Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cross Country	Women's SIUE Cross Country SIUE Athletics

August 24, 2006 2006 Women's Cross Country Schedule SIUE Women's Cross Country Team Young Yet Strong           EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's cross country team has plans to compete at a higher level than past seasons.           While adding two strong freshmen along with previously-injured Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen), the women's cross country team is focused on making a presence at the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Great Lakes regional events.           SIUE women's assistant cross country coach Eileen McAllister said incoming freshmen Kayla Brown (Petersburg) and Heather Hackel (Decatur) along with a healthy Flounders give the team a whole new outlook.           "In practice, the two freshmen (Brown and Hackel) have been looking like the top two runners and have raised the bar," said McAllister, "I also see tremendous improvement with some of my returning athletes creating a tighter pack than last season."           Flounders started a summer workout program that worked well to get her healthy and into shape for this season, said McAllister.           Freshman, Ella Wayne (Decatur), is overcoming a knee injury but we are working to have her contribute to the front pack by the end of the season for the big meets, added Coach McAllister.           "The team doesn't have much depth, so it will take everyone working together to push each other to their full capabilities to be successful."           The team, which also includes returning runners Stacey Briggs (Argenta), Sam Christie (Washington) and Michelle Meador (Bower) is preparing for its season opening event on Sept. 2 at the Washington University Early Bird.           -siue cougars-