The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/368728
64 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY BRUCE WINKWORTH A fter frustrating finishes each of the past two seasons, the NC State women's cross country team ap- pears to have the ingredients in place to succeed in 2014. Looking to return to the NCAA Championships after near- misses in 2012 and 2013, the Wolfpack hopes to check all the boxes in 2014. Start with a strong leader to run at the front of the pack. Check. Senior Joanna Thompson has authored an impressive career to date. A three-time all-conference performer in cross country and a 2013 All-American in both cross country and track, Thompson is among the top runners in the country and has run at the front of the pack for NC State for three years. "Joanna has been excellent for three seasons, and she's been extra motivated this summer," women's cross country coach Laurie Henes said. "She was very unhappy with the way the last two seasons ended, and her training has reflected that. She's trained hard. We had a group in Colorado training in late July and early August, and she was a big part of that, organizing, motivating and leading that group." Next up would be a talented nucleus of veteran athletes to run together near the front of the pack. Check. Redshirt sophomore Megan Moye earned all-region honors with her 23rd- place finish at the NCAA Southeast Re- gional last November. Junior Samantha George was ACC Freshman of the Year and an all-conference runner two years ago. Sophomore Erika Kemp lined up for the ACC Championships and the NCAA Southeast Regional as a true freshman a year ago, then was an NCAA qualifier in the 5,000 meters in track in the spring. Kaitlyn Kramer, a junior, started every varsity race for the Wolfpack each of the last two years. Kenyetta Iyevbele, a fifth- year senior, is a former All-American and the school record-holder in the 800 meters in track, and is now devoting full time to training for cross country. ■ PREVIEW WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY CHECKING THE BOXES Almost Everything Is In Place To End A Two-Year Absence From The NCAA Championships Senior Joanna Thompson is a three-time All-ACC performer in cross country, and a 2013 All- American in both cross country and track. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS