MSU Billings Cross-Country Team Opens Season in South Dakota (September 11, 2002)

BILLINGS – The Montana State University-Billings cross-country team will open the 2002 season at the South Dakota Tech Invitational this weekend.  Both the men’s and women’s team will be competing against South Dakota Tech, Black Hills State, Dickinson State and Northern State.

Head coach Dave Coppock believes the women’s team will have a strong season with nine runners on the squad.  The Lady Yellowjackets return their top four runners from 2001 in Chelsea Lynnes, Ellen Swogger, Anjel Engesser and Kelly Long.  Coppock says that all four entered fall camp in very good shape.  The top five could be rounded out by newcomer Tracie Overberg, who has developed quickly during training camp.

The men’s team will only field four runners in the early part of the season.  The team is anchored by returnees Ryan Archibald and Ben McNelley.  The Yellowjackets will also rely on newcomers Josh Jones and Brian Fosjord to perform well.  Two other runners were lost just prior to fall camp.  Scott Brown had his Air Force Reserve tour of duty extended indefinitely, and Tim Sheneman had to undergo surgery in late August.

MSUB is scheduled to compete in six events before the NCAA West Regional.  Following is the 2002 MSU Billings cross-country schedule:

September 14               at South Dakota Tech Invitational (Rapid City, SD)
September 21               at MSU-Bozeman Invitational (Bozeman, MT)
October 5                    at Rocky Mountain Shootout (Boulder, CO)
October 12                  at Northern Colorado Invitational (Greeley, CO)
October 18                  at Black Hills State Invitational (Spearfish SD)
October 26                  Yellowjacket Invitational (Riverfront Park)
November 9                 NCAA Division II West Regional
November 23               NCAA Division II National Championships