DePaul University Athletics
Looking Forward...BIG EAST Women's Cross Country
5/31/2005 12:00:00 AM | CROSS COUNTRY
BIG EAST Cross Country
CHICAGO - This is the fifth in a series that takes an inside look at the future of DePaul athletics in the BIG EAST Conference. The BIG EAST, headquartered in Providence, R.I., celebrated its 25th anniversary during the 2003-04 season and moved forward in 2004-05 with the addition of five new members poised to join the league this summer.
On July 1, DePaul University joins the University of Cincinnati, University of Louisville, Marquette University and the University of South Florida as new members of the BIG EAST Conference. The league membership in 2005-06 includes the five new members joining the University of Connecticut, Georgetown University, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, Providence College, Rutgers University, St. John’s University, Seton Hall University, Syracuse University, Villanova University and the University of West Virginia.
A Preview of BIG EAST Women’s Cross Country
BIG EAST women’s cross country held the first championship in 1982, as Boston College captured the team title led by individual champion Michele Hallett. A year ago, Providence took their 15th conference title led by top two finishers Kim Smith and Mary Cullen. The duo also took the top two spots in the 2003 championship. Smith’s time of 19:23 set a new BIG EAST and course record.
Smith went on to the win the NCAA Championship in a time of 20:08.5 while the Friars placed third overall. They were followed by Notre Dame in fourth, Villanova in seventh and West Virginia in 15th at the NCAA meet.
The BIG EAST Cross Country Championship has been held at two sites in its 25-year history: Franklin Park in Boston, Mass., and Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, N.Y. The Villanova women lead the way with 10 BIG EAST crowns. In addition to the team and individual winners, the top 15 finishers are distinguished as the All-BIG EAST Team.
Last Five BIG EAST Champions
| 2004 | Providence |
| 2003 | Notre Dame |
| 2002 | Notre Dame |
| 2001 | Georgetown |
| 2000 | Boston College |
Top Returning Finishers from 2004 BIG EAST Championship
(6,000 meters)
| 2004 Finish | Name, School | Time |
| 4th | Fiona Crombie, Providence | 20:11 |
| 5th | Molly Huddle, Notre Dame | 20:16 |
| 6th | Marina Muncan, Villanova | 20:27 |
| 10th | Stephanie Madia, Notre Dame | 21:00 |
| 12th | Sunni Olding, Notre Dame | 21:04 |
| 13th | Maggie Infed, Georgetown | 21:05 |
| 20th | Jane Nalder, Providence | 21:26 |