AIKEN, SC--USC Aiken’s women’s cross country team is set to begin its 2003 season on Saturday with a trip to Greenwood, S.C., to take part in the 13th Annual Connie Maxwell Invitational, hosted by Lander University. Three runners return from last season’s team that finished ninth at the 2002 Peach Belt Conference Championships. Second-year head coach Dana Richter will welcome five new runners to the team.

USC Aiken will have the services of last year’s top runner. Junior Veronica Derico (Aiken, S.C.) improved her time in each meet last season and posted the best time of her career at the PBC Championships. Derico finished in 21:38.90.

“Veronica is expected to be our top runner this year,” said Richter. “She’ll improve on her career best and be this team’s leader.”

Also returning from the 2002 squad are Ashley Reedy (Jefferson, Md.) and Ashley Northington (Aiken, S.C.). Reedy has shown marked improvement from last season and will push Derico for the top spot on the team. Northington may be a year away from joining the team’s top five runners.

Among the newcomers are freshmen Kristyn Holley (Belvedere, S.C.) and Amy Ransom (East Ridge, Tenn.). Holley, a product of Midland Valley High School, is an excellent athlete who has shown dedication to the sport. Ransom lacks experience but has shown a willingness to work hard.

Sophomores Jen Mascarin (Komoka, Ontario), a member of USCA’s women’s soccer team, and Katie Hair (Aiken, S.C.), a Lady Pacer softball player, have elected to become dual sport athletes by joining the cross country team this year.

“Katie and Jen both have great work ethics and will be important additions to our team this season,” Richter said.

Senior Haylee Reichert of Elm Creek, Neb., joined the team this season as well but will not likely see action due to an injury.

“We have a fairly young team but almost all of them have cross country running experience,” Richter added.

The young team Richter refers to worked hard over the summer and during preseason to get ready for a successful season. A campaign in which the coach believes her team can make a move to the top half of the Peach Belt Conference.

Close This Window