During the fall of last year, many believed the football and men's and women's soccer teams had realistic chances of winning ACC titles. But the men's cross country team?
That's why it came as somewhat of a surprise when the team won their first ACC championship since 1984. However, Virginia coach Jason Dunn believes the men's and women's teams can improve on last year's performance.
"We feel as if we have some strong groups returning," Dunn said. "We feel like we can improve off where we were last year with both the men's and women's side. We'd like to have both teams in contention to win an ACC title. We would like both teams to improve upon our national finish."
Dunn noted that both teams finished in 26th place last year and that they are hoping to crack the top 15 or top 10 this year.
The men's team has several top-performers returning. The men return all-ACC runners Jan Forster, Andrew Dumm, Ryan Foster, Alex Tatu and 2005 ACC Freshman of the Year Andy Biladeau.
Emily Harrison was the only All-ACC runner for the women's cross country team last year. However, Harrison said she believes more Cavaliers could be in contention for those honors this year.
"The depth of the team has really improved," Harrison said. "We have a lot of people on the team that have really stepped up this year."
One of the greatest factors that would aid the Cavaliers is keeping everybody off the injury list.
"One of the biggest keys for our team is keeping everyone healthy throughout the season," Harrison said. "We've had some problems with injuries before. Right now we're on the right track. Everyone is staying healthy and taking care of themselves."
Harrison is setting high goals for herself as well this season.
"I would like to get a solid All-American finish this year," Harrison said.
However, neither squad will be facing easy competition this season.
"Our first real test will be when we head to Minnesota for the Roy Girak invitational," Dunn said. "A lot of teams from around the country will be there. We will also go to the pre-national meet which has all the top teams in the country. So that will be an opportunity for us to race nearly all the top teams in the country there."
There will also be plenty of competition within the ACC for both squads to handle. Perennial power North Carolina State -
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