2013 USC Aiken Cross Country Guide by USCA_Athletics

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

USC AIKEN CROSS COUNTRY Juniors

Sophomores

Newcomers

Table of Contents ...............................................................3 USC Aiken...........................................................................4 Peach Belt Conference.......................................................5 Chancellor/Athletic Director............................................6 Administration...................................................................7 Support Staff........................................................................8 Athletic Facilities................................................................9 2013 Preview.................................................................... 10 2013 Schedule.................................................................. 10 2013 Roster....................................................................... 11 Head Coach Kara Kreutzer............................................ 12 Keely Gillespie.................................................................. 13 Lauren Hodge.................................................................. 14 Alexi Harvin/Brittany May............................................ 15 Kayla Millholland/Samantha Lisek............................... 16 Morgan Payne.................................................................. 17 Colleen Cirillo/Abigail Sorrenson................................. 18

Seniors

The 2013 cross country media guide is a publication of the USC Aiken sports information office. It was written by Brent C. Hager with assistance from Mike Kucharski. It was edited by Hager. Photography by Hager and CSI. Design by Hager. Cover design by Jackie Paquette. A special thanks to head coach Kara Kreutzer for her assistance with the publication.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

THIS IS USC AIKEN The University of South Carolina Aiken was chartered in 1961 after entering into an agreement with the University of South Carolina to establish a two-year center in Aiken. The Aiken Center opened its doors in September 1961 to 139 students. Temporarily housed in Banksia, a renovated mansion in Aiken, the Center consisted of three full-time faculty members (one of whom served as Director of the Center). In 1968, the Center underwent an institutional self-study and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a branch of the University of South Carolina and as a junior college. The first associate degrees were awarded in June 1968. The campus of USC Aiken moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972 and physical changes began to occur rapidly. At first, the permanent campus consisted of 100 acres and one multipurpose building which housed all university operations. A library was completed in 1975, and additional land was donated that increased the campus to 144 acres. In October 1977, the Student Activities Center was opened. A classroom building was occupied in 1978, and one year later, an auxiliary services building was added. An apartment complex for students, Pacer Downs, was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1984. More construction additions to the campus included completion of the Etherredge Center, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the Business and Education Building, and the Alan B. Miller Nursing Building. Additional land was acquired increasing the campus to 400 acres. Academic and organizational changes also occurred rapidly. The faculty formalized its organizational structure and redefined its role in the governance of the institution in 1974-75. Also, the students reorganized their governing body and more precisely defined their role on campus; the administration and staff structures were overhauled and expanded to meet the demands of the growing academic programs. When the full-time equivalent student enrollment reached 1,066 in the fall of 1975, the USC Aiken campus was permitted to plan for senior level courses and to create a number of baccalaureate degree programs. In that same year, USCA received approval as a four-year branch campus by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, and USCA was designated a Recognized Candidate for Senior College Accreditation. In September 1976, the Board of Trustees granted academic autonomy to the Aiken Campus. The first bachelor’s degrees were granted in May 1977, and USCA became a fully accredited senior college.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Presently, the college community is comprised of more than 3,200 students, over 100 full-time faculty, approximately 110 staff members, and 28 administrators. USCA awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 major areas of study, master’s degrees in two areas, and offers a varied program of continuing education courses for the wider community. Today USC Aiken offers students a liberal education designed to develop an understanding of human experience which will equip them for life in a free society. To accomplish this, the University provides students with an opportunity to discover learning processes which enable them to grow personally and socially. It promotes students’ interaction within a community of active scholars and artists, and it encourages students to use the knowledge which they gain to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing world.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE Vision Statement: The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field. History: Entering its 23rd year of existence in 2012-13, the Peach Belt Conference has cemented its status as one of the elite Division II conferences in the nation. Since its inception in 1990-91, the Peach Belt has developed a consistent history of excellence which continues to this day with 32 national championships and 28 national finalists. Starting with only two championships in 1991, men’s and women’s basketball, the conference has expanded to 15 championship sports with the addition of men’s and women’s track and field in the spring of 2013. The conference traces its roots back to November of 1988 when 11 schools first met in Greenville, S.C. to form a Division II conference. Following a second meeting on Dec. 3, 1989, five of those 11 schools, plus two others, formed the Peach Belt and began play in fall 1990. The Peach Belt was less than a year old before capturing a national championship. The Columbus State golf team took the honor by winning the 1992 national crown, the first of three golf championships the Cougars own. One year later, the Lander men’s tennis team began their record-breaking run of eight straight national titles, the first PBC dynasty. Since then, USCA men’s golf has won three straight national titles from 2004-06.

