MONMOUTH, Ill. – When long-time Monmouth College track coach Roger Haynes took over the cross country program four years ago, there was optimism he would build a powerhouse similar to the Fighting Scots track program. While that scenario has not yet produced a conference title, Haynes’ recruiting class offers some exciting potential.

Eight new women enter the ranks this year and Haynes says the group should be the foundation for some great things over the next several years.

“The women’s team, especially the newcomers, have taken our training regimen to heart,” said Haynes. “They have shown steady improvement in the preseason and we’re hopeful this is a sign of things to come.”

Calling them “a talented and potentially successful group,” Haynes expects the women to run in two packs led by senior Elizabeth Altekruse (St. Charles, Ill./HS) and sophomores Aleksandra Forsman (DeKalb, Ill./HS) and Erin Mann (Monmouth, Ill./HS).

The second group should consist of four freshman – Christina Moll (Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove), Carissa Young (Smithshire, Ill./Roseville), Sara Ingersoll (Monmouth, Ill./HS) and Joni Nelson (Little York, Ill./Yorkwood).

Haynes has been impressed with the work ethic of the squad.

“They’ve really logged a lot of miles this summer,” he said. “Carissa (Young) has been logging 50-60 miles a week. I gave them the option last week to run a four-mile or a six-mile workout and they chose the six-mile and improved their split times.”

The Scots could also get points from senior Shannon Fitzjarrald (Decatur, Ill./Warrensburg-Latham) and junior Jeana Fowler (Sherrard, Ill./HS).

Not to be counted out of Haynes’ talented freshman class are Lavinia Covaliu (Berwyn, Ill./Morton West); Kelly Caruso (Channahon, Ill./Minooka); Jennifer Rivers (Ottawa, Ill./HS); and Maria Tirado (Chicago, Ill./Cristo Rey Jesuit).

What the men’s team lacks in numbers, they can make up with quality.

With seven men on the squad, the team will need to stay healthy to finish high in the meets.

The Scots are led by sophomores Zach Barr (Roseville, Ill./HS) and Anthony Welty (Dixon, Ill./Newman Central Catholic). Haynes feels Welty, hampered by an injury a year ago, should be fully recovered, and he cited the track season as proof.

“Anthony had a good track season, so we’re hopeful he’s ready to go this fall,” said Haynes.

A state qualifier in high school, freshman Darrin Van Nattan (Green Valley, Ill./Midwest Central) should have an immediate impact and could be pushed by classmate Sean Fitzgerald (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist).

Senior Aaron Wright (Delavan, Ill.) and sophomore Brandon Zeman (Oakbrook Terrace, Ill./Willowbrook) are “much improved” and will be joined by freshmen Ken Stachorek (Dairen, Ill./Hinsdale South) in rounding out the talented squad.

“With just one senior on the team, we will need to gain experience through our training,” said Haynes. “Being so young, we may surprise a few people late in the season.

“Our goals for the men’s teams are pretty simple,” he added. “We want to show improvement every meet and we want to be at our best for the conference meet.”