Upcoming Event: Cross Country versus Nuttycombe Invitational on October 17, 2025 at 9:30 AM
9:30 AM
Cross Country
vs Nuttycombe Invitational
The University of Utah Athletics
2003 Cross Country Outlook
10/1/2003 12:00 AM | Cross Country
Now in its third season under Head Coach Brian Appell, the Utah cross country program looks to improve on past success and continue exceeding expectations. The veteran distance coach has developed Utah's runners into consistent performers both in conference and region races.
This year the Utes will run another tough schedule with battles against several of the best teams in the country. Appell considers the competition against the high caliber athletes a great tool in developing his own athletes. "I try to mix up our schedule," says Appell. "We want to find a level of success, but we also want our athletes to see what it takes to get to the next level." Utah will also host the Utah Inaugural cross country meet on Oct. 18.
Appell firmly believes his athletes are ready to step up to the challenge this year, with the hope of even higher finishes sitting on the horizon. In Appell's eyes, the athletes come into this year in better shape than in the past two seasons. There is also an increased dedication, as the team has upped its level of training. "The level of cohesiveness and dedication is more evident each year," notes Appell. "It really helps create a quality cross country program."
Last season was one of mixed results due to injuries and athletes redshirting. Utah finished fourth on the women's side and fifth on the men's side at the Mountain West Conference Championships. The Utes followed up conference with impressive ninth-place finishes at the always-competitive Mountain Region Championships. After struggling at the conference championships, Delfino Arevalo notched a ninth-place individual finish in the region before placing 69th at the NCAA Championships.
Switching gears to the women's side, the young Ute squad just missed third place and a one-up of conference rival Air Force at the MWC Championships. "The women's team did really well, barely finishing behind Air Force at conference. They came on strong at region championships finishing ahead of expectations," recalls Appell.
With experience under their belt, and the return of several redshirts, Appell looks for the women's team to turn on the jets this season as they push for third place in the league. Interestingly enough, the Utes have no seniors, but that doesn't stop Appell from believing they are a veteran group. "The goal for the women's team is to shoot for third place in the conference and move closer to perennial powerhouses BYU and Colorado State."
Ute fans can expect great things from this talented women's team. Sophomore Elise Greenwood is expected to guide the pack. Greenwood may be one of the best distance runners Utah has seen in several years. As a freshman in 2001, she led the women's team with a 20th-place finish at the conference championships. Appell chose to redshirt Greenwood last season for development.
Pushing Greenwood will be all-conference performer Nellie Hammons. Vernon, a junior, notched an impressive 11th-place finish at the conference championships and a 30th place-finish at the region championships to lead the Utes last year. Hammons, a junior, is stronger in the middle distances, but is also a threat in longer races.
Also looking strong for Utah are Jennifer Gustavson, who is coming off a redshirt year, and freshman Kristin Taylor.
"If we work as a team we could look for a top-three finish in the conference and a top-nine finish in an extremely tough region," explains Appell.
For the men's team, Appell will switch his strategy for the 2003 season focusing on the development of a strong team for 2004. The men's team is loaded with veteran runners and promising freshmen, but the Utes are still facing some injuries. Sitting out this year will be juniors Delfino Arevalo and Colby Frazier, along with senior Nephi Tyler, juco transfer Ivan Alvarado and sophomore Kurt Michels. "They will provide a strong base for the young runners to build upon and the base for a strong 2004 team," notes Appell.
This year, Appell will look to senior Jeff Davidson to lead a mixture of promising young runners. Davidson had a strong year in track and field, qualifying for the NCAA Regional Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He should prove to be an experienced guide for the young group that will consist of newcomers Nick McKay, Cameron Christeson, Tim Goldhardt and JP Rooney.
"Our men's team must focus on pack running," states Appell. "They must run to their ability throughout the year. Due to their inexperience, a fourth or fifth place finish in the conference will be considered a very successful year for this young group."
Coach Kyle Kepler celebrates 20 years at the helm of Utah Cross Country/Track & Field
Monday, August 11
Utah Cross Country's McKaylie Caesar Feature - A Medical Miracle
Tuesday, April 29
Utes Insider – Cross Country Runner Bella Williams
Wednesday, November 17
2019 Track & XC - Meet the Teams
Thursday, September 05