Welcome to Fall Preview Week at GoASU.com. From Aug. 19-25, GoASU.com will provide in-depth previews of Appalachian's cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball squads as they prepare to open their respective 2011 campaigns.

Women's Cross Country Ready for 2011 Season

Appalachian State women's cross country was just three points away from claiming its first Southern Conference championship since 2002 last year, and is excited for another chance to claim the conference title during the 2011 campaign.

The Mountaineers consistently produce some of the top runners in the conference year in and out and will rely heavily on its youth in 2011, as the Mountaineers graduated two seniors, all-conference performer Amy Neilson and Dani Reese.

Head Coach Michael Curcio's squad will be led by senior Hannah Orders, junior Sarah Williamson, and sophomore Destine Kirkman.

Orders, a Hopewell High School, Charlotte, N.C. native, had her best finish in the Asics-Winthrop Invitational with 11th place.  She posted a top-20 finish in the SoCon championship meet and recorded ASU's second best time at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship.  She is currently fourth all-time in the outdoor 3,000m steeplechase with a 11:24.17 time.
A Charlotte, N.C. native, Williamson ran a career-best 18:57.12 time at the Asics-Winthrop Invitational to help the Mountaineers claim a second place finish.  Williamson clocked a 23:04.3 time at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship.

Kirkman, a Harding High School, Charlotte, NC native, earned all-freshman honors for her 26th place finish, which was the third best time for a freshman in the SoCon championship meet.  Kirkman's 15th place finish helped give the Black and Gold second place in the Asics-Winthrop Invitational.

Other Mountaineers to watch are junior Amanda Hamilton (Cary, N.C.), sophomore Allison Cook (Raleigh, N.C.), and  redshirt freshmen Kayla Schneider (Boone, N.C.) and Justine Stocks (Asheville, N.C.).

“Hamilton and Cook each had very strong outdoor track seasons and are anticipated to be scorers this fall season.  The pair of redshirt freshmen also had great outdoor seasons and will be major contributors this cross country season,” noted Coach Curcio.

Appalachian brings in three freshmen and one transfer student-athlete. Coach Curcio's freshmen class consists of Sarah Bollinger (Charlotte, N.C.), Taryn Stern (Harrisburg, N.C.) and Maria Stickley (Atglen, Pa.).  The lone transfer is Meaghan McCauley from UNC Wilmington and is originally from Concord, N.C. McCauley competed in the Blue Ridge Open and the Mt. Olive Invitational last season for the Seahawks.

GoASU.com PREVIEW WEEK

Friday, Aug. 19 - Women's Soccer
Monday, Aug. 22 - Field Hockey
Tuesday, Aug. 23 - Men's Soccer
Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Men's and Women's Cross Country
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Volleyball