Aug. 19, 2003

The Charlotte 49ers women's cross country team showed great improvement under first-year cross country coach Brad Herbster a year ago. After placing 11th at the 2001 Conference USA Championships, the women jumped five spots to place sixth at last fall's league meet. Unlike their male counterparts, most of those responsible for that jump return this season. A young and talented squad a year ago, the 49ers return their top runners this season.

"With our runners returning and six new athletes joining the program, we are eagerly awaiting the start of this cross country season to continue our climb in the conference," head coach Robert Olesen said.

Last fall, Cassie Ficken (Jr., Conifer, Colo.) led the 49ers throughout the season, earning All-Conference USA and team MVP honors.

"Cassie is very determined, mentally, to race up front with the best competition and will have a great season," Herbster said. "She posted some very good times early in the 2003 track season and she can build on those.

"Cassie will be the leader in 2003. She is very positive and communicates well with the women's team. With the women's team being so young, we will need strong leadership."

Laura Syracuse (Sr., West Seneca, N.Y.) is another returnee that is expected to help lead this fall. As a junior last season, she consistently finished third for the 49ers.

"Laura has the ability to challenge for the top spot," Herbster said. "She has the ability to accomplish a great deal this season."

The 49ers also welcome back Claire Shepherd (Jr., Norcross, Ga.) as well as sophomores Andria Craig (Raleigh, N.C.), Marenika Wisdom (Long Island, N.Y.) and Klara Jarolimova (Charlotte, N.C.).

"We have talented, experienced runners who will be back for us this season," Herbster said. We have also brought in a freshman class that is talented enough to battle for scoring positions on this team. We have the opportunity to be one of the top teams in the conference this season."

One of those freshmen is Tsehaye Dagnachew (Jacksonville, N.C.) As a high school senior in track last spring, Dagnachew was the runner-up in the 1,600 at the North Carolina state 4-A championships with a time of 5:07.8. In addition to her time in the 1,600, she owns a personal-best of 11:16 in the 3,200 meters.

"Tsehaye has not even come close to reaching her potential," Herbster said. "She is an outstanding athlete and a wonderful person who will excel at Charlotte."

Amelia Slagle (Davidson, N.C.) is also set to begin her collegiate career with the Niners this season. The runner-up at the 2000 North Carolina state 4-A cross country championship, she has posted times of 5:19 in the 1,600 and and 11:31 in the 3,200. Slagle won 11 of 12 conference titles in her four years at North Mecklenburg.

"I am elated to once again work with Amelia," said Herbster, who coached her in high school. "She accomplished a lot at North Mecklenburg. She brings a very strong work ethic and is a very talented young woman."

Liz Smith (Springfield, Mo.) joins the program as a sophomore after competing at Missouri-Kansas City last season. At UMKC, she ran times of 2:17 in the 800 and 4:39 in the 1,500.

"Liz can come in and make an impact right away," Herbster said. "She is a good leader and is determined to build on her performances. We look forward to developing her into the type of runner she wants to become."

The 49ers will also welcome local products Kristin Cook (Fr., Gastonia, N.C.) and Lashika Robinson (Fr., Charlotte, N.C.) this season. Cook comes to Charlotte from Ashbrook High School, where she earned numerous all-conference and all-region honors. Robinson, a recent graduate of Vance High School, brings personal records of 2:20 in the 800 meters and 5:21 in the 1,600.

"We are excited about Kristin as I think she has a lot of potential to succeed at the collegiate level," Herbster said. "Lashika brings a lot of speed from her track accomplishments and can use them to be a strong finisher in cross country. We're glad she decided to stay in Charlotte and be a 49er."