SFCC Cross Country team season preview

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners Cross Country team has been busy preparing for the upcoming season. Head Coach Brad Hagedorn likes what he has seen from his team so far in practice.

"Our team looks healthy for the most part," said Hagedorn. "We have a couple of student-athletes coming off injury. Emma Rinaldi has been practicing well. We have been consistent. We're doing a little cross training. Things are going well.

Coach Hagedorn has been impressed with freshman Malia Rodgers and freshman Alexis Riddle.

"Emma will probably be our vocal leader," said Hagedorn. "She knows our plan, knows where we're going and what we want to do. Malia will also provide some leadership from a performance standpoint. She is really talented."

SFCC will face its traditionally tough schedule which will begin at Southwest Baptist University on Friday, September 6. The following week SFCC will travel to Missouri Southern on Friday, September 13. The Lady Roadrunners will follow that trip up with a trip to the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Arkansas on Friday, September 27. SFCC will also travel to Indian Hills on Friday, October 11. SFCC will travel to the Region 16 Championships on Friday, October 25. The NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships will be contested on Saturday, November 9.

Coach Hagedorn has some goals he would like to see the Lady Roadrunners accomplish this season.

"We want to have a good showing at the Region Championships," said Hagedorn. "We want to place high at our regular season meets. We would also like to finish in the top 20 at Nationals."

Coach Hagedorn believes that to accomplish those goals, his team has to stay healthy. He also believes his team must be consistent with their training.

"I'm excited about the season," said Hagedorn. "Our girls are a fun group to be around. They are very nice kids and good students."

David Rohrbach
SFCC Athletics