The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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OLYMPIC SPORTS within the program. We're returning a solid nucleus. If we're healthy, I think we can contend." Top Runner: A sixth‑place finisher at the Big Ten Championships a year ago with a collegiate‑best time of 20:03.4 in the 6,000‑meter race, Osika missed regionals and nationals, robbing the Wolverines of their top athlete in the two biggest meets of the season. The senior, and junior Finn, who missed the entire postseason in 2014 with an injury, should pace Michigan this year. "We'll come out swinging for singles in September, but we want to knock it over the fence when we get to the championship part of the season," Mc‑ Guire said. "Shannon is not training at a real high level, but she's never been a real high‑mileage person to begin with. She is very naturally talented. She's be‑ hind the curve a little bit, but I'm OK with that because our goal is to finish the season." Athletes To Watch: Redshirt sopho‑ more Gina Sereno, classmate Courtney Munley, fifth‑year senior Anna Paster‑ nak and redshirt sophomore Jamie Phelan should all help Michigan com‑ pete for its first Big Ten title since 2012. "Gina had a very good indoor and out‑ door track season, which should set her up as someone that will be significantly improved on our team," McGuire said. "Courtney had a great indoor track sea‑ son. Anna had her best year of track. "There are a number of people. Now it's just, who will step up?" Don't Miss: U‑M does not have a home meet this fall. MEN'S GOLF First Event: Sept. 13‑14, Gopher Invi‑ tational at Independence, Minn. Big Ten Predicted Finish: Top seven. NCAA Best-Case Scenario: NCAA Championships appearance (top 24 teams). Coach's Expectations: "I think our guys expect to be more comfortable in critical situations and important rounds. I think they know what they're capable of, what type of talent we have in the room," fourth‑year coach Chris Whitten said. "Are we capable of going to nationals and playing very well? I absolutely think so, but I don't know if that's what we'll use to judge our season." Top Player: Sophomore Kyle Mueller led Michigan in scoring in eight of 12 Hear a fall preview on the women's cross country team with coach Mike McGuire. CLICK THE ICON TO PLAY OR STOP THE PODCAST Hear a fall preview on the men's golf team with coach Chris Witten. CLICK THE ICON TO PLAY OR STOP THE PODCAST