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Cardinal Roster
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Cardinal Statistics
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Cardinal Schedule
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Youth is once again served on SMU men's squad
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Tera
Bollig Top NCAA regional returner |
It doesn't hurt that his women's team returns virtually its entire team, while his men's squad is once again young — but experienced and talented.
"I'm feeling a bit better at this time of the year than I was last year," admitted Berndt. "Last year was a learning experience — for both myself and my athletes.
"I think getting that year working together will really help us out this season."
So will the fact that both the Cardinal men and women graduated just one runner each.
"On the women's side, last year was really crucial — we're all on the same page now. They know what my expectations are and we are all working toward a common goal," said Berndt, whose women placed eighth in last year's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. "With everyone back but Ellen (Koranda), we're confident that we can make a real jump up at the conference meet.
"Finishing eighth (at the MIAC meet) last year was disappointing, but I also think it's worked as a driving force during off-season workouts," continued Berndt, whose women's squad will be led by seniors Tera Bollig (Cambridge, Minn.) and Alicia Hartung (Menomonie, Wis.), and junior Katie Boisjolie (Austin, Minn.). "With the talent we have, finishing in the top half is definitely a possibility."
Berndt isn't quite as sure what to expect from his men's team, which includes 10 freshmen and sophomores among his 12-man roster.
"We're super-young again this year," Berndt said of his men's team, which placed 10th at the MIAC Championships a year ago. "But we also have a number of guys who have that year of collegiate competition under their belts, so they know what to expect and that experience will benefit them this year.
"We're going to need some of these younger guys to step up and take on a more prominent leadership role," continued Berndt. "Last year, with so many young guys, they were a little scared to step into that role. This year, it's their ship — they've got to figure out how to sail it."