Laura Moreno
Lindsborg News Record

With fall quickly approaching, the Bethany College men and women's cross country teams are training away preparing for their season.

"We have a very motivated and close-knit squad that looks to be very competitive in the KCAC this season," said head coach Robert Spies, who enters his second season with Bethany.

Coming off a sixth place finish in the KCAC in 2011, the Swede men returns five letter winners. Top returners include junior captain Jordan Dahlke of Hollyrood, Kan.; sophomore captain James Farris from Lincoln, Kan.; and sophomore Jeremiah Gerardy from Iowa.

"We have all runners returning to the squad this coming season," Spies said, "so that should bring more focus and consistency to our competitions."

In addition to a solid group of returners, Bethany welcomes some fresh faces. Top newcomers feature freshman Zach Hartwell of Norton, Kan. and freshman Ryan Clark of McPherson, Kan.

"We are hoping to get a few individuals on to nationals this fall," said Spies. "We will have a big team this fall, which will add depth to our team."

The Swede women return three runners, including letter winner and captain senior Joanna Roberts of Lindsborg, Kan.

"We have three girls returning who will help steer the team in the right direction," Spies said.

In hopes of adding more depth to their squad, the Bethany women welcome top newcomers freshman Courtney Lomax from Texas; freshman Kylee Martinez from Lyons, Kan.; and freshman Lindsey Woodmansee of Geneseo, Kan.

"We will have a full girl's squad this year," said Spies, "which will be a big change from last year. It will be exciting to see how they compare to other KCAC schools. We have some individuals who have a great chance to qualify for nationals, and also we should be competitive at the conference level."

The Swedes begin their season on Saturday, September 1 at the Maple Leaf Classic at Baker University.