Following a season that saw them compete for a national title,
the 2005 UCLA women’s cross country team looks on paper to be
a veteran squad with few lingering questions entering the
season.
But looks can be deceiving.
“Someone who might have followed our team in recent years
would think we are a much more experienced team than we really
are,” said Coach Eric Peterson. “It’s a unique
situation.”
Peterson and his staff’s “unique situation” is
a byproduct of having decided to redshirt three key returning
seniors, including standout Alison Costello. It might seem odd to
redshirt three veteran leaders who have been the core of the squad
during the past three years, but the taxing nature of the sport has
directly influenced Peterson’s decision.
“It’s time we give these women time off in order to
condition and ultimately improve for the 2006 season,”
Peterson said.
“It was an easy choice when looking at it long-term.
We’ve made an investment in the future of the program and
these athletes’ collegiate career.”
While the team will have three positions in the rotation open
for newcomers, Peterson has refused to call 2005 a
“rebuilding year.”
The reason for optimism is fueled by the steady progression of
junior Ashley Caldwell, who is two years removed from a 2003 season
in which she garnered three All-American honors for indoor and
outdoor competition.
Caldwell headlines a front end that poses few question marks.
However, the fourth, fifth, and sixth position will be filled by a
collection of runners as freshman Lindsay delaMontaigne and Ciara
Viehweg will vie for the positions with seniors Sarah West and Lori
Mann.
If the Bruins first meet was any indication, the success of 2005
will hinge on a collaborative effort with contributions from the
entire roster.
At the Sundodger Invitational on Sept. 13 in Seattle, UCLA had
three runners in the top 10 and finished second in the team
standings. Placing in the top 10 over the 6000m course for the
Bruins were junior Ashley Caldwell (3rd, 21:04), sophomore Claire
Rethmeier (5th, 21:15) and sophomore Monika Rothenburger (10th,
21:27). Placing 18th was delaMontaigne (21:48).
The meet was Peterson’s first look at the new lineup, and
he took away positives from the Bruins’ performance while
citing areas for improvement.
“Right now we are very strong up front, and our offseason
training has proved to pay off,” Peterson said.
“Our depth is really going to be a deciding factor
throughout the season.”