Senior Trio to Captain Saints in the Fall of 2011
by:
Tara FreemanMelanie Solandt '12, McKayla Nuffer '12 and Jenna Hulton '12 will serve as captains.
May 27: St. Lawrence University head women's cross country coach Mike Howard has announced that seniors Jenna Hulton, McKayla Nuffer and Melanie Solandt will serve as the team's captains for the 2011 season.
The trio will replace outgoing captains Wendy Pavlus, Meg Derby and Katie Loignon, who helped guide St. Lawrence to the No. 2 national ranking during the fall of 2010.
"We have been truly fortunate over the years to have outstanding leadership from our veterans," said Coach Howard, who was named the Atlantic Regional, NYSCTC and Liberty League Coach of the Year each of the past two seasons. "I believe Jenna, McKayla and Melanie will continue that this fall."
Hulton has been a dynamic runner for St. Lawrence throughout her career, as she won the state championship and earned All-America honors at the NCAA Championship race in 2009. The East Aurora native had three second place showings in her junior season and a sixth place finish at regionals.
Nuffer had a pair of top-20 showings in her junior year, including 13th at the Liberty League Championships at 18th at the Hoffmann Invitational. The Croghan, NY native also adds valuable experience to the group, as she competed for the Saints at the 2009 NCAA Championships when the squad finished second overall.
Meanwhile, Solandt had her best collegiate season in 2010, as she racked up three top-16 finishes. The Palos Verdes, CA native was 11th at the Hoffmann Invitational and 13th overall at the NYSCTC Championships. Solandt also posted a 16th place showing at the Liberty League Championships.
St. Lawrence University is slated to host four cross country races next fall, including the annual "Run for Ryan" alumni race on August 27. The Saints will also host three championship races including the Hoffmann Invitational/Pre-Regional (10/8), the NYSCTC Championships (10/22) and the NCAA Atlantic Regional (11/12).