This season, Head Coach John Scott has the high expectation to get both the women and the men’s teams to NCAAs. 

After losing a number of strong athletes as well as head coach Trent Mack, this season could be seen as a transition year for AU Cross County.

“It is going to be a challenge, but I think we are going to be able to meet it,” said Scott.

On the men’s side, the team graduated four out of the five in their top ten, forcing the returning athletes to adjust during their practice and meets to create success even without the graduates.

There are seven incoming freshman on the men’s side who have had successful high school careers and will create an impact to the team this year.

“You never know who is going to step up to the plate in cross country,” said Scott. “Hard work pays off so we will see who will make an impact.”

As a result of having fewer senior men returners, the team will need to rely more on every runner, and not just the few who led the pack last season.

“Having young athletes is how teams grow and make it to the top,” said assistant coach Jeremy Wilk. “I think we are going to be alright. It is just going to mean running better as a team than we have in the past.”

The team is looking strong on the women’s side based on their high level of experience coming from their returners.

“We have a solid group of seven seniors who are returning this season so we have a lot of experience with them,” said Scott.

The GLIAC is one of the toughest conferences in Division II.  Both Grand Valley State and Hillsdale are going to be a remaining strength in the conference, GVSU being the defending champions and Hillsdale being the defending runners up.

“It’s not going to be easy, but our women have been working hard this summer and I am exciting to see their fitness coming in,” said Scott. “Our men have been proving to have worked hard as well and we are healthy for the most part which is also really important.”

There have been some changes within the region this season, which will be beneficial to both the men and women’s side.   Five teams on the men’s and six on the women’s side have the opportunity to qualify for regionals.

“The increase in number just shows how competitive our region is but that is how we like it,” said Scott. “When you compete against the best week in and week out, it brings out the best in you.”

The team’s first meet will be on Sept. 5 at the Ohio Wesleyan University Invitational.