Eager to start — Saint Mary cross country ready for 2012

Team: Saint Mary men and women cross country

Last year’s record: Men finished fifth in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference; women finished ninth

Coach: David Dominguez, second year; assistant Errol Logue

Key returnees:

Nick Haines, senior

Karoline Banasik, senior

Newcomers to watch:

Brooks Ballou, junior

Samantha Winter, sophomore

Team Outlook: STRENGTHS — For both squads, Dominguez feels the depth is much improved from last year’s inaugural team. The Spires’ talent pool has also increased as the program enjoyed its first full-year on the recruiting trail.

Big meets: At Southern Stampede in Missouri, Sept. 15; At Planet Sub Invite in Emporia, Sept. 28; At Cowboy Jamboree in Oklahoma, Sept. 29

Coach says: “If we can keep working hard and stay healthy, we will surprise some teams this year.”