Aug. 12, 2008

CANYON, Texas - Not satisfied with their ranking in the preseason Lone Star Conference polls, the Lady Buffs' cross country team began training Monday morning for the upcoming 2008 season.

The Lady Buffs, picked fourth in the LSC preseason poll, return four letterwinners from a year ago, including seniors Belinda Castanon (El Paso, Texas) and Sharen Diggs (Hamlin, Texas), junior Kristie Hartsfield (junior, Perryton, Texas) and sophomore Becca Rapstine (White Deer, Texas).

Joining the foursome are newcomers Jeniffer Cherono (junior, Iten, Kenya), and freshmen Allie Reyna (Ralls, Texas) and Tara Shields (Spearman, Texas).

The squad's initial workout consisted of a 10-mile run for the returnees, while the newcomers underwent a 7-mile run.

"I was a little disappointed in where we were picked in the preseason poll," said WTAMU head coach Kimberly Dudley. "However, this gives us a goal to shoot for; to prove that we are better than what others perceive us as being."

The Lady Buffs will continue training as they gear up for their season-opening meet, Aug. 29, when they host the Buffalo Stampede in Canyon, Texas. The event is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. CDT.