2008 Cross Country Season Preview

In 2008, the Meredith Cross Country team intends to solidify their place in the USA South Athletic Conference. The 2007 Avenging Angels had a great season, finishing fourth in the USA South athletic conference and 27th in the 2007 NCAA Division III Cross Country South/Southeast Regional Women's Championship. They look to improve on last year’s performances.

The team is led by senior Jessica Panameno, who was named to the second team of the 2007 USA South Women’s Cross Country All Conference Team and also garnered Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week honors during the season. Sophomore Lauren McDonald consistently improved her times last season and will be a strong member of the team. Senior Diamond McClennan provides veteran leadership as well as a strong work ethic. Junior Lauren Connell will serve as team captain and help to anchor a strong second pack of runners. New to the cross country program but not to Meredith are two upper classmen, Nichole Eury and Rebecca Werner. Eury has competed in several half-marathons and Werner will step right in with Meredith’s pack of veteran runners.
“This is the strongest freshmen class we've ever had with Joyce McLeod, Lauren Habermehl, and Samantha Ramsdell - all ready to make an immediate impact on our team,” said Coach Amy Olsen. “ They were all 23-24 minute 5K runners in high school.  Jessica Panameno and Lauren McDonald will make a nice 1-2 punch.  Returners Lauren Connell, Diamond McClendon, and Katie Helms will add another year's experience to their performance and will hopefully be able to close the gap up to Jessica.”

The 2008 edition of the Avenging Angels team will continue the trend to be in the championship hunt of the USA South.