October 11, 2006

JACKSON, Miss - "We're on the rise," says Pauline Banks, the coach of the women's cross-country team here at Jackson State. With a young team comprised of two sophomores and three freshmen these young women are sprinting towards a winning season.

The team collectively finished first at Alcorn with 21 points, second at Southern Alabama with 32 points, and third in Hattiesburg with 74 points. "Each week someone different is stepping up," says Coach Banks. "I don't care who is first as long as it's Jackson State."

The team, with the leadership of sophomore Adrienne Smith, is always striving for better finishes each meet. "We push each other to perform," says freshman Tunisia Milner.

Kimberly Whalen, Jemu Zarzar and Tunisia, all freshman-athletes, boast of, "having a great time," this year. "Our goal is to win SWAC," says Whalen.

Jackson State's next meet will be at Mississippi College on October 14th.