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Golden
Grizzlies Hungry for Title
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2000
Mid-Continent
Conference
Runner of the Year
Kristie Kieffer |
The Oakland University
cross country teams have many similarities. Besides being anchored
by head coach Paul Rice, they share a common dream that has been
etched in their minds since OU entered into Division I. That dream
has converted into a goal, and now that goal is reality. OU would
like nothing more than to win a Conference Championship.
The time for victory is
each week as they try to improve on individual performances. If
improvement continues throughout the season, the Golden Grizzlies
will be in place to make a charge for the Mid-Continent Conference
championships. A top finish in the region is another goal the
Golden Grizzlies have set their eyes on.
“Our main goals for this season for both men and women are to win
the conference and finish in the top 15 in the region,” said head
coach Paul Rice.
Like past years, staying
healthy and execution are the keys to a successful season. Oakland
will face a steep challenge as they travel to Southern Utah for the
Conference Championship.
“One weakness that I am concerned about is the conference
championship being held at Southern Utah, “ said Rice. “We need
to prepare for the altitude in Utah and adapt quickly once we are
there.”
 Oakland
boasts the Mid-Con Runner of the Year on the women’s side in
Kristie Kieffer (Sterling Heights/Utica). She will lead the Golden
Grizzlies and will be closely followed by senior Jennifer Kunst
(Port Huron/Port Huron) and newcomer Melissa Nasers (Battle Creek).
“Hands down Kristie is the best woman’s runner that we have ever
had at Oakland” said Rice. “I am very confident in my top three
runners.”
The men have a
competitive season ahead of them as Rice waits for a front-runner to
emerge from a talented pack of runners. Going as deep as five,
Rice’s main concern is the gap between the first and fifth runner.
“ We really have five
guys who will battle it out each week for the top spot” said Rice.
"We need one of them to secure that top spot and push the other
runners to follow suit."
The top five include
Kurt Brinker (China/ St.Clair), Brandon Fisk (Shelby Township/
Eisenhower), Jason Bruscha (Sterling Heights/Eastern Michigan), Adam
Frezza and John Cook (St.Clair/St.Clair).
Rice sites youth and
inexperience as obstacles for the Grizzlies as well as injuries that
can occur and cause major setbacks.
 “As
long as we stay healthy and focused we should do very well ” said
Rice. "Unfortunately that has been a hinderance for us
in the recent past. Hopefully this year we can keep everyone
healthy and on the right track towards our goals."
OU will face off against
tough competition to prepare for their destiny. Sweat, hard work and
perseverance will be the key ingredients as OU prepares for the
conference cook off. They are hungry and ready to add some hardware
to Oakland’s trophy cases on their behalf.
"After being runner-up at last year's Mid-Continent Conference
championship, we are hungry for the top spot. That is our
focus this season” said Rice. |
