The calendar says the Colorado College women's cross country team is preparing for the 2008 season.

But in reality, the Tigers are merely using the upcoming campaign as a launching pad for bigger things in 2009. 

For a program with such a rich tradition, it's hard to believe that CC doesn't enter the season focused on qualifying for the Division III National Championships. 

But a closer look at the roster reveals why the Tigers have a realistic view of what is possible during the 2008 season and unbridled optimism for the years to come. 

Junior Kate Aitchison is CC's only upperclassman, the only returning runner among the seven who placed third at last season's West Region meet and 31st at the championship meet. 

“Kate is our top returning runner,” Castaneda says. “Kate is good, but she has to decide if she's ready to take that next step.” 

The Tigers hope to get a big contribution form its sophomore class, which features Molly McGee, Kate Rafter and Louise Tur. 

“We're excited about Louise Tur,” Castaneda said. “She didn't run cross country last year, but she trained very well over the summer. She could be a real surprise for us.” 

The seven returning sophomores are joined by 11 outstanding freshmen to form the nucleus of what could become another dominant team. Some of the newcomers to watch include Claire Daniels, Megan Hurster, Emily McCarthy and Rebecca Thompson. 

“Daniels has the speed for track and the endurance for cross country,” Castaneda says. “She could be very exciting for us in the future. 

“McCarthy is a track runner who could be another Jocelyn Jenks if she decides to run distances. Jocelyn took off between her junior and senior year. That could happen with Emily.” 

The most significant competition will likely occur every day in practice. “The freshmen will push the sophomores,” Castaneda said. “Then the sophomores will make a bigger commitment.” 

Unchanged is the level of competition CC will face. With a pair of meets at the University of Colorado, along with the Colorado College Invitational and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championships, the Tigers will compete against some of the top teams and runners in the nation. 

The coaches will focus on how each runner improves instead of where she finishes in a particular meet.

“We'll see a lot of individual improvements, but I don't know if it will be enough to earn a berth at nationals this year,” Castaneda said. “We need to give them a year. 

“We have a great legacy and high expectations. We'll be back at nationals in the near future.”