MOUNT VERNON – Cornell women's cross country has held steady as a top-four program in the Midwest Conference for the past two decades.
 
The preseason vibe indicates the Rams can climb higher this fall under fifth-year head coach Jerry Frawley, who has assembled the program's largest roster in recent memory buoyed by six returning regional competitors.
 
Cornell opens the anticipated campaign Friday at Mount Mercy's Mustang Gallop, held at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids. The women's 5K race is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
 
"We've been building this thing for a while," said Frawley. "We return most everybody. We have good depth and leadership. Our culture has been amazing. This is the strongest women's team I've had here."
 
The Rams are picked fourth in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll with 45 points. Grinnell is the favorite with 69 points, followed by Lawrence (53) and Ripon (52).
 
Cornell will return to Seminole Valley Park Nov. 1 as the host school of the MWC Championships.
 
"We're excited to represent Cornell and host conference for the first time since 2015," Frawley said.
 
The Rams took fourth in the MWC last fall and turned in their best regional finish (13th) since 2016.
 
The team brings back a pair of all-conference medalists in senior Alyza Koppes (sixth) and sophomore Lidia Dahlman (10th). Koppes, a two-time all-MWC honoree, placed 31st at the Midwest Region Championships to earn all-region status.
 
"Alyza is our front runner. She's been a huge part of our program and the women have really rallied around her," Frawley said. "Lidia came on very strong at the end of last cross country season and continued to develop in track."
 
The addition of senior Ava Claussen-Tubbs will give Cornell's lineup an immediate boost. She's an eight-time MWC champion in track & field.
 
"We're excited to have Ava join us for competitions this fall," Frawley said. "She's a mid-distance talent and a great competitor. She's ready."
 
Sophomores Carley Seeley (21st), Milar Little (34th) and juniors Zoe Peesel (46th) and Sophie Stumbo (48th) all placed inside the top 50 at conference a year ago. Mackenzie Engbert is poised for a strong senior season, while Gretchyn Fairlie and Josie Schenk head a talented incoming class.
 
"I think our top four runners can compete with anybody in the conference," Frawley said. "And we have a nice pack behind them. Our women want to win and be in the mix for a conference title."