 255 runners with a time of 20:56.

In the first mile of the race, Mergaert was among the top 90 runners, but finished strong the final 1,000-meters by passing nine athletes to finish 45th place. Her finish was five places shy of earning NCAA All-American honors. She was the ninth athlete from the Mountain Region to cross the finish line.

UTAHUTES.COM

The University of Utah women’s cross country team posted a 12th-place finish at the six-kilometer NCAA Mountain Regional meet. The Utes were led by standout Amanda Mergaert’s ninth-place finish.

“We competed hard and got in the mix,” said Utah head coach Kyle Kepler. “Our kids ran their guts out and almost everyone had a life time best today.”

The Utes tallied 307 points, which earned them 12th overall. Utah finished six points ahead of New Mexico State University (313). The overall winner of the meet was New Mexico with 53 points.

Mergaert completed the course with a new personal record time of 20:45.2 (9th). Her time was faster than the previous course record (20:52.7). Mergaert’s effort qualified her for the NCAA Championships.

“I stayed relaxed the first couple of laps,” comments Mergaert. “The race spread out quickly, but the pace was good. It was a lot of fun today.”

Finishing second for the Utes was sophomore Jenny McCune. She posted a time of 22:03.3 (52nd). McCune set a new personal record by more than 17 seconds.

“That was the most fun race of my whole life. I wanted to break a six minute a mile pace and I was able to run a 5:54 mile pace,” said McCune.

Alexis Laws finished third for the Utes with a time of 22:31.2 (77th). Freshmen Rebekah Winterton (22:33.0) and Nikki Dotter (22:55.8) finished 80th and 92nd overall. Megan Combe clocked a 23:05.2 (100th) and AuraLea Fain finished 119th (23:40.6), respectively for the Utes.

For a complete recap of last season’s NCAA Regional at Rose Park, go to:

http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/c-xc/recaps/111310aaa.html

2010 NCAA Regional

2011 utah cross country media guide

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