Mount Mercy News
 
Women's Cross Country - Thu, Aug 26, 2010
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Once again this fall, the Mount Mercy women's cross country team is picked to win the Midwest Collegiate Conference title, and received votes in the NAIA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Mustangs, who have won nine MCC championships, return 10 runners from a 2009 squad that earned its fourth straight league title. Mount Mercy also qualified for the NAIA national meet for the second year in a row and third time in school history.

Mount Mercy comes in 35th in the NAIA preseason poll after receiving 17 points from coaches around the country. The Mustangs are the only team from the MCC represented in the top 25. Biola (Calif.) tops the preseason poll after a runner-up finish at the 2009 NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championships.

The 2010 Mount Mercy women's cross country team is led by MCC Coach of the Year, Ryan Scheckel, and all-conference seniors Erin Behan (fourth in 2009) and Kori Yotter (fifth). Joining them on the Mustang roster are juniors Britney Yotter, Kara Danielsen, Keely Danielsen; sophomores Leah Schultz, Shelby Daisy, Stephanie Nibaur, and Taylor Helms; and freshmen Anne Bruno, Mackenzie Holladay, and Wendi Dunn.

Mount Mercy opens the season by hosting the 17th Annual Mustang Gallop on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Park. In all, nine teams will compete in the Gallop, including Mount Mercy, Clarke, Coe, Grand View, a Mount Mercy alumni squad, NIACC, William Penn, and Viterbo (Wis.).