The 2007-2008 Fontbonne University Cross Country team recruiting class is dominated by several all-state and state champion runners. Both the men and women teams have added a wealth of talent to their programs through this year’s recruiting class.

The women’s recruiting class is highlighted by Alex Weatherby, Julian and Sarah Wohlshlager, Rachel Hanson and Tricia Morris. Weatherby(Soldan HS, St. Louis, MO) has been the St. Louis City Cross Country Champion for the past three years. She also was the City champ this spring in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Julian and Sarah Wohlshlaeger (Northwest HS, House Springs, MO) are twins who were co-captains of both their high school cross country and track teams. They will be good leaders and hard workers and can make a mark during this fall’s cross country season. Rachel Hanson (Rossview HS, Adams, TN) has had an outstanding cross country and track and field career in Tennessee, putting up numbers that attracted much Division I recruiting interest in both cc and track. She has run sub 19:00 in Cross Country 5K races and finished the regular season last year ranked as the #7 girl in Tennessee’s large school cc rankings. Rachel has the potential to compete on the national level her freshman year. Tricia Morris (Trinity HS, Hazelwood, MO) has great potential as a middle distance runner. With hardly any base training, she ran 2:28 in the 800 this spring. As her strength develops with an over distance program, she will get nothing but better. She is also a very good hurdler.

In addition to these new freshmen, head coach Dave Almany is also expecting big contributions from Emilia Lubrano, Hilary Barkley, Erica Rothlisberger, Marcey Cox and Michele Ksir. Emilia Lubrano (Klein HS, Houston, TX) did not run last year, but was a sub 19 minute 5K runner in high school. She was also a very successful 400 and 800 meter track runner. She has the ability to be a very strong collegiate runner. Erica Rothlisberger ran on the track team this spring and showed a surprising ability in the 800. She has sprinter’s speed, and with a good base this summer and fall, she will be a competitive middle distance runner. Hillary Barkley (W Frankford HS, West Frankford, IL) is an accomplished basketball player, who proved to be a winning javelin thrower this past spring during track season; and now wants to show she can also run distance.

Marcey Cox (Herculaneum HS, Herculaneum, MO) did not run this past year while attending junior college, but was all state performer in high school track middle distance events. She is another runner “with a lot of gas left in the tank. She could be a real “find” for this year’ssquads.” Michele Ksir (Oakville HS, Melville, MO)began training with us last spring and has a good work ethic, she just needs experience, but will in time be a good distance runner.

The Griffins open the season at the Washington University Early Bird Run to be held in Forrest Park on Saturday September 1.