Dave Brunk Commissioner

Ken Gerlinger Assistant Commmissioner

The PBC is in the midst of another dynasty as the Armstrong men’s and women’s tennis teams captured the 31st and 32nd national championships for the conference last year. The Pirates have won four women’s and three men’s national championships since 2008. Armstrong’s achievement was the highlight to one of the most successful seasons in league history. Peach Belt teams advanced to the national championship round of competition in 10 of our 13 sports. The Armstrong women’s soccer team reached the Final Four while the Flagler volleyball team went to the Elite Eight. The Montevallo men’s basketball team played in the National Championship game while the Lander women’s team reached the Elite Eight. The Flagler softball team reached the world series while the Georgia College and USC Aiken men’s golf teams reached the final eight match play at the National Championships. In all, 59 Peach Belt teams made appearances in the NCAA postseason, including seven men’s tennis teams and six each in the sports of men’s golf and women’s tennis. The seven charter members of the conference were Armstrong Atlantic State University, Columbus State University, Francis Marion University, Georgia College & State University, Lander University, USC Aiken and USC Upstate. The name Peach Belt Athletic Conference was adopted in January of 1990 and modified to Peach Belt Conference in May of 2000. Augusta State joined the conference in 1991 and UNC Pembroke became the ninth member on July 1, 1992. They were followed by Kennesaw State University on July 1, 1994, Clayton State University on July 1, 1995 and the University of North Florida on July 1, 1997. Kennesaw State and North Florida departed for the Division I ranks in 2005, USC Upstate did the same in 2007, and the conference welcomed in North Georgia College & State University in 2005 and Georgia Southwestern State University in 2006. In 2009-10, the Peach Belt added Montevallo and Flagler. For the 2012-13 season, the league is expanding once again with the addition of Young Harris College, giving the Peach Belt 14 members for the first time in its history. David Brunk was named the second PBC commissioner in May of 2007. Brunk replaced Marvin Vanover, who was the first PBC commissioner from 1991 to 2007. Brunk is charged with continuing the strong growth of the conference as its second era begins. Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University, begins his two-year term as president of the Peach Belt this year. The conference currently holds championships in 14 sports, six for men and eight for women. They are men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball, softball and men’s and women’s golf and women’s track and field.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

USC AIKEN ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Sandra Jordan Chancellor Second Year Sandra J. Jordan, former provost and vice president for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University, was named chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012. Jordan became the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Thomas L. Hallman who retired after 12 years in the position. “I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system,” Jordan said. “USC Aiken’s mission, unwavering dedication to student success and vibrant partnerships with the community, make this an exceptional and exciting position. I am thrilled to accept this invitation to join the Pacers during this pivotal time in the history of the institution and I look forward to working closely with President Pastides, the USC Aiken faculty, staff and students as well as our alumni and friends to build upon the successes that defined this university’s first 50 years.”

Jordan’s appointment marks a return to the state where her higher education career began. From 1986-1989, she was an assistant professor of art history at Lander University and director of the Monsanto Gallery of Art. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Alabama, and her doctorate in art history from the University of Georgia. She has also attended the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Higher Education, the 21st Century Leadership Institute and was a summer fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Higher Education Management. A student of leadership, she is often asked to mentor new leaders at the state and national level. Jordan has been married for 30 years to Michael Jordan, an architect and graduate of Clemson University. They have a son, Matthew, who is a graduate student at the University of Alabama.

Randy Warrick Director of Athletics 27th Year Randy Warrick is in his 27th year as Director of Athletics at the University of South Carolina Aiken. He was hired at USCA in 1978 as head baseball coach and intramural director and has served many different duties during his tenure. While coaching baseball for 11 years, Warrick also served as an assistant basketball coach during the 1978-79 season and acting golf coach in 1989-90. As baseball coach, Warrick compiled a 392-146 record, while earning various coaching awards. In 1986 his team advanced to the College World Series, the highlight of his coaching career. Warrick was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. and attended Rocky Mount High School. He was an All-Conference player in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school, Warrick went to Louisburg Junior College where he played baseball for two years.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

In 1975, Warrick earned his Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to stay in school. Warrick then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a two-year baseball scholarship. While at North Carolina he earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic honors two straight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977 and then his Master of Arts in Teaching in 1978. While earning his master’s degree, he served as a graduate assistant baseball coach. In the same season, the team advanced to the College World Series. Warrick is a member of the College Athletic Management’s Editorial Board, PBC Awards Committee, NCAA Division II AD’s Association Board of Directors, Greater Augusta Sports Council Board, and is the most recent past chairman of the NCAA Division II National Golf Committee. Warrick is married to Martha Blankenship Warrick of Augusta, Ga. They have one son, Tripp, who recently graduated from USC Aiken. The Warrick family resides in North Augusta, S.C.

USC AIKEN ADMINISTRATION Tim Hall Associate Athletic Director 23rd Year Tim Hall is in his 23rd year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic department. Hall first joined the program in 1990 as a graduate assistant. In 1993 he was hired on as the university’s full-time NCAA Compliance Coordinator. In August 1997, the Batesburg-Leesville native was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director. In September 2003, Hall was promoted again, this time to the position of Associate Athletic Director for Administration and External Services. In this role, Hall oversees NCAA compliance and academic support. In addition, he assists with home game administration and fundraising. A 1990 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hall received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. In 1992, he earned a Master’s in Student Personnel Services from USC as well. In his time at USC Aiken, Hall has been on a number of campus committees including the first year academic advisor program and the enrollment management action team in the strategic planning process. Hall is married to the former Jenny Fulmer and they have three sons, Jordan, Ethan and Wyatt.

Brent C. Hager Assistant Athletic Director 1st Year

Brent C. Hager is in his first year as the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications/Sports Information Director at USC Aiken. Hager comes to USC Aiken after serving as the Associate Commissioner for External Affairs at the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference where he handled the promotion of all 16 sports. During his time at the WVIAC Hager featured the league’s only two Division II National Champions and a National Player of the Year. In addition, he ran multiple championships and redesigned the WVIAC web site. Prior to the WVIAC, Hager spent two years as the Director of Sports Information and Game Operations at Presbyterian College. He was the primary contact for football, volleyball, men’s basketball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s tennis. Hager spent two and a half years at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant Sports Information Director. He handled 13 sports throughout his time with the Bulldogs. He also spent two years at Virginia Tech as an intern in the sports information office. Hager got his start at UNC-Pembroke in 2002. After being hired as the Assistant Sports Information Director, he was promoted to the Interim Sports Information Director Position five months later. The Tallahassee, Fla., native attended Wingate University where he received a bachelors of science degree in business administration and sport management. He earned an MBA at UNC-Pembroke in 2004.

Angie Osbon Assistant Athletic Director/SWA 14th Year Angie Osbon is in her 14th year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic department. Osbon became the department’s business manager in 1999. Through the years she has earned a number of other titles, including Senior Woman Administrator, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor and Cheerleading, Mascot and Dance Team Director. In 2007, Osbon received the Outstanding Committment to Student Development Award from the Office of Student Life. In September 2003, the Aiken, S.C., native was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Student Services. Osbon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC Aiken in 1992. In 1996, Osbon received her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. In 2002, Osbon was named student organization advisor of the year and was selected to the Who’s Who Among Cheerleading Coaches. In addition, she has been a member of the first year academic advisor program and a staff facilitator for orientation. The former Angie Mathis is married to Rick Osbon and they have three children, Reagan, Gemma and Sterling.

Brandon Aiken Assistant Athletic Director 14th Year

Brandon Aiken is in his 14th year as head athletic trainer and 16th overall at USC Aiken. Aiken, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., joined the USC Aiken training staff in 1997 as a graduate assistant. He served in that capacity for three years until stepping into the head position in 2000. He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine prior to the 2009-10 athletic year. A 1997 graduate of Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., Aiken received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. Aiken is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Aiken also served as assistant and head athletic trainer at Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, S.C., for more than three years. At Hitchcock, he worked with high school, college, and professional athletes as well as general outpatient rehabilitation. Aiken guided the USC Aiken athletic training staff to back-to-back (2007-08 and 2008-09) Peach Belt Conference Athletic Training Staff of the Year awards. Aiken, who resides in Graniteville, is married to Malinda and the couple has a son, Liam.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

CROSS COUNTRY SUPPORT STAFF Joe Kucharski

Voice Of The Pacers 12thYear Joe Kucharski is in his 12th year as the “Voice of the Pacers.” A native of St. Louis, Mo., Kucharski graduated from St. Louis University in 1977. While at SLU, he provided statistics and analysis for the Billiken hockey and softball teams. Kucharski completed his graduate studies at the University of Utah, where he bowled for the Utes in the Inter-Mountain Collegiate Conference. He briefly held the record for the highest three-game series ever bowled in Salt Lake City. He has bowled a 300 game and is a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. Kucharski and his family moved from New Jersey to Aiken in 1994. He works in operations for GlaxoSmithKline in Aiken. When not at USC Aiken sporting events, Kucharski enjoys playing golf and heads the chain gang for Schofield football.

Billie Murphy

Administrative Assistant 7th Year Billie Murphy was hired April 2006 as Administrative Specialist to the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and transferred to the Department of Athletics in September of 2008. Murphy is a native of Aiken County and a 1971 graduate of North Augusta High School. She moved to Dallas, Texas after graduation and returned to this area in 1983. Prior to joining the staff at USCA she was employed by the Medical College of Georgia - Department of Neurology as an EEG Technician with the Comprehensive Epilepsy Evaluation Program. She spent several years as the EEG Surgical Technician and Research Assistant before joining the Department of Medicine working in clinical and outcomes research. Murphy actively volunteers for campus functions such as student orientation, parent activities in the USCA Library during student orientation, SEED (Science Education Enrichment Day), Family Fund, United Way. She has also served as Chair for the Enrichment Committee and served on the Nominating Committee and most recently developed the CEA Book Club for the USC Aiken campus. Prior to joining the Athletic Department she did extensive volunteering for the Peach Belt Conference Tournaments for basketball and baseball. Murphy is responsible for the daily administrative duties in the athletic department, overseeing and recruiting volunteers for special events and tickets for all home games.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Kirk Richardson

Assistant Athletic Trainer 2nd Year Kirk Richardson was named the Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of South Carolina Aiken in August of 2012. Richardson comes to USC Aiken after spending a year in the Washington Nationals organization. During his time with the Gulf Coast League Nationals in Viera, Fla., Richardson helped with the overall care of athletes and the prevention of injury. Prior to joining the GCL Nationals in May of 2011, Richardson spent two years as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of South Carolina. During his first year at South Carolina in the 2009-10 athletic year, Richardson was part of an outreach to South Carolina State University. Richardson worked with the SC State volleyball and softball programs. During the 2010-11 athletic year, Richardson worked with the South Carolina men’s tennis program. Richardson received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from James Madison University (2009). He just recently obtained his Masters of Science in Physical Education at South Carolina. Certified by the Board of Certification (BOC), Richardson is a South Carolina State Certified Athletic Trainer.

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

PACER PATH 2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

USC AIKEN CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW Coming off a 23rd-place finish at the Southeast Regional in 2012, head coach Kara Kreutzer is looking for one of the best seasons in recent history. The University of South Carolina Aiken women’s cross country team is the deepest it has been in years and is equally as talented. Despite another tough schedule, the squad has a tremendous amount of depth – especially with the abundance of upperclassmen on the roster. “The last two years we built a solid foundation, “Kreutzer said. “We now have a team that understands what it takes to compete at a high level in college. It is a big adjustment from high school to college and our team understands to compete at this level, running is a lifestyle. To be good, it requires hard work in the off-season and I think our team has prepared itself for the 2013 season. “We only graduated one person from the 2012 team and we have the ability to have runners to step into the No. 2 spot on our team. If we can get our No. 2 through No. 5 runners closer together, we will have an outstanding season.” Returning to the team is all-everything Keely Gillespie. In 2012, she picked up her first career individual win, helping the Pacers register their first team title in five years when it won at the Francis Marion Invitational. “She is very talented,” Kreutzer said. “Keely works really hard and is a good team leader. She has improved a lot since she stepped on campus and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does this year. Keely owns several school records and could reach the next level in 2013.” Fellow senior Lauren Hodge missed the 2012 season due to an injury, but should come back even stronger this year than she was in 2011. “Lauren is a good asset for the team,” Kreutzer said. “Since she is coming off an injury, we will ease her back into things. We are trying to get her healthy and to where she will compete well for us this year.” Third-year competitor Kayla Millholland is coming off a solid 2012 season and a good spring. “Kayla has a lot of potential,” Kreutzer said. “She has great speed, but has had some setbacks in her career. Kayla ran well at the start of last season and we want to get her back into form and watch what all she will accomplish.” The schedule will present numerous challenges for the team, but it is a solid schedule for the Pacers. During the regular season, USC Aiken will compete against teams such as Georgia College, Francis Marion and GRU Augusta. Junior Brittany May has had a good impact on the program and will continue to be a fierce competitor at meets. “Brittany cut her time down a lot last season,” Kreutzer said. “With hard work she will continue improving her times. Brittany has good sportsmanship and has been an outstanding teammate.” Alexis Harvin has converted from being just a track runner into a formidable cross country student-athlete. “Alexis did not run cross country in high school,” Kreutzer stated. “She has steadily improved from her rookie season. Alexis has been working hard in the off-season and could come back strong. In just the final few races, she cut over two minutes 6k time in 2012.” There are two sophomores on the 2013 squad and both should push to be near the top of the field this season.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Date Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sep. 20 Oct. 4 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 9

Meet at Pre-Conference Meet at Georgia College Invitational at Jaguar Invitational Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational at FMU Invitational at Peach Belt Conference Championship at Southeast Regionals Championship

Morgan Payne had a good freshman season, but faced an illness near the end of the season and was not 100 percent at regionals. “Morgan missed a meet in 2012 and fought hard despite being sick at the regionals meet,” Kreutzer said. “She has good speed and if she stays healthy could have some really good times.” Samantha Lisek burst onto the collegiate scene with a top20 finish at the Francis Marion Invitational. She produced good results and trimmed nearly 90 seconds off her time last year. “Samantha is coming off an injury, so we are going to take it easy at the start of the year,” Kreutzer said. “She is a hard worker and loves to train. We don’t want to push Samantha too hard early on because she will be a force for us at the end of the year if she’s healthy.” Kreutzer’s team features two newcomers on the squad in junior Colleen Cirillo and sophomore Abigail Sorrenson. “Colleen is a walk-on who is excited about running here,” Kreutzer said. “She will be a great asset to the team and comes to us with a strong work ethic and good drive.” “Abigail ran a 26:02 personal-best at Converse and we think she can run similar times here,” Kreutzer stated. “She will be a good teammate and a great fit here at USC Aiken.” The schedule will present numerous challenges for the team, but it is a solid schedule for the Pacers. During the regular season, USC Aiken will compete against teams such as Georgia College, Francis Marion and GRU Augusta. Highlighting the slate is the Oct. 4 home meet. The Pacers open the year on Sept. 7 at the Pre-Conference Meet before heading to the Georgia College Invitational Sept. 13. USC Aiken competes at the Jaguar Invitational Sept. 20. After the home meet, the team has a week off before heading to Florence for the Francis Marion Invitational. The squad faces all the Peach Belt teams at the conference meet on Oct. 26 before preparing for the Southeast Regionals Nov. 9. With such tremendous depth and experience, Kreutzer’s team could be the best team the program has produced in recent history.

ROSTER

Name

Year

Hometown/Previous School

Colleen Cirillo Keely Gillespie Alexis Harvin Lauren Hodge Samantha Lisek Brittany May Kayla Millholland Morgan Payne Abigail Sorrenson

Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

Fort Mill, S.C./Nation Ford H.S. Belvedere, S.C./North Augusta H.S. Las Animas, Colo./Las Animas H.S. Lexington, S.C./Lexington H.S. Zebulon, N.C./East Wake Academy Augusta, Ga./Greenbrier H.S. Hampton, Ga./Luella H.S. Leesville, S.C./Pelion H.S. Summerville, S.C./Fort Dorchester H.S.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

MEET THE PACERS

Kara Kreutzer

Head Coach Third Season

Kara Kreutzer completed her second season in charge of Pacer cross country in the 2012 season. USC Aiken closed out its second season under Kreutzer in 2012 having finished in the top-10 in three out of its five meets. The best finish of the year for USC Aiken came by USC Aiken winning the 5K Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14 at the Freedom Florence Recreational Complex. The team victory was the first for the Pacers since claiming the team title at the Siemens Technologies/USCB Invitational in 2007. USC Aiken now has four team meet victories in program history. Keely Gillespie picked up her first career individual meet win in the Francis Marion Invitational. Gillespie would go on to set USC Aiken’s new 6K mark by claiming a time of 23:24.2 in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte. For her efforts, Gillespie was tabbed to the AllSoutheast Region Team for the first time in her career. Kreutzer’s first year as the head of the Pacers in 2011 was a successful one. The Pacers hosted the 2011 Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship at Pacer Path. USC Aiken finished eighth in the competition and would go on to finish 25th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. Gillespie led the way for the Pacers by finishing 14th at the PBC Championship. She earned All-Conference laurels via her 14th-place finish. USC Aiken athletic director Randy Warrick announced in late March of 2011 that Kara Kreutzer had been appointed as the new Pacer head women’s cross country coach. Warrick noted at the time of Kreutzer’s addition that “She has been a part of a great cross country program at Augusta State and she will bring good knowledge and experience as a former collegiate runner to USC Aiken.”

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Previously Kreutzer spent a year as a student assistant coach for the men’s and women’s cross country teams. A December 2010 graduate of Augusta State with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, Kreutzer ran cross country and track for the Peach Belt Conference institution. Kreutzer was consistently a top five scorer for the Jaguar cross country program under the direction of Adam Ward. Kreutzer claimed All-Academic honors in 2007 and 2008, while also being named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll after the 2007-08 athletic year. As a member of the Augusta State women’s Kreutzer was also a member of Augusta State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for all four of her years at the institution. An extremely well-rounded individual, Kreutzer was a member of many other organizations during her time at Augusta State. She was a member of the Biology Club, the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society and the Chemistry Club. Kreutzer was also a Student Ambassador Board member and a member of the Iota Pi Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma. She has also served as a lifeguard and assistant swim coach. She has also been a soccer referee. Through the years, Kreutzer has participated in a plethora of mission trips and been the road race director for a myriad of different causes. In February of 2010, she was the charity road race director for the Glazes of Glory 5K. The event benefitted the Make-A-Wish foundation. Last summer, she was the road race director for the Grassroots series, which benefitted the Augusta State cross country teams. In January of 2011, Kreutzer was the road race director for Trot to Adopt 5K. The road race was set up to benefit Lifesong for Orphans. Still an avid runner, Kreutzer has completed many road races on her own, including 13 half marathons, two marathons and the Augusta half Ironman.

Keely Gillespie

Senior Belvedere, S.C. • North Augusta H.S.

2012: Earned PBC Honorable Mention All-Academic honors … Selected to the All-Southeast Region Team … Named to USTFCCCA 2012 All-Academic Women’s Cross Country Team ... Chosen as Team MVP ... Captured her first career individual meet win at the 5K Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14, which led to the first team victory since 2007… Finished 16th at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference race in Montevallo, Ala. … Finished ninth at the Jaguar Invitational at Blanchard Woods Park … Garnered a 17th-place finish at the Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship … Improved on her school-record 6K time, dropping it to 23:24.2, good for 13th place at the 2012 NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship in Charlotte ... Two-time South Carolina Education Lottery USC Aiken Athletic Department Student-Athlete of the Week (Sept. 16 and Oct. 21). 2011: Started the season with a fourth-place finish overall among Division II runners in the Gamecock Invitational with a time of 20:22.98 … Built on that success with a second-place time (16:13) in the Erskine College Invitational … Established the fourth-best 6K time in school history (25:02.70) with her 11thplace finish in the Jaguar Invitational … Earned the third-best 6K time in Pacer history (24:37.28), finishing 14th place at the Peach Belt Conference Championship … Saved her best run for last as she established the school record in the 6K with a time of 23:42.80 at the 2011 NCAA Division II Southeast Regional ... Named to PBC All-Conference Team for the second consecutive season … Now owns two of the top three and three of the top five 6K times in Pacer history. 2010: Tabbed Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year ... Earned first-team all-Peach Belt Conference accolades ... Captured the best 5K time in school history with a 19:34.8 at the 5K Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational ... Top finisher for the Pacers in all seven meets. High School: Three-sport letterwinner at North Augusta High School... Named all-region in cross country five times ... Earned all-state honors in cross country in 2009 ... Garnered all-region accolades in soccer in 2009 and 2010. Personal: Daughter of Ricky and Wanda Gillespie ... Majoring in nursing.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Lauren Hodge

Senior Lexington, S.C. â&#x20AC;˘ Lexington H.S.

2012: Did not compete due to injury for the Pacers. 2011: Registered her best finish of the season at the Erskine College Invitational, where she registered a 27th-place finish with a time of 21:19 â&#x20AC;Ś Top time in the 6K came in the BridgestonePacer Invitational, where she crossed in a time of 31:44.70 2010: Best finish of the season was a 28th-place finish at the Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational on Sept. 25. High School: Named Most Improved in cross country in 2009 at Lexington High School ... Most Valuable Player of the JV basketball team. Personal: Daughter of David and Theresa Hodge ... Majoring in business administration.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Alexis Harvin

Junior Los Animas, Colo. • Las Animas H.S.

2012: Honored as a PBC Honorable Mention All-Academic selection … Finished 12th in the team victory at the Francis Marion Invitational … Picked up a 64th-place finish at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference race … Finished 40th in the Jaguar Invitational at Blanchard Woods Park … Earned a 74th-place finish at the Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship … Finished 148th at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship with her best 6K time of the year at 27:27.1. 2011: Started her career as a Pacer with a 21st-place finish in the Gamecock Invitational, with a time of 25:09.33 … Was one of three Pacers to finish in the top-20 at the Erskine College Invitational, registering a time of 19:18, good for 18th place … Ran a time of 26:57.10 in her first home meet of the season on the Pacer Path at the Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational … Placed in all seven Pacer meets in 2011. High School: Ran track, played basketball and volleyball at Las Animas High School ... President of the National Honor Society ... Secretary Treasurer of Student Council ... Valedictorian of her high school class.

Personal: Daughter of Ernest Harvin and Dorlene Lucero ... Majoring in biology.

Brittany May

Junior Augusta, Ga. • Greenbrier H.S.

2012: Earned PBC Honorable Mention All-Academic honors … Finished in the top 10 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Earned a 77th-place finish at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference race … Picked up a 44th-place finish at the Jaguar Invitational and improved her 6K time … Knocked two minutes off her 6K time, finishing 78th at the Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship … Posted best 6K time of the season at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship. 2011: Competed in six meets in her first season as a Pacer … Logged a 16th-place finish in her first race of the season at the Gamecock Invite, completing the course in a time of 23:28.20 … Registered a sub-20 minute time (19:31) in the Pacers next race at the Erskine College Invitational … May’s best time of the year came at the Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational, where she conquered the 6K in a time of 27:57.20 … Completed three of the four 6K events in under 30 minutes. High School: Was a member of the track and cross country programs at Greenbrier H.S. ... Member of National Honor Society, serving as Secretary ... Also member of Beta Club ... Received the Wolfpack Award at Greenbrier.

Personal: Daughter of Drew May and Annette Dixon ... Majoring in secondary education.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Kayla Millholland

Junior Hampton, Ga. • Luella H.S.

2012: Placed fourth at the Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14 … Finished 50th overall and second on the Pacers, running her best 6K time of the year, at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference race on Sept. 22 … Picked up a 37th-place finish overall, second on the team, at the Jaguar Invitational on Oct. 5 … Placed 75th at the Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship … Finished 158th at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship. 2011: Competed in all seven races in her first season at USC Aiken … Placed in the top-20 of the Gamecock Invitational, along with fellow teammates Keely Gillespie and Brittany May, with a time of 24:42.16, good enough for a 19th place-finish … Placed in the top-third of finishers at the Erskine College Invitational with a time of 18:04 … Had the second-best time (27:44.80) for the Pacers in the Jaguar Invitational … Registered her best 6K time of the season in the Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational with a mark of 26:55.80. High School: Member of the cross country and soccer teams at Luella High School ... Garnered all-region and all-county honors in soccer … Won the region in cross country … Four-year allregion and all-county selection in cross country … MVP of Luella’s soccer team. Personal: Daughter of Chuck and Wanda Hawkins ... Majoring in exercise and sports science.

Samantha Lisek

Sophomore Zebulon, N.C. • East Wake Academy

2012: Opened the season finishing 15th at the Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14 in the team victory … Finished 74th at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference Race on Sept. 22 … Followed that by finishing 44th at the Jaguar Invitational on Oct. 5 … Recorded a 76th place finish in the Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Championship on Oct. 20 … Posted best 6K time of the year at 27:52.6 at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship on Nov. 3. High School: Captained the East Wake Academy Eagles’ cross country program for three years ... President of Student Government for all four years ... Member of the National Honor Society and was a North Carolina Scholar ... Awarded the American Legion Citizenship Award and the Principal’s Award. Personal: Daughter of Joseph and Lisa Lisek … Majoring in exercise and sports science.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Morgan Payne

Sophomore Leesville, S.C. • Pelion H.S.

2012: Picked up an eighth-place finish at the Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14 … Finished 53rd at the 6K Falcon Classic Pre-Conference Race on Sept. 22 … Earned 40th place finish at the Jaguar Invitational on Oct. 5 … Was 162nd at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championship on Nov. 3. High School: Named All-State in 2007 for cross country at Pelion High School ... Tabbed All-Region in cross country and track from 2007-12 ... Region champion in the 800m in 2011. Personal: Daughter of Robert Dwaine and Melynda Payne … Majoring in exercise and sports science.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country

Colleen Cirillo

Junior Fort Mill, S.C. • Nation Ford H.S.

High School: Attended Nation Ford High School. Personal: Daughter of William and Margaret Cirillo … Has four siblings – Craig, Brian, Jaclyn and Eric … Majoring in nursing.

Abigail Sorrenson

Junior Galion, Ohio • Fort Dorchester H.S.

Converse: Ran cross country at Converse College … Helped her team to a third-place finish at the conference meet … Posted a personal-best time of 20:38.95. High School: Four-year letterwinner at Fort Dorchester High School … Three-time all-Northern Ohio League honoree … Twotime first-team all-NOL … Established two school records … Twotime winner of the Coaches’ Award. Personal: Daughter of Scott and Stephanie Sorrenson … Majoring in primary education.

2013 USC Aiken Cross Country