Runners always know the importance of starting early. With that in mind the Blugold Cross Country training camp commenced long before the first futons and microwaves were lugged into Towers Hall.

Both the men’s and women’s teams come into the season with high expectations after an eventful conclusion last year. A fifth-place finish for the women’s team left them one place from a trophy, and the men came within 18 points of Nationals.

“Missing by so close last year gave them some extra motivation,” Coach Dan Schwamberger said. “They’re hungry.”

The women’s team, which is going into the season ranked ninth nationally, are

looking to young runners such as sophomore Alyssa Sybilrud for the extra push they need to place in the top four. Sybilrud was honored as the most valuable freshman last year after finishing in the top 13

in three meets.

Freshmen Ashlyn Mauer and Nicole Blahnik are coming in with high praise from Schwamberger.

“I’m really excited about the freshman class to watch now and in the future,” Schwamberger said.

For most runners, training started long before camp though.

“Most of them put in a really good summer,” Schwamberger said, emphasizing the importance of off-season training.

“Its their goal to be in the top.”

Schwamberger, entering his third year coaching the Blugolds, said that his training program for the team has stayed fundamentally the same over the last few years because it seems to be working. He added that he is always researching and open to change, though.

The men’s team comes into the season with a relatively veteran roster, including senior Chris Wirtz, who finished 166th at Nationals last season. Brent Kann, another senior, is also coming in as a premier runner in the conference.

Senior Kyle Kopidlansky did mention two incoming freshman who impressed the team at time trials: Conor Rafferty and Aaron Easker. Easker joins his sister, Beth, who is a member of the women’s team. Rafferty finished 46th in the Wisconsin Div. I State competition last fall.

All freshmen are challenged with the adjustment from the high school standard five kilometer race to the collegiate eight kilometers.

The Blugolds begin the season on Sept. 5 with the Hokum Karem Race, and then they head to UW-Whitewater the next week. The University of Minnesota’s Roy Griak Invite on Sept. 27 presents an opportunity for the teams to run against elite Div. I teams.

November brings the WIAC conference, regionals, and then the National Competition in Hanover, Ind., where both teams hope to come home with strong finishes.

Despite the importance of the last few races, Schwamberger keeps the journey in perspective. When asked what he looked forward to most, he responded: “Its always fun to watch the progression of the team, from the start to the finish.”