Different coach, same expectations

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 26, 2007 by JUSTIN PEDERSON

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs cross country team will try to build on the success of last season after a summer full of changes.

Mark Misch was brought in to replace coach Graeme Badger and takes the reins of a program with 12 newcomers among 26 runners on the team. The women's team, which finished seventh last year at the NCAA Division II National Cross Country Championships, has seven freshmen or transfer students out of 13 runners.

All-American Jenna Dorsey-Spitz is the top returning runner who is healthy and Misch is looking to her to set the tone.

"She's in great shape," Misch said. "She has high goals for the season and we are fortunate to have her senior leadership back in the lineup."

Dorsey-Spitz's presence took on increased importance with the recent news that three-time All-American Shannon Payne would miss the season because of a knee injury. Payne had been working to build unity by organizing team dinners and outings despite not being able to train.

"If you don't have team cohesion from the start, it's hard to build it later on," Payne said.

The men's squad has eight runners returning from last year and depth and experience are strengths in the absence of any "superstar" performers.

"We've got some guys that are hungry," Misch said. "We have a good solid group of guys. We'll have to run well as a pack. Every man counts."

Despite having two relatively young teams, Misch has high expectations for the Mountain Lions.

"The goals don't change from season to season," Misch said. "We want an NCAA championship. You just try to put the best group together for Nov. 3 at regionals."

Competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference helps prepare runners for the all-important competition at the regional meet, which determines which teams and individuals will compete in the national championship.

"Western State and Adams State have been pretty dominant," Misch said. "If you're competing against one of the two or three best in your region, you're going to do well at nationals."

Taking over a team with so many athletes coming and going would seem to be a heavy burden for a new coach. While Misch has been out the collegiate coaching ranks for two years, he has grown accustomed to change.

Misch spent the past two years with Athletes in Action in the track and field department. His work there took him to 17 countries where he coached and conducted clinics.

In his eyes, the UCCS job presented the ideal opportunity to jump back into the collegiate coaching ranks.

"It's great to be here," Misch said. "Half of the kids are as new as I am so it will be fun to walk through this together.

"I just love coaching. I love seeing kids get fired up. What else can a coach ask for ?"