Cross country strong

Kansas University’s men’s cross country seems poised for another strong year, and the Jayhawks’ success begins with returning seniors Colby Wissel and Paul Hefferon.

“With those two guys as frontrunners, I would imagine we should do pretty well,” KU coach Stanley Redwine said.

Wissel, the 2006 Big 12 champion, placed 26th at the NCAA championships with a 31:43.3 in the 10K and earned All-America honors. Hefferon, who also received All-America honors, finished 42nd with a 31:47.7 at the Championships.

Both stood out during the regular-season meets as well with Wissel capturing his second consecutive Kansas State Wildcat Invitational title while completing the 5K race in a sub-15 minute time and Hefferon winning the Bob Timmons Invitational.

Redwine does not expect major contributions from his freshmen, but other returners should make a strong difference.

Senior Patrick McGowan should provide an amiable presence as demonstrated by his inclusion the inaugural 2007 Big 12 Spring Good Works Team, which recognizes athletic prowess, academic standing and community service efforts.

Senior Jason Schweitzer along with two sophomores, Danny Van Orsdel and Bret Imgrund, will help round out a deep men’s squad.

On the women’s side, the Jayhawks hope to improve on their 11th-place finish during the Big 12 meet and their 12th-place finish during the Midwest Regionals.

“We want to definitely do better than we did last year,” Redwine said. “We had a very young team.”