Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Runners Begin Season at Hurricane Invitational
August 30, 2003 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
'There are a lot of good student athletes here and I think with the right direction we can be successful. We're not there yet but I believe by the end of the season we'll be at the point where we can compete,' Sepulveda said. 'Our goal this year is for all the girls to improve and get the girls back to the point where they really enjoy running again.'
Sepulveda most intense optimism lies in the future of the program. After spending the last 11 years helping to improve the Southern Methodist University running program, Sepulveda is poised to do the same for the struggling Cowgirls. Sepulveda says he will use the cross country season as a time to lay the ground work for his new program.
'What I'm looking for is the future and right now my whole thing is organizing the program and getting everything ready,' Sepulveda said. 'It's what I've had to do (in the past) and it's been fun. You can only go up, but it's a challenge and it's fun to see.'
The loss of senior leaders Alexandra Lindquist and Ami Butler and juniors Marie Nillson, Michelle Simecka, and Sharalee Sparks put Sepulveda in a tight spot when he was named interim head coach last month. Oklahoma State will now rely on the remaining seniors and a large group of walk-on runners.
'We've got a lot of young runners, who, if they stick with it and work hard, may be able to help the team,' Sepulveda said. 'We basically lost all of our scholarship athletes last year - about 90 percent of our team are walk-ons.'
Medina is the top returner for the Cowgirls after placing 14th at the 2002 Big 12 Championship in Columbia, MO. Clifford is the most experienced returner, running in five meets in 2002 while finishing in the top 15 twice.
'We'll be looking for Valentina (Medina) to score high in the Big 12 and to qualify her to the NCAA's,' Sepulveda said. 'Cat (Clifford) has been really helpful and she's going to be a team leader.'
The Cowgirl cross country team will host two meets this year. The annual Cowboy Jamboree will be held October 4 at the Oklahoma State Cross Country Course and the District 5 Championship will be held November 15.
