| 2006 Cross Country Season Preview The University of the Cumberlands Cross Country teams accomplished a lot in 2005. Both teams were named Conference Champions, Region 11 Champions, and competed at the NAIA National Cross Country Championship. Many athletes attained their goal of setting new personal best times and performances. Although faced with many adversities due to injuries and youthfulness of the team, the Patriots still managed to pull out many victories. Michelle Warnky will be difficult to replace, but there are several key experienced runners returning eager to lead the way back to the NAIA Championships. Leading the way for the men will be Josh Laughlin ( Bellbrook, OH) the 2005 Mid-South Conference Runner of the Year, Carl Roberts ( Austin, IN), Brett Ratliff ( Pikeville, KY), Trevor Laughlin ( Port Royal, KY), and Seth Darrell ( Monroe, KY). Darrell is coming off an injury that sidelined him in 2005 but has the potential to have a breakthrough 2006 season. For the women, look for sisters, Kelly, the 2005 Mid-South Conference Runner of the Year, and Shelly Schnee ( Milan, OH), to once again pace the Patriot ladies. Whitney Brainard ( Somerset, KY) and Christina Stodghill ( Owensboro, KY) will also help anchor the team back to a championship. Several key recruits should also make an immediate impact on the Patriots future. Marius Cozmanciuc ( Romania) and Elyse Velte ( Waynesville, OH) are strong leaders and should help out on their respective sides. Having strong leaders and an experienced squad should help lead the Patriots to another conference win and back to the NAIA Championships. The team, however, is still very young and the majority of the experienced athletes really only have a year under their belt. The Patriots will still undoubtedly set the sights high as they lay out their 2006 goals which include a conference and region championship. “The Mid-South Conference cross country competition is getting tougher,” said head cross country coach Floyd Stroud. “It will be difficult for us to be successful if we have injuries like we had last year. Hopefully we are prepared now and our 2006 season will be much more successful than 2005 was.”
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