2008 MCC Finish: N/A
Letterwinners returning/lost: 2/0

Notable returners:
Jessica Bixler        Jr.         Oskaloosa
(season best 5K: 26:13.15)
Katie Miller          Sr.          Norwalk
(season best 5K: 26:27)

Notable losses:
None

Notable newcomers:
Melisa Wink          So.         Brookfield, Ill.
Vanessa Cortes    Sr.         Fresno, Calif.

A pair of returners will head the Lady Statesmen cross country team into battle this fall as Penn looks to move up in the league standings in 2009.

Penn will again face a shortage of numbers on the women's side, but head coach Wayne Stacy feels his team is much improved and has the chance to advance in the Midwest Collegiate Conference standings.

"We are still short on individuals, but I expect the runners we do have to work very hard and put up solid performances every week," Stacy said.

Returners Katie Miller (Jr., Norwalk, Norwalk HS) and Jessica Bixler (Jr., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) top the group as both have at least one season of cross country experience to build from.

"Katie and Jessica both have experience and I look for them to be big leaders this year as they help the newcomers along," Stacy said.

2009 track athlete Melisa Wink (So., Brooksfield, Ill., Lyons Township HS) and 2009 two-time All-American race walker Katie Burnett (Jr., Mesa, Ariz., Arizona) will both do double-duty this fall as they will run cross country and also participate on the women's soccer team.

"Even though both are playing soccer as well, Melisa and Katie will have a big impact for us in cross country," Stacy said.

Tibisa Thor (Sr., Austin, Minn., Riverland CC) and Vanessa Cortes (Sr., Fresno, Calif., Fresno City CC) will also look to contribute in their first year as Lady Statesmen harriers.

"Tibisa will be a big asset to the squad this fall," Stacy said. " She has been a pleasant surprise during preseason practice."

"Vanessa will be a very good addition to our team this fall," Stacy said. "She works hard and will be strong at the front of our pack."

Schedule/Conference

Penn opens the 2009 campaign on September 5 at the Mount Mercy Mustang Gallop in Cedar Rapids. The regular season culminates November 7 with the MCC Championships hosted by Penn in Oskaloosa. The Lady Statesmen will also host a competition on October 10 as it prepares for the league meet.

Mount Mercy looks to defend its league crown, but Stacy figures Grand View and St. Ambrose to give the Mustangs a good fight.

"On the women's side, we have gotten better, but so has the rest of the conference," Stacy said. "We have a great opportunity to move up in the league standings this fall."

"Our goal is to move up in the league standings and we feel that is a very obtainable goal," Stacy added.