EMORY, Va. – Emory & Henry women’s cross country was picked to finish eighth in the ODAC pre-season coaches’ poll. Washington & Lee was selected for first place in the poll after narrowly defeating perennial power Lynchburg College at the 2010 championship. The ODAC is extremely strong in women’s cross country with Lynchburg, Bridgewater College and Virginia Wesleyan, all ranked in the top 10 regional poll.

Head Cross Country Coach Jarell Christian returns for his second season at the helm of the men’s and women’s programs and is joined by first-year Assistant Coach, Tim Murr. Christian, also the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Emory & Henry, is expecting his young runners to lay the foundation for future women’s cross country success.

The only returning runner for the Wasps is Madison Hilliard (Bristol, Va.) who competed in every race in 2010.  Joining her this year will be junior transfer, Kaitlyn Delp Phibbs (Saltville, Va.), was a stellar runner at Northwood High school and then spent two years at Virginia Highlands Community College. Olivia Bailey (Chilhowie, Va.) is a sophomore at the College but new to the cross country team this year. She has assumed a leadership role early in the season helping to push her teammates.  Freshman Ashleigh Polk (Glouster, Va.) brings depth to the line-up.

“There is a lot of excitement surrounding the women’s program,” says Christian. “With a young group, we are looking to set the foundation for a bright future. With the talent we have this season, there is no doubt in my mind that our brightest days are ahead of us. This season will be a stepping stone to bigger and better things.”

The season opener is September 1 when the women travel to Bedford, Va. to compete in the Hornet Challenge